The Moorhead, MN-based ska ensemble of 3 Minute Hero got together in 1996 under the additional inspirations of mamba, funk, reggae, surf, and salsa. Fronted by trombonist and lead singer Jeff Nelson, this eight-piece troupe released their first full-length, Bingo, through Barking Dog Records in 1997. Their second album, Everyday Ninjas came out the following year.