2008 Woodie Awards
Join The Dark Side
Local band shares 'Star Wars' love through rock 'n' roll
Krystel Pakitsos
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: After Hours
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The Dark Side of the Force is a unique cover/tribute band that replicates an updated rendition of the "Imperial March," among other pieces of "Star Wars" music. The band, whose influences include Pink Floyd, Blue Oyster Cult, Green Day and, according to their MySpace page, "'Star Wars' nerds around the globe," came together about two years ago.
"We are a rock band that celebrates one of the greatest movie series of all time," said Devin Krtek, who dresses as Darth Vader when playing with the band. "Every song we play tells a story about a particular scene, event or an underlying message that the movie is trying to convey.
It's a perfect combination of great rock music and theatrical entertainment."
Playing "Star Wars" music makes this group different, but they take it one step further by dressing in full costume at each show. Cody Johnson says that even though wearing the costumes can often be difficult, it's worth it.
"It looks good for everybody else," Johnson said. "You usually can't see your guitar with all of the lights and the fog machine and the sweat.
He continued: "We usually have water with us, but you can't drink too much water because you're in a full size costume and you have an hour and a half set to play. It's a little hard to go take a leak."
Robbie Edwards, a fan of the group, says that their stage routine has a lot to do with their success.
"It's pretty much like a comedy skit up there," Edwards said. "It really adds a lot of flavor. The drummer is really good at being mechanical. He really looks like a Storm Trooper."
The Dark Side of the Force's fans aren't limited to Southeast Kansas. The group performs in other cities, as well, including Emporia and Kansas City.
"The Kansas City crowd is a fun crowd," Johnson said. "They really get into it."
Their work has been reviewed by many publications such as Pitch Magazine and the Joplin Globe.
The band not only does renditions of "Star Wars" songs, it also does covers of songs by other bands and then changes the words to make them relate to "Star Wars."
"They play all the music I like," Edwards said. "It's my style and they really rock hard. They really jam."
Before they created the band, Krtek says he and the other members were unsure of what kind of a reaction they would get.
"I thought it would either be one of the greatest things people ever experienced or the worst," Krtek said. "Fortunately we have had an incredible response at every place we've played."
The Dark Side of the Force will be playing at the Wheat State Bar and Grille in Emporia on April 19. Krtek says that anyone who hasn't heard them play should attend.
"We are the greatest Star Wars Tribute Band in the galaxy," Krtek said. "We focus on putting on an incredibly entertaining and captivating experience for all who attend. We have something for everyone and we seem to appeal to all walks of life."
To hear more about the Dark Side of the Force, visit www.myspace.com/darksideoftheforceband, or for booking information, call Devin Krtek at 687-3349.
"I love and appreciate all of the fans that come out, as they are very supportive, enthusiastic, and are simply out to have a great time," Krtek said. "Receiving such a welcoming response everywhere we go is one of the greatest parts about performing for people."
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