BY SANTI GABINO JR.
This year, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon turned 50. Released in March 1973, the album quickly made its way to No. 1 on Billboard’s album chart, where it went on, at different levels, to spend a record-setting 966 weeks. We’ll save you the math; that equates to more than 18 years. Let that sink in for a moment.
To date, Dark Side of the Moon remains among the top 25 bestselling albums in the United States. And, while the record may be a half-century old, it’s certainly not resting on its laurels. With its spacey, effects-laden soundscape, it remains unaffected by the rapidly turning pages of the calendar — transcending time and generations. Floyd’s music is, in one word: evergreen.
On Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20, with both shows at 7:30 p.m., relive the magic and mastery that is Pink Floyd when The Surrogate Band’s ultimate Pink Floyd and laser light 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. Hippie teens who are now grandparents, with hippie-teen grandchildren of their own, will all enjoy the show — together. Such is the full circle, continuing and timeless allure of Floyd’s music.
Featuring a state-of-the-art sound and laser system (brought in specifically for this event) and mind-blowing projections, The Surrogate Band delivers a full, fantastic Floyd experience.
Audiences can expect to hear all their favorite chart-topping songs from Pink Floyd’s most memorable albums, including The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Division Bell and Momentary Lapse of Reason.
Unlike other touring groups 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 non-music 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 Carelli 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, the women’s vocals are hauntingly performed by Alexa Baldwin, who has wowed audiences with her lead performances in 9 to 5, the Musical, Les Miserables, 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 in Lake Helen.
It is often said that you can’t relive the past, that golden moments in time were just that, moments. Yet The Surrogate Band is offering us something different. A chance to immerse yourself and all of your senses in the wondrous tales of Floyd concerts long ago.
Whether it was the midnight showing at the planetarium, front-row seats at the Dark Side of the Moon tour, or watching Live at Pompeii on a beanbag in your buddy’s basement, relive, remember and rejoice in all things Pink Floyd, as The Surrogate Band takes the stage May 19 and 20.
More information and tickets can be found at www.AthensDeLand.com or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500.
