The Hippos invade Flagstaff with ska sound 
BY TIFFANY HUTCHINGS 
Flagstaff got a taste of some new music Sunday night when The Hippos opened for Kongo Shock. 
The Hippos, a ska band out of Los Angeles, are touring for a month and a half to promote their newly released first album, Forget the World. The band, made up of eight musicians, Kevin "the merchandise man" and a manager, began its tour in Phoenix Friday. Flagstaff was the second stop. 

The Hippos have played together for over a year, James, bass and vocals, said. The members, James, Ariel, Brandon, Roman, Louis, Rich, Daniel and Kyle, are between 17 and 20. 

The Hippos said they have been playing several cities in California for awhile, but this is only their second time playing outside of their home state. In less than two months, the band plans to play in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Washington, D.C. and about five other states. 

They said they are traveling in a van and playing about four shows a week. One band member said they are touring to see the country, play some shows and have fun. 

"We hope that we can eventually make a living off this," James said. 

The Hippos said they are doing some sightseeing while in Arizona, like visiting the Grand Canyon. They said they liked what they saw of Flagstaff. 

"The show was awesome," James said. "Out here, everybody was getting into it so it was really cool. There was a really good reaction ... we'll be back as often as we can." 

The Hippos also said they learned a new phrase while in Flagstaff: Right on! 

The band said Forget the World, co-released by Fueled by Ramen Records and Stiff Dog Records, will be available in Flagstaff in two weeks. They said they enjoyed Flagstaff and they think Kongo Shock is awesome. 

"Kongo Shock rules! Flagstaff rules! Right on!"