Summer heat brings New Wave Time Machine

Summer heat waves bring a new kind of wave to Sidney as Downtown Sounds kicks off it's concert series with New Wave Time Machine performing Friday.

New Wave Time Machine is a 80's cover band with local ties. Shawn Oakes plays the guitar, synth and performs vocals for the band, he is currently the music teacher for Leyton schools.

The band is comprised of four other members besides Oakes, Nate Beutler, guitar, synth, flute, sax, bass, vocals, John Lowry, drums, Randy Watson, Bass and Joal Keeith, lead vocals, and synth.

"Nate Beutler is the former Sidney Band Director as well," Oakes said

"We have been playing together for about three years now," said Oakes. "We all went to Chadron state college at one time or another and were all involved with the music program. It was this common tie to the music program at Chadron that formed the band.

"We play regionally," said Oakes, "Sterling, Ft. Morgan and Chadron, but mostly Colorado."

New Wave Time Machine has played Sidney in the past, performing at the golf course and last year's with Downtown sounds.

"We had a really good crowd last year," Oakes said.

Musically, the band performs 80s covers, said Oakes.

"We do like rock and pop, new wave synthesized 80's stuff, we try to do it pretty authentically."

Projekt 3D will DJ from 6-7 p.m. with New Wave Time Machine starting right after and performing till 9 p.m. The event is free and the public is encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Sloppy Joes & chips will be available for purchase from the Leyton Warrior Cheerleaders to help with their program, and Keep Sidney Beautiful will have drinks available, those proceeds going to help fund recycling programs in the community.

This is the first in the Downtown Sounds concert series in Hickory Square. On July 15 the Eagles tribute band will perform and August 5 the Good Living Tour comes to Sidney.