Wow! Yeah, wow! That’s what we all were saying during two fabulous nghts of Pink Floyd music at Fager’s Island, Sunday and Tuesday nights. I’m writing on Wed. this week, so I’m still reeling from the amazing show that was presented by the gifted musicians of Set The Controls - Pink Floyd tribute last night. First, forgive me that I can’t seem to find new and/or better superlatives and adjectives to describe the musical feat accomplished by this group. Each night was as if we were at a Pink Floyd concert - outstanding recreations of the unique and varied sounds for which Pink Floyd is so well known - all performed totally live - no prerecordings. In fact, that’s exactly what their intention is, I was told by guitarist Patrick Himes. “We love the energy of The Floyd’s live performances; that sonic sound that just blows your hair back. We in the band love it as much as the audience does.” That was plain to see as the band was as amped up as we were, playing on Sun. night from 9:30-1:30 am straight, an awesome and unforgettable night. Their encore of “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Money” were not enought to satisfy the crowd thirsty for more. The band responded with “Comfortably Numb” before we allowed them to exit the stage. Many of us returned on Tues. to hear them again and were impressed anew with a totally different show, many of the more popular songs played early on in case their audience couldn’t stay as late. They were pleasantly surprised as most of us stayed ‘til the end again. Each member of the group exhibited unparalled expertise on their instuments. In addition to guitar, Denny Presley recreates those other-worldly sounds on a pedal steel (without the pedals) tuned to E9th, he told me. Guitarist Tod Weidner wrangled those electrifying sounds from “Echoes” using feedback and slide (I may not be representing his technique accurately). The combination with piano is absolutely haunting. I kept thinking about communing with dolphins and whales. Jordan Hampton on bass also produced many of the unusual and distinctive Pink Floyd sounds while Scott Soifer on drums impressed me with his ability to make his drums ‘sing,’ as he provided the backdrop and often pivotal parts to various songs. Talk about backdrop - there’s no one better than Blair Smart who commanded her five keyboards and sang backup vocals, providing the foundation which all the guitarists build upon. She left the crowd astounded as she belted out the lyric-free vocals of “Great Gig In The Sky” and had us cheering even before she blew a note on her saxophones - yes, three of them. She plays baritone and alto sax on “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” and tenor sax on “Dark Side.” This little bit of a young woman is a giant in music. The incredibly harmonious vocals by Patrick, Tod and Denny were flawless. And praise must also be given to their man with a golden ear, sound man Nick Passino. Having once been called Eclipse, then switching to Set The Controls with a few new players (three years ago); they have changed their name to The American Pink Floyd to be more connected with the music (check out their website). Next time they’re here, that’s how the billing will read. They’re off to play at The Hampton Inn-Hilton in D.C. Fri. If you’re in the area, go see them. Can’t wait to have them back.
    Coconut Times’ Jenny and Cathy were at Seacrets last Sun.; the following is Jenny’s report on the concert.
    As part of Seacrets’ Summer Concert Series 2013, the Cabin by the Sea Tour sold out Da Club. Big B opened the night with a crowd-pumping hip-hop performance. Keeping the energy level high, The Expendables had a huge fan following in the packed nightclub. An array of local faces—bartenders, servers, managers, lifeguards, photographers, and radio deejays—danced and sang along to the rock reggae sounds of The Dirty Heads, who spent the day partying in the crowd at Seacrets. It was a perfect Sunday Funday, and we’re stoked for upcoming acts in the series. (Pictures from Jenny next week.)
    A few of those upcoming acts will be Reel Big Fish on July 8, Pacific Dub on July 10 and G-Love & Special Sauce on July 15. This weekend is packed with all your favorites from the Jim Long Band and Innasense out on the beach stage to Ultrauze, Big Bang Baby and Lifespeed in the Morley Hall.
    Get out and enjoy our beautiful seaside town and count your blessings to be living in the greatest country on earth. Happy birthday, America! Party safe!