The Empress Theatre Presents Rush VS Yes

Instrumental progressive rock act Points North has released two albums on the esteemed label Magna Carta Records label (Liquid Tension Experiment, Steve Morse, etc.), and has toured extensively supporting artists ranging from Al di Meola, Eric Johnson, and Allan Holdsworth to Blues Traveler and KingsX.

In the rehearsal room, band members Eric Barnett (Guitar Player Magazine's Guitar Superstar Competition 2008), Uriah Duffy (Whitesnake, Fantastic Negrito, Steve Stevens Band), and drummer Kevin Aiello found themselves constantly launching into the music of one of their mutual seminal influences, that of the iconic progressive rock band Rush.

A chance invitation on stage extended to singer Kristina Borja (Circle II Circle featuring Zak Stevens, ex-Savatage, Surface Tension Project) led to dropped jaws and silly smiles, and Fred Barchetta was born.

Headlining in its own right across the West Coast, Fred Barchetta has developed a reputation not just for performing the complex music of Rush with accuracy and proficiency, but delivering an exciting show experience that pays homage to the renowned live performances of the band whose music they are playing.

Bringing the epic, widescreen splendor of classic Yes music to the stage is no easy feat. From the contrapuntal singing, to the ripping guitar riffs, to the deconstructionist and forward-thinking rhythms and more, there is a lot to tackle. San Francisco's Shine Delirious - named for the brilliant bassist Chris Squire and his 'schindleria' pseudonym - embraces this challenge with passion, love, and a sense of humor.

Originally, these California musicians met to cover the Fragile album in sequence for a music-education fundraiser. They found that they enjoyed the process (and each other's company) so much that they turned it into a full band. Since that beginning, they have added songs from The Yes Album, Close to the Edge and Time And A Word and have expanded their sonic palette.

The added dimension of having a female lead singer gives a new twist to these songs as well. Shine Delirious delivers an evening of deeply textured, moving, powerful music. Like Yes itself, any Shine Delirious performance is full of wonder, complexity, invention, emotion, and sheer joy.

Public Information: Ticket prices are $20 online, $25 by phone or at the box office. Visit www.empresstheatre.org or call 707-552-2400.

San Francisco / Bay Area Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. URINETOWN (Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble)

17% of votes

2. THE DAY THE SKY TURNED ORANGE (San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company / Z Space)

9% of votes

3. SWEENEY TODD (Cabrillo Stage)

8.7% of votes

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