Solar Federation

Solar Federation

All Ages
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Doors: | 7pm // Show: | 8pm
$20

$20 ADV | $25 DOS
All Ages Admitted // 21 to drink with ID
Tickets on sale to the General Public – 1/13/2023
General Admission Standing – there isn’t a bad spot in the house!
Reserved Balcony seating available for Sherman Theater Members only
For membership information, please contact members@shermantheater.com

VIP BOX: Sherman Theater Members $395 | Non-Members $475
SKYBOX: Sherman Theater Member $495 | Non-Members $575
FOR INFORMATION ON VIP BOXES AND SKYBOXES, CLICK HERE
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Hailing from Central Pennsylvania, 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. Formed in 2014, the band spent an entire year
honing its initial set list and rehearsing what is often called the most complex catalog of songs in rock music. After only a handful of live performances, the band established itself as one of the premier Rush tributes 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. Over the last eight years, Solar Federation has become known as a faithful tribute to the music of Rush and has earned respect among the vast community of Rush fans around the globe.
Following the death of Rush’s legendary drummer Neil Peart, Solar Federation was invited to perform at A Night for Neil, a memorial tribute concert organized by Peart’s family and the nonprofit organization, Overtime Angels. The concert was held in Peart’s hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario, at the Meridian Center on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Solar Federation was the only Rush tribute band from the United States invited to perform. The band headlined the event with an hour-long closing set that brought down the house.
Also, the bands version of the epic track “The Necromancer” was selected for inclusion on the Neil Peart tribute album, Songs for Neil: Volume 3, released September 12, 2022 on what would have been his 70th birthday. The album’s artwork 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).
Locally, Solar Federation was voted “Best Tribute Band” at the 3rd annual Central PA Music Awards held at Hershey
Theatre on March 24, 2022. The band has been nominated once again for this award in 2022. “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.” Rush is widely recognized for its legions of devoted fans from all corners of the world. “I was floored to learn that people travel from all over the Mid-Atlantic region to attend our shows,” said Herb. “To me, that not only speaks volumes about the loyalty of Rush fans, but it’s also a testament to the quality of our band.”
 
Solar Federation:
Mike Bitts – bass, keyboards
Ffej Herb – drums, cymbals, percussion
Julie Schreiber – lead vocals
Eric Wirsing – guitar, backing vocals
In 2015, the iconic Canadian progressive rock trio Rush celebrated its 40th anniversary with a career-spanning tour that is likely to be the band’s last. With interest in the band at an absolute peak, there is a high demand from fans to see and hear this music played live on stage. Enter Solar Federation. Hailing from Central PA, Solar Federation performs the music of Rush with passion and precision, tuning into all of the fine details that true fans dissect with every spin of an album. The brainchild of seasoned drummer Ffej Herb, Solar Federation begins with his life-long obsession with Rush. Although the idea of starting a band exclusively dedicated to Rush’s music sparked many years ago, it wasn't until he finally met fellow Rush fanatic and guitar virtuoso Eric Wirsing that the idea became a reality. With two of the core members of the band solidified, they set out on the daunting task of finding a “Geddy Lee.” This quest resulted in the inevitable splitting of Geddy's role between local bass legend Mike Bitts and Berklee-trained vocalist Julie Schreiber. In order to tackle the enormous undertaking of performing Rush’s music at a level deemed acceptable to its fans, Solar Federation spent an entire year honing its set list and rehearsing what is often called the most complex and difficult music to perform in the pantheon of the rock genre. After only a handful of live performances, the band quickly established itself as the premier female-fronted Rush tribute band on the East Coast, garnering praise from fans for its meticulous interpretation of the material, attention to detail, and vocalist Julie Schreiber’s passionate delivery of Rush’s dynamic melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. “You can’t fake it with this band,” said Herb. “Rush fans are incredibly loyal and know the music inside and out. We didn’t even post a teaser video on the Internet until just before our first show.” And fans are definitely starting to take notice. Chatter on Clockwork Angels, the biggest Rush fan page on Facebook, and other related sites has been overwhelmingly positive. The band also captured the attention of RushCon, the largest North American gathering of Rush fans, and in August 2016 appeared as its “Tribute Band of the Month” at RushCon.org. Members of the band have also appeared on Digital Men, a podcast dedicated to all things Rush. Rush has long been recognized for its legions of devoted fans from all corners of the world. “I was floored to learn that people travel from all over the Mid-Atlantic region to attend our shows,” said Herb. “To me, that not only speaks volumes about the loyalty of Rush fans, but it’s also a testament to the quality of our little band.”
Peace of Mind – The Boston Experience celebrates the iconic sounds of rock’s mega band Boston. Peace of Mind is a powerhouse of pure, classic, rock & roll. Note for note, Boston’s hits are performed with precision and detail. With rich harmonies, layered guitars, thunderous drums and bass, shimmering keyboards and spot on vocals, you’ll swear you are back in rock & roll’s greatest decades. Super group Boston created some of the greatest rock hits and memorable anthems of the classic rock era. You probably listened to them on your turntable, cassette or even an 8 track player! One of the most influential bands of the 70s and 80s, Boston played their chart topping hits to sold out audiences in arenas all over the world. Peace of Mind brings you Boston’s top hits and fan favorites Don’t Look Back, Foreplay/Long Time, More Than a Feeling, A Man I’ll Never Be, Amanda, Hitch a Ride, Smokin’, Rock and Roll Band and many more! Peace of Mind is the ultimate tribute to legendary super group Boston.
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