Southern Latitude Band

The Falling Timbers Band (FTB) originated in late 2010. Guitarist Gary Lyda, looking for a bassist, invited David Merck to a late night audition and the core of FTB was born. Gary and David quickly went to work auditioning several lead vocalists before deciding on Gulf 104 DJ Chris Falls. The band then began establishing themselves as one of Tallahassee’s premier cover bands.

Drummer Bob Fish joined the band in 2012, having played with David in a previous project.

In April of 2014, Falls departed the band and Mike Geandreau came aboard as lead vocalist. FTB once again became a crowd favorite at many of Tallahassee’s best live music venues.

In March 2016, the band went on hiatus and in June reformed with Scott Ferris on lead vocals and Gary and David as the usual suspects.

We all love playing music and our philosophy is simple. Play those favorite tunes folks love to hear over a good drink and get them out on the floor.

About the guys:
Gary Lyda -lead guitars and vocals-Gary is truly a fixture in Tallahassee’s live music scene having played here since 1977. Since then Gary has performed with many artists including the legendary Tallahassee band Dixie Creek and Warner Bros and CMA recording artist Michael Ray. A guitar player for over 45 years, other band members rely on Gary as a walking encyclopedia of music, rarely hearing the words “I don’t know how to play that song.” Gary’s influences include George Harrison and Eric Clapton.

David Merck-bass guitars and vocals-Originally from St. Pete, David would sneak into his older sisters rooms to listen to LP’s of Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin and the Who while playing a mean tennis racket guitar. In 1981, after seeing Van Halen, David was hooked, playing guitar and bass in bands ever since. David’s influences include John Paul Jones, Jack Bruce and Geddy Lee. In his spare time David enjoys eating and sleeping.