02/02/2026
Big Brother Brings the Heat on a Cold, Windy Night at Artisan Lakes
Saturday night’s Gasparilla-themed party at the Esplanade at Artisan Lakes nearly became a victim of the weather. Cold temperatures, steady winds, and intermittent power issues during soundcheck had organizers and musicians alike watching the sky—and the power meters—closely.
Upon arrival, the band was warmly welcomed by Serena and her Artisan Lakes staff, who immediately helped set the tone for the evening. Noticing the dropping temperatures, they thoughtfully pointed out a box filled with hand warmers—the kind that activate when exposed to air—an appreciated gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by a band bracing for the cold.
At 5:30 p.m., the scene was quiet. The official start time wasn’t until 7:00, and only a handful of early arrivals were on hand. Steam rose off the heated pool, briefly hanging in the air before being swept away by the wind. It was already cold—and getting colder.
Guitarist Dave Arazmo came prepared, filling his pockets with hand warmers and even slipping one under his ballcap. Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on tuning, but his guitars—strung with BlueMagic strings—remained stable despite the conditions.
Earlier, right after load-in, the wind announced itself in memorable fashion. Bassist Russ Bertolino had to chase down his signature black cowboy hat after a sudden gust sent it skidding across the Esplanade. It was that kind of night.
Meanwhile, keyboardist Mark McCormick looked dapper and noticeably comfortable, staying warm in a new pair of boots his wife, Mary, had picked up on sale at Dillard’s—arguably the smartest purchase of the evening.
As soundcheck continued, power briefly dropped—twice. Dave and drummer Johnny Stepanik began jokingly placing bets on whether the event would be canceled. Dave called it a 50/50 proposition and searched for a coin to flip. Johnny was more pessimistic, putting the odds closer to 70/40 against the show going on.
Behind the scenes, chief engineer Mike Aurigemma calmly rerouted power and resolved the issue. As the sun set and the temperature dipped further, the band and crew bundled up in overcoats and waited.
By 6:40 p.m., a few more attendees arrived. Then a few more.
And then, something clicked.
The crowd did show up—and they showed up enthusiastically. Dressed as pirates and fully embracing the Gasparilla theme, residents filled the deck. Guests had their choice of staying outside on the patio with the live band or heading indoors, where a DJ offered a warmer alternative—giving everyone flexibility while keeping energy flowing throughout the venue.
When Big Brother launched into the first set, momentum arrived quickly. Early on, Johnny kept the dance floor moving by stepping up to sing Word Up—all while holding down the drums—an early highlight that immediately pulled people closer to the stage.
Frontman and singer Markus Allen did what Big Brother fans have come to expect: he energized the crowd, pulled newcomers in, and kept the momentum high. Many in attendance were seeing the band for the first time, and their reactions were unmistakable—wide-eyed, smiling, and fully engaged. Women danced. Men focused intently on the band. Despite the cold, the atmosphere was warm and lively.
Another musical highlight came with Mark McCormick’s cover of Bennie and the Jets, capped by a keyboard solo that drew cheers and applause.
One attendee—quickly dubbed Elvis the Pirate—eventually joined Big Brother onstage for a crowd-pleasing rendition of Suspicious Minds, adding a fun and unexpected moment that perfectly matched the evening’s spirit.
Mid-set, Markus’ wireless microphone cut out. Without missing a beat, he grabbed Russ’ mic and kept the show moving while Mike handled another technical adjustment behind the scenes. The transition was seamless and barely registered with the audience.
During a break, a moment of band humor surfaced when Dave quietly hid Russ’ bass, leading to a brief, good-natured search that drew laughs from both band members and nearby guests.
Onstage, Dave Arazmo was notably loose and fully in the zone. The tones flowed cleanly from his fingers through his Kemper rig and out across the Esplanade via a 20,000-watt sound system, with Mike steering the digital mix. The result was clear, powerful, and polished sound—no small feat given the conditions.
By the end of the night, any talk of cancellation was long forgotten.
What began as an uncertain, weather-threatened evening turned into a successful community event marked by professionalism, adaptability, and strong audience connection. Several members of the community board—particularly those who had advocated for booking Big Brother—shared the same reaction afterward:
“I knew you wouldn’t disappoint.”
The smiles said everything.
The night concluded not only with satisfied residents, but with a clear outcome: Big Brother will be welcomed back to Artisan Lakes in the Spring.
