DARLINGTON — Local calendars should be marked for Saturday, July 27, as Darlington celebrates its 175-year anniversary. The day will close with a block party. 

The street dance takes place on the lower section of Main. As the day will have activities for all ages, the street dance is open only to those 21 years and older. Wristbands will be sold at the gate starting at 5 p.m. 

Time Machine, a band based out of Minnesota, takes the stage at 8 p.m. Time Machine is an energetic 1970s and 1980s rock tribute band. The band consists of five band members whose roots are based in the Midwest. Time Machine started 15 years ago, according to lead vocalist and guitarist Jay Wells. After meeting mostly through friends, band members have remained strong through their 15 years together, with only the format changing a bit. 

“There’s no end in sight,” said Wells, who was born and raised in Rochester, Minn. “We have all played in previous bands, and have had the opportunity to open for many of our musical influences and heroes.” 

For Wells, he said his biggest influencers were Kiss and Van Halen, although he also said that many regional bands were his earliest influencers. 

“Many of us have met many artists during our travels,” Wells said, speaking for the band. 

Time Machine tours the Midwest starting in mid-March. Wells said he and the band are looking forward to rocking Darlington. 

In addition to Wells, the band also consists of Leisha Foss, the only female voice, who sings lead vocals for Time Machine. Foss was born in Minnesota and raised in Durand. She is the only band member who doesn’t currently reside in Minnesota and now makes her home in Arizona. As far as influencers are concerned, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac and AC/DC all lend a hand in Foss’ singing career. 

Kevin Deboard plays lead guitar and sings backing vocals. He was influenced by early Kiss releases and Rush songs. He was born and raised in Camp Hill, Penn. 

Ivan Hibben plays bass guitar and sings backing vocals. He was born and raised in Minneapolis. His biggest influencers were Motley Crew and Poison. 

Erich Winter plays drums and was born and raised in Blue Earth, Minn. His passion for playing drums was mostly influenced by Neil Peart, the late drummer of Rush. 

Time Machine will play three music sets on July 27, with each set being a different genre of music. The night will start off with a danceable mix of 1970s arena rock titled “Rock City”, then segue to 1980s pop music titled “Pop Starz”, concluding the night with hair band sounds from the 1980s, “Hair Force”. For spectators, it should be like having three tribute bands in one evening, as the sound will be different for each set. For more information, check out their at timemachine.rocks.