BY TERRY SOSNOWSKI
SPECIAL TO THE BEACON
Are you “ticking away the moments that make up a dull day … waiting for someone or something to show you the way” to one of the best Pink Floyd tributes on this side of the Atlantic?
Well, “Hey, you!” Mark your calendar now, for The Surrogate Band is set to invade the Athens Theatre in DeLand at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21.
Showcasing the music of Pink Floyd at DeLand’s historic theater each year since 2016, this nine-person band will, once again, precisely (and note-for-note) reproduce melodies beloved by multiple generations.
The state-of-the-art sound and laser system (installed specifically for this concert event), spectacular projections, and truly thrilling laser accompaniment all combine to create a mind-blowing, Floyd-worthy experience.
The Surrogate Band will re-create chart-topping songs from numerous Pink Floyd albums, including The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, Meddle and A Momentary Lapse of Reason.
Rob Baldwin, The Surrogate Band’s lead singer, has performed on local stages as the frontman for DeLand of Funk, and in such plays as Clue, Spamalot, Grease and Noises Off.
Kevin Lynch, the truly amazing lead guitarist, also played for DeLand of Funk.
Percussionist Eric Bonk has appeared with such bands as Heckfire, Sacco & Vanzetti, The Carelli Project and Eight Track Mind.
Bass guitarist Rob Brame, who for many years has been a favorite of the local music scene, has performed with the Dustin Seymour Band, Southern Justices, The Afterwhile, and The Carelli Project.
On rhythm guitar, Jon Ball has been a longtime member of Heckfire.
At the piano, Jack Taggart brings Pink Floyd member Richard Wright’s original psychedelic sounds to life.
Wailing away on saxophone is the incredible Wade Hart.
Finally, the women’s vocals are hauntingly performed by the multitalented duo of Alexa Baldwin and Tamara Marke-Lares, who both frequently grace local musical-theater stages.
Floyd fans should get online right away at www.AthensDeLand.com or call the box office at 386-736-1500 to reserve tickets. Don’t wait! These go fast, and you want the best seats for what previous audiences have called “spectacular” and “stunning.”
Even better, fans of The Surrogate Band’s Pink Floyd tribute concerts in the six previous years know these events are truly thrilling, so why not buy tickets for both nights?
Tickets cost $40 for preferred reserved seating (first six rows orchestra and two rows center balcony), and $35 for general reserved seating. A $3-per-ticket processing charge and 6.5-percent sales tax will be added to each purchase.
All tickets are available online at the Athens Theatre website (www.AthensDeLand.com) or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500. Box-office hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and one-and-a-half hours before live performances.
