Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/14/2023
(STROUDSBURG, PA) -- Solar Federation will take the stage at the Sherman Theater on Friday, September 30, playing the classic rock music of RUSH. Peace of Mind, the Boston Experience will open the show at 8:00pm.
In 2015, the iconic Canadian rock band Rush celebrated its 40th anniversary with a career-spanning tour that proved to be the band’s swan song. The death Neil Peart, the band’s legendary drummer and lyricist, in January 2020 sent shock waves across the rock music community and put to rest any rumors of the band ever performing again.
Solar Federation performs the music of Rush with passion and precision, tuning into all the fine details die-hard fans analyze with every spin of an album. The band quickly established itself as one of the premier Rush tribute bands on the East Coast, garnering praise from fans for its accurate interpretation of the material, meticulous attention to detail, and vocalist Julie Schreiber’s passionate delivery of Rush’s dynamic melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Solar Federation has become known as a faithful tribute to the music of Rush and has garnered respect among the vast community of Rush fans around the globe.
Following the death of Peart, Solar Federation was invited to perform at A Night for Neil, a memorial tribute concert organized by Peart’s parents and family in Peart’s hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario. Solar Federation was the only Rush tribute band from the United States invited to perform, and headlined the event with an hour-long closing set.
The band’s version of “The Necromancer” was selected for inclusion on the Neil Peart tribute album, Songs for Neil: Volume 3, released on September 12, 2022, Peart’s 70th birthday. The artwork for this volume was designed by longtime Rush collaborator and album cover artist, Hugh Syme. Proceeds of album sales benefit Cancer Support Scotland (UK) and Glioblastoma Foundation Neil Peart research Award (USA).
“You can’t fake it with this band,” said Ffej Herb, Solar Federation’s drummer. “Rush fans are incredibly loyal and know this music inside and out.”
Solar Federation: Mike Bitts – bass, keyboards; Ffej Herb – drums, cymbals, percussion; Julie Schreiber – lead vocals; Eric Wirsing – guitar, backing vocals.
The Sherman Theater is Monroe County’s only nationally ranked, non-profit theater and performing arts center. Located in downtown Stroudsburg, PA, the Sherman Theater has proudly served the Pocono region for more than 90 years. The Theater and Performing Arts Center is committed to strengthening the community by producing culturally-diverse, nationally-known professional acts and festivals at the theater and at satellite locations throughout Monroe County for people of all ages, by providing an opportunity for local artists to perform, and by creating economic development in the region. The Sherman Theater projects and events attract over 100,000 visitors to the Pocono Region annually.
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