Reviving the magic: The Surrogate Band connects with Pink Floyd’s timeless legacy

Pink Floyd’s music holds an indelible place in the annals of rock history, not merely as a sound, but as a profound cultural force. Their sonic landscapes, marked by ethereal melodies, intricate instrumentation and existential lyrics, transcended the boundaries of traditional rock music, pioneering new realms of expression.

With seminal albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall, Pink Floyd delved into themes of alienation, war and the human condition. Their innovative use of studio technology, coupled with groundbreaking live performances featuring elaborate stage productions, set a standard for artistic ambition in the music industry.

On Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, with both shows at 7:30 p.m., relive the magic and mastery that is Pink Floyd when “The Surrogate Band: The Ultimate Pink Floyd Tribute and Laser Show” soars onto the stage at the Athens Theatre in DeLand.

Performing annually at DeLand’s historic gem since 2016, this nine-person band will, once again, bring back the melodies that have been adored by rock lovers of all ages. From longtime fans to newcomers, attendees spanning multiple generations will converge to immerse themselves in the enduring allure of Floyd’s music, creating a tapestry of shared experience.

With a state-of-the-art sound and laser system specially installed for the occasion, alongside captivating projections, the Surrogate Band promises a transcendent Floyd experience. Audiences can anticipate a journey through all their favorite chart-topping hits from Pink Floyd’s legendary albums, including The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon and Meddle.

Unlike other touring concerts featured at the Athens, the Surrogate Band is proud to be 100-percent DeLand-based.  Although a regular fixture on the Central Florida music circuit, they are thrilled to share their musical talents on their home stage.  Rob Baldwin (Surrogate Band’s lead singer) has performed locally as the frontman for DeLand of Funk and in the Athens productions of Rock of Ages, Clue, Grease, Noises Off, Urinetown, and many more.

Kevin Lynch (lead guitar) also played lead guitar for DeLand of Funk and volunteers a good deal of his nonmusical time to Poodle & Pooch Dog Rescue.

Percussionist Eric Bonk has appeared with such bands as Heckfire, Sacco & Vanzetti, The Carelli Project, Eight Track Mind, and Big Bamboo and the Wild Bees.

Bass guitarist Rob Brame, for many years a favorite of the local music scene, has performed with the Dustin Seymour Band, Southern Justice, The Afterwhile, the Corelli Project, and Big Bamboo and the Wild Bees.

On rhythm guitar, Jon Ball has been a longtime member of Heckfire.

At the piano, Jack Taggart brings Richard Wright’s original psychedelic sounds to life.

Wailing away on saxophone is the incredible Wade Hart, who will be flying in from Texas for the show.

Finally, women’s vocals are hauntingly performed by Alexa Baldwin, who has wowed audiences with her lead performances in 9 to 5 the Musical, Les Misérables, and numerous other shows on the Athens Stage over the past 13 years.

Joining her is Tamara Marke-Lares, the Athens Theatre’s resident costume designer and garment guru, as well as an art instructor at Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts.

Recapture the essence of your youth with The Surrogate Band: The Ultimate Pink Floyd Tribute and Laser Show, offering a gateway to the mesmerizing world of Pink Floyd’s legendary concerts. Whether it was drifting into another dimension with Echoes on vinyl in your bedroom at your parents’ house, discovering the depths of The Wall during a late-night drive, or experiencing the raw energy of Animals on a camping trip with your buddies, the memories linger.

More information and tickets can be found at www.AthensDeLand.com or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500.