By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Marlborough – For nine years, the Marlborough-based band Flashback has been jogging the musical memories of area residents with classic rock songs of the 1960s and “70s. For the seventh year, they'sl return to the Mayor's Summer Concert Series at Union Common when they perform Thursday, Aug. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. This time, the local musicians will arrive with a new credit on their resume.
Flashback entertained on Yawkey Way outside Fenway Park before three Boston Red Sox games July 18 to 20. That weekend of three 90-minute sets was a particularly memorable experience, noted Paul Giardina, the band's founder and rhythm guitarist.
“Playing on Yawkey Way was the biggest highlight for our band so far,” he said. “There was a big crowd there for three days, gathered all around us and taking our picture. And people in the balcony in Fenway Park were all up there watching us. It was very exciting and something we'sl never forget.”
They got the booking after the Red Sox entertainment coordinator searched the web for New England bands. He found the Facebook page for “Flashback Band Marlboro MA” and considered them a good fit for the Yawkey Way audience.
Each band member also received free tickets to the games versus the Kansas City Royals.
“The Red Sox won each game, so we must have brought them good luck,” Giardina happily relayed. “Maybe we should go back and play there again.”
When Giardina decided to form a band, he first approached lead guitarist Jim Rennie. The two musicians had played in a band together while classmates at Marlborough High School, where they graduated in 1968.
Next to join the band was bassist and lead vocalist Jeff Chapman. He and Giardina played together in the 1970s in the band Chickweed. Chapman also performs locally with the Mason Tyler Trio.
Two years ago, Flashback needed a new drummer. Giardina has known Darrell Jackman since the 1970s through the Marlborough Men's Softball League, and more recently became aware that he's a drummer. Jackman accepted the invitation to join the band.
Jon Tiedemann of Southborough is the band's soundman and percussionist.
Throughout the years, Flashback has become a fixture at annual events. They returned July 23 for the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual Lobster Fest at Longfellow's Wayside Inn in Sudbury. There, they donned souvenir Red Sox T-shirts from their Yawkey Way gig.
As they'se done for several years, Flashback will add to the ambience of the seventh annual Taste of Marlborough to be held downtown Monday, Aug. 25, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event is held rain or shine.
“We can's have any food because we'se playing the whole time,” Giardina said. “It rained last year and we actually played in a great big tent. People were still there, dancing out in the rain.”
Flashback got another new gig last fall through spring, performing at the Italian American War Veterans Post 45 at 111 Neil Street in Marlborough. They'se already booked to return, beginning in September.
“We brought in a good crowd,” Giardina said. “They have a nice facility with a pavilion out back. It's open to the pubic when we play, usually the third Saturday of every month. There's no cover charge and the beer is only $2.”
The band plans to continue bringing its repertoire of nostalgic music to local audiences and beyond.
“What makes the band work well together is that we'se all good friends,” Giardina said. “We'se all on the same page with the songs we sing and with our personalities.”
Follow “Flashback Band Marlboro MA” on Facebook.
