You know you are closing in on the last few moments of whatever length of drive has brought you to Tybee Island when you spy the American Flag flying proudly from a tree stump on the right side of the road. If it is high tide, you might wonder how it ever got there to begin with, but low tide reveals the secret.
The low tide also brings out a distinctive scent that tends to place people into two solidly differing categories. The smell of the plough mud is vile to some. However, to me, it is pure heaven. The smell of renewal and another generation of sealife. The reason we come here – to renew.
The other reason we come here, and by “we” I mean my husband and the band in which he plays, is to bring the sounds of Pink Floyd to the fans who love the music. Eric plays keys in the Pink Floyd Tribute band known as Interstellar Echoes. We travel a good bit around the south, but the two nights they play the Tybee Post Theater each year is a respite. Kind of a two day retreat for the band to touch base with one another and catch up on a family level. Because, if you play together 25-30 times a year for seven years, well, you sort of become a family. Plus, the Tybee Post Theater brings a crowd of serious fans who, in and of themselves, bring a certain low-country regeneration to the concerts each night.
Before each show, food has to take center stage. For the 2023 show, many in the band took the short walk over to Salt Island to taste some of their offerings. New to the band, Salt Island was a complete delight! Just like many of the best eateries on Tybee, the building is fairly unassuming, but the tastes did not disappoint! Check out the delish dishes below. It was so good that my keyboard player and I returned for a second show!
A little saucer of secrets
Behind the stage is a wonderful lanai stocked with tasty treats. Tybee Post knows how to host! The space is one of the most unique green rooms on the travel tour circuit. There is also an RV tricked out as dressing rooms. But, behind that RV – across the parking lot – is a lovely secret garden. Don’t tell where you found out! To see it, circle around the back and take a peek at the beautiful trees dripping in moss. Take a moment to wonder about the bricks and the gate. It’s just one of those little secrets that make a place special.
On to the show
The lights go down. The band emerges from backstage. The crowd anticipates. “Will it be just another band, or will they bring The FLOYD?” Then, the lights and lasers. Then, the sounds. The FLOYD sounds. They are distinct. They are the notes that begin a journey into the Dark Side of the Moon, or beyond The Wall. By the end of the night, patrons are all thinking of someone for whom they want to say, “Hey You!” or “Wish You Were Here”.
Once the show is a wrap…
The band heads for the pillows and some sweet dreams before hitting the road again. For the second year in a row, Hotel Tybee has provided exceptional accommodations. Appointed in the Art Deco fashion, Hotel Tybee is the epicenter of all things Tybee. From there, the band can wander up to the Tybee Pier for a bite and, perhaps, a libation. Most of all, despite being in the middle of the action, it is fairly quiet and allows for some quiet slumber.
Keep an eye out for the next Interstellar Echoes destination. It might just be close enough for you to come on in – if you have the “Time” and the “Money”.
FreelanceBeth 