Riptide Debuts at The Perdido Key Sports Bar

On a semi cloudy night in Perdido, a local band is about to hit for the first time at one of Perdido's best entertainment venues, The Sports Bar At Perdido Key.

First, a word about the venue. The Perdido Key Sports Bar and Restaurant, located at 13583 Perdido Key Dr. Pensacola, Florida offers much in the way of quality food, drink, entertainment and hospitality. Owner Judy Davis prides herself on being one of the few woman-owned restaurants in Pensacola.

Packed with all sorts of interesting items to keep your attention such as multiple sports and other programs running simultaneously on the many mounted TV screens throughout the bar, a pool table and an expanded seating area outside for when the weather is kind.

One thing in particular that impressed this writer was the overall cleanliness of the venue. Judy prides herself on her ability to present a clean, safe environment for all she serves. A family friendly atmosphere that exudes fun, friends, food...and my personal passion, live music!

And now, may I present the reason I went to The Sports Bar in the first place. Everyone, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce to you, one of the tightest, cleanest rock solid cover acts in Pensacola Florida.....I give you.....

We arrived just in time to catch the start of set #1 as RIPTIDE, a five piece rock act took the stage at Perdido Key Sports Bar. The energy in the room was electric and high as those in attendance where about to get a full dose of nostalgic and current high powered rock and roll!

Busting out with PARALYZER the band showed everyone right away that they came to do some serious playin' business! The room lit up immediately as it didn't take long for folks of all ages to get "off, and on" the dancefloor, so to speak. Set one continued with Another Brick in the Wall, All Summer Long, and other favorites like Girls Girls Girls, Hey Jealousy, and I Wanna Be Sedated.

Now, let me tell you that this is not your ordinary cover band, no sir! Not merely 5 musicians playing music with blank looks on their faces, these guys know how to connect with their audience and entertain! Constantly moving, enticing the room to come closer to get a better experience and on the dance floor!

Lets begin with "Wolf" Dobson on lead guitar. Allow me to claim that this man not only knows his instrument, he is keenly aware of the crowds reaction. His riffs and runs where at the very top of my scale as lead players go. The man can pick, strum, bend and wail with his particular brand of rock prowess! He maintains control while walking all over his instrument.

Next, we have Brandon Billings, the bands lead singer and major mouthpiece. Brandon proves he is an outstanding entertainer with obvious years of experience as a musician and vocalist. His range stretches the limits when he belts out vocal stylings all his own. His showmanship demonstrates his ability to keep the audience engaged and moving on the floor. He, and Lucas tag team many numbers with perfect pitch and tone.

Eric Burchfield, the bands founder and leader spends the entire show behind his Alesis hybrid drum kit. I love when I get to witness a seasoned drummer do his/her thing up close and personal. I was enamored with Eric's technique and timing...in my opinion some of the best in Pensacola. I always get a drum lesson when I review a great band, and this was surely no exception. As a drummer, I study each and every move the man makes with intensity. His fast hands and feet make Eric a true time master and monster player!

The youngest member of the band, Lucas Anderson gave an outstanding performance that night. Talk about talent and energy! This man was up and down, side to side and then some. His vocals, weather he sings leads or harmonies were, in my opinion top notch pro grade! I'm quite sure this young singer has a long future in music...go Luke!

Chris Popwell rounds out the primary band members with his animated, entertaining and auspicious bass playing all out attitude! He can sing too! The harmonies he added (sometimes 4 part with Chris involved) were stellar and added an element to the band rarely seen or heard round these parts! His bass runs, sometimes blindingly fast kept the engine movin and groovin. I watched Chris meld with his band mate Eric, synced and steady, which is what bass men do and Chris is no exception! His comical antics are a signature character trait that's made him who he is today.

Lastly, please allow me introduce Brandy Billings, wife of Brandon and mother to Lucas. I felt myself privileged to have had the opportunity to hear this woman sing. Not only is she the bands #1 supporter, she knows her way around a stage and an audience! I know she's most proud of the band and is consistently posting on social media about RIPTIDE!

I truly hope you enjoyed my foray into the lives of this talented group of professional musicians. It was my pleasure and an honor to review them indeed! Catch Riptide all over the Pensacola and Alabama area at a venue near you. Catch their shows on our show calendar distributed at retailers and venues all over our region.

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This is Rich "Beatman" NaVarre wishing you the very best life has to offer. Please, support your live music and entertainment scene, our musicians need you!