Checkerboard Kids Celebrates 20 Years at MNN

As an avid public access television viewer and ska music fan during his childhood, it’s only natural that Phil DeJean (also known as Checkerphil) went on to start his own ska music variety show on MNN in 1995.

Checkerphil has essentially grown up with MNN. Inspired by his favorite public access show, Beyond Vaudeville (which later became MTV’s “Oddville" in 1997), he began filming Checkboard Kids in his co-host's Manhattan apartment before relocating to MNN's state-of-the-art studio. Twenty years later and he’s still doing what he loves as the writer and host of the show.

On November 18, a special anniversary show will air, hosted by the one and only Checkerphil and his original sidekicks the Masked Mutant and the Lovely Cinnamon. The 28 minute episode is set to include performances by some of Checkerphil’s favorite NYC-area ska bands such as the Scofflaws, the Pilfers, Beat Brigade, as well as a big performance by Checkerphil, his co-hosts and all of the musical guests. It will be a night to remember as the group does their own rendition of “A Message to You, Rudy” by The Specials (originally by Dandy Livingstone).

Over the years, Checkerphil has not only shared his love of ska music with the public access community but has also given musicians a platform to showcase their work.  Don’t miss this musical celebration of Checkerboard Kids. Tune in to the 20th anniversary episode on Wednesday, November 18th at midnight on MNN1 (TWC 34 & 1995, RCN 82, FiOS 33 or streaming live).

Read more about Checkerphil’s successes as an MNN certified producer in his recent interview with The Duff Guide to Ska.

Want to have your own television show too? Sign up for one of our upcoming orientations to learn more about how you can become a producer with MNN.