Media from the Darkside Experience

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for the Darkside

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from the Darkside

Logline: All that you see and all that hear in The Darkside Experience performance speaks authentic Pink Floyd. It is as if you were there, because you are. All of the classic studio albums, with the hi-fi vinyl detail that's etched into your brain.
Bio: Based out of Southwest Virginia, The Darkside Experience is a veteran group of musicians determined to meticulously recreate the sonic imprint and feel of the Pink Floyd experience. Bound by a background that represents that of Pink Floyd, The Darkside has quickly established itself as the preeminent tribute in the region, an immersive live Pink Floyd performance incorporating the visual elements and covering the full breadth of the classic studio library. The repertoire includes the entirety of Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and a burgeoning selection from the Wall and early pre-Darkside work of the Syd Barrett era, Meddle, and More.

The band members have been performing extensively for over three decades in a range of successful projects across a wide range of venues, including rock, jazz, church, studio, and musical theater that contribute to the quality of this tribute.

Jonathan Barker is the founder of the band, and a meticulous sound sculpture of the intricate Pink Floyd electronic effects of keyboardist Rick Wright, as well as the lead singer. Jonathan brings decades of experience performing, songwriting, and recording numerous projects. Widely known for his start with Electric Woodshed, he can also be seen currently performing with The Jive Exchange, and he has produced a library of studio work.

Dan Dunlap began a musical career in the New River Valley in the late 1980s as guitarist and singer for Electric Woodshed and blues-based ensembles. Dan began experimenting with computing and electronics early on with an eye to recreating retro sounds of from the 50’s through the 70s in bands like 3 Minute Lovin’ and The Strangeloves. Now this attention is focused on recreating David Gilmour’s sound and feel, and he can still be seen playing traditional blues with the Howlin’ Mudbellies and contributing to pit orchestras for local musical theater productions.

Willis Greenstreet is renown in the Roanoke music scene. He is a multi-instrumentalist who nails the signature saxophone and guitar in the Floyd classics. Willis represents a tremendous talent and range, and he can be seen with a dozen professional ensembles in the area covering the range of impressive genres and also contributing to pit orchestras for local musical theater productions.

Jake Dempsey is one of Roanoke’s most beloved and hardest working bassists. In addition to being a hard-working bassist, he has extensive experience as a sound engineer with several recording studios over the years and live sound in the region. Jake is widely known for his work with Dead Reckoning and Lengthwise, bringing previous experience working in Pink Floyd tribute to the Darkside.

Brett Reynolds on drums played with the Chesterfield Kings out of NY and has recorded with rock legends such as Mick Taylor. He also played with Urth and now has settled in the Roanoke Valley where he shares the stage with The Jive Exchange and The Thrillbillyz. As an consumate drum technician and collector, Brett painstakingly strives to fully capture Nick Mason's contribution to progressive rock drums.

Julie Gruver rounds off the vocal lineup of the Darkside as the soprano with feel and attention to fill the majestic choir. She brings experience in music theater and studied voice at Shenandoah University and Conservatory. She also sang with Roanoke rock band Stations and Floyd based funk band The Hot Jupiters.

Melissa Mesko fills the choir with an extensive resume covering a wide range of vocal landscape on live stage and in the studio. She can be seen with Melissa and the Growlers, Meskos Electric Revue, and several acoustic ensembles. She recently sung with Phat Laces and has contributed to music scenes in Nashville, St. Augustine, and Oxford MS, where she was a founding member of Green Earring and an Oxford favorite, The Sweetbush Revival, who won the Smith Vinson Award for songwriting and was honored back in 2004 to have an original song featured on the Beanland: Rising from the Riverbed DVD, which documents the rise of Beanland that spawned Widespread Panic.

We’ll see you on The Darkside.
Stage Plot and Sound Engineering: The Darkside Stage Plot (PDF)

Mic and Input List (Google Sheet)
Reviews: I've always said if someone plays Pink Floyd they are bound to be top notch because it's not the kind of music you can play and just be "ok" at. And you all consistently live up to those expectations as some of the best musicians I have ever had the opportunity to see play.; The musicianship of these guys deliver a truly unique and true representation of Floyd. I was blown away by the choice of songs. My favorites were showcased. I’d see them every time they’re here.; Amazing Show! Very talented group of musicians!; These talented musians do not disappoint.; Every time I see you guys y'all seem to top the time before! After seeing you all play at least 30 times last night was nothing short of magical.; Unbelievable. Go see them now!; These guys rocked it out and NAILED it!!; 10/10 show tonight, blew me away; I go to a lot of live music probably at least one show a week and you guys are by far are one of the best bands out there.; all you guys are amazing; Thanks for the awesome music!; This is an amazing show even if you aren't a big Pink Floyd fan. I didn't realize how much I liked Pink Floyd until after seeing The Darkside Experience for the first time. The immersive atmosphere of a dark theatre, the fog creeping overhead, the light show perfectly emphasizing the music, & such precise re-creations of Pink Floyd's songs is why this is one of my favorite shows at the Pulaski Theatre!; Bigger venues needed! Elmwood? Festival in the Park? Take it on the road?; AMAZING! We've seen you twice ,so far, and hope to see you again!; Finally got the chance to see you guys and it was right on time. Really enjoyed bringing back a few memories.; I have seen you many times and love your shows. 5 Points is my favorite venue and has great sound. My 16 yr old and his friends have recently “discovered” Pink Floyd and went to your Dec show - they also thought it was great.; Try to see you guys every time you play, and being as many people as I can!! So much amazing talent!!; Awesome!!!!!!!!; Absolutely amazing! Kudos to all involved! Loved every moment of it!; Stellar show all around!; Awesome! Absolutely loved it!; I can’t believe we just saw Pink Floyd for $20; AMAZING! We've seen you twice ,so far, and hope to see you again!; You all enjoy this and we all feel it! I love your performances every time!; I went to this last night.. had no idea what to expect but Pink Floyd is one of my favorite bands of all time so I had to check it out. I was thinking if it sucks, I'm only out $20 but I was really blown away. This band is incredibly talented! I can't say enough about how perfectly they covered some of the band's best hits! They put on a great show and I'll definitely be going again in November!; I went to this last night.. had no idea what to expect but Pink Floyd is one of my favorite bands of all time so I had to check it out. 🤷 I was really blown away. This band is incredibly talented! I can't say enough about how perfectly they covered some of the band's best hits! They put on a great show and I'll definitely be going again in November!; Best tribute show ever! - Laura F; You guys were phenomenal this past Saturday!!!!! - Richard L; This is one of the best bands around especially if you are a Pink Floyd fan. These guys sound like the originals and that’s some tough music to play.
Press: Pink Floyd in Floyd - A Review of The Darkside by Loose Leaf Notes; Lightingandsoundamerica.com Pink Floyd tribute band Darkside Experience, a talented quintet that captures the essence of the legendary British Rockers with their evocative and challenging sound.