Who needs Vitamin D? Bring on illScarlett! (16 photos)

Despite the calendar reading December 14, for three hours last night, a little club in Sault Ste. Marie was the hottest spot on the planet.

Loplops Gallery-Lounge hosted Mississauga's illScarlett and tourmates Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker (USS), easily packing the joint on a cold Monday night and celebrating its new release 1UP!.

Not shy about wearing their Sublime influence on their sleeves, band members Alex Norman (vocals, guitar), Will Marr (guitar), Swavek Piorkowski (drums), John Doherty (bass, backing vocals), and Anthony Carone (keys) brought us a little slice of sunny California, thanks to their rock/ ska/ reggae/ punk-infused set list.

The boys successfully kicked the crap out of winter like no shot of Vitamin D could, inspiring a fever on the jammed dance floor.

The more than 100 fans in attendance loved them for it.

And illScarlett loved them right back.

Following the performance, Doherty told Loplops' proprietor Steve Alexander that last night's gig was one of the best of the tour and the band vowed to return.

IllScarlett last played the Sault in April 2007, so let's hope it's not two-and-a-half years before the band returns again.

Winters here are mighty long, and we can use all the help we can get.