Another Brick in the Local Entertainment Scene
Recreating Pink Floyd's 1994 Pulse Tour

Authentically recreating Pink Floyd's 1994 Pulse tour was no easy feat, says Greg Johns, keyboardist and co-producer of Pink Floyd Niagara, a new tribute band performing in Niagara Falls this summer. "The easy part is making the music because we have all played Pink Floyd for years in other bands, but the hard part is bringing it to the stage," said Johns.

The 2-hour concert is complete with an elaborate light show, special effects, glitter balls, a video presentation and quadraphonic sound with speakers placed in all four corners of the theatre. "We have been continually tweaking and upgrading the show" said Larry Swiercz, keyboardist, vocalist and co-producer of Pink Floyd Niagara. "We had three shows last week, full dress rehearsals where we worked out all the bugs."

Swiercz said they use alot of vintage keyboards and Moog synthesizers to recreate the exact sound of the original Pink Floyd recordings. They also have three sets of drums including a set of electronic drums, 12 guitars, a saxophone, and modern keyboards as well. "The sound really surrounds you," he said.

The 11-member band performed its first public show Thursday, and will continue to put on concerts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm until the end of August, at the Niagara Centre for the Performing Arts on Epworth Circle. Tickets cost $36 for adults and $6.50 for kids 14 and under. Parking is free.

The band performs two music sets during the show beginning with a variety of Pink Floyd songs from the earlier years to the most recent. In the second set, which begins after a short intermission, the band plays the Dark Side of the Moon album in its entirety, with a few treats at the end. Staying in one location gives this band the opportunity to present audiences with a unique concert experience that not many other Pink Floyd cover bands can offer. "Alot of them play in bars. We have a soft-seat, fixed venue where we're not constantly tearing it down and setting up again, so we can do a better show." said Swiercz. "We have also all played together for years, so it's very natural and laid back. We have alot of fun doing it."

Johns said they plan to expand the show and hope to make it a permanent attraction in Niagara Falls. "It's time to give Niagara something to do," he said, "and it's family friendly. My mother came to see it and she's 71 years old. She thought it was a bit loud, but she liked it." Tickets for Pink Floyd Niagara can be purchased at Ticketpro.com or by visiting www.pinkfloydniagara.com.

Niagara Review
Author: Melissa Churly
Date: July 14, 2007