Solar Federation

Runs through: Nov 29, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.

Whitaker Center is pleased to welcome back Solar Federation, the only American Rush tribute band invited to perform at A Night for Neil, the 2022 memorial concert organized by Overtime Angels with the blessing of Neil’s parents, Glen and Betty Peart.

Solar Federation brings its award-winning interpretation of the iconic progressive rock band’s music to Whitaker Center on Saturday, November 29.

Solar Federation celebrates the entirety of Rush’s career, digging deep into its massive catalog of FM radio hits, rarely played album cuts, and complex prog rock epics. And with the show taking place on International Rush Day, the band will celebrate by performing side 1 of the “2112” album in its entirety.

Over the last 10 years, Solar Federation has established itself as a faithful tribute to Rush, garnering praise from fans around the globe not only for the meticulous attention to detail of guitarist Eric Wirsing, bassist/keyboardist Mike Bitts, and drummer Ffej Herb, but also for vocalist Julie Schreiber’s unique presentation of the band’s dynamic melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.

Solar Federation was voted “Best Tribute Band” at the 5th annual Central PA Music Awards in 2024. The band’s recent recording of “Witch Hunt” – a collaboration with longtime Rush album artist Hugh Syme and producer Terry Brown — appears on Volume 5 of the compilation album, Songs for Neil, a tribute album series released and distributed internationally by RUSHFest Scotland.

Learn more about Solar Federation!

BUY TICKETS

More Shows

Permanent Exhibit

Carnival of Health

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls — step right up and experience the one and only Carnival of Health. More than 2,200 square feet of fun-filled themed entertainment opens your eyes to the wonders of healthy living and the human body.

EXPLORE

Permanent Exhibit

KidsPlace

A destination for the youngest explorers! Designed with a cityscape theme this gallery includes a life-sized Operation Game, X-Ray Table, Pin Ball Falls, and much more.

EXPLORE

Permanent Exhibit

Backstage Studio

Funded by The Alexander Grass Foundation, Backstage Studio features fascinating exhibits that reveal the science and technology behind movies, TV, music, and theatre. Create your own stop-action film, put yourself into the movies in the Foley Studio, and explore the creation of different sound effects in this interactive gallery.

EXPLORE

VIEW ALL EXHIBITS

More To Do

Cinema

Showing Through: Dec 31, 2025

Into America’s Wild 3D

From the Academy Award® nominated producers of the acclaimed hit film National Parks Adventure comes Into America’s Wild, a visually stunning cross-country adventure into the hidden wonders of the natural world.

INFO & TICKETS

Theater

Richard Thompson

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson is set to bring his extraordinary talent to the Whitaker Center on February 23! Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Thompson’s career spans over five decades, blending folk, rock, and traditional British influences into a uniquely captivating sound. Richard Thompson’s musical influence cannot be overstated. Having co-founded the groundbreaking group Fairport Convention as a teenager in the ‘60s, he and his bandmates invented the distinctive strain of British Folk Rock. The Los Angeles Times called him “the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix” and Rolling Stone has named him one of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time.

Theater

May 27, 2025

Dance Revelation Presents “Identity”

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Dance Revelation presents Identity. Our talented Company Performers will take you on an inspiring journey through three powerful themes: "Journey," "Acknowledgement," and "The Revelation." Don't miss this captivating performance — an experience you won’t want to miss!

INFO & TICKETS

Theater

Let’s Sing Taylor

Let’s Sing Taylor - A Live Band Experience - is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far. So, let the games begin. Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor-inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.

Cinema

Showing Through: Dec 31, 2025

Expedition Chesapeake, A Journey of Discovery

Expedition Chesapeake, A Journey of Discovery is the first giant-screen film to capture the stunning natural beauty of the largest estuary in North America.

INFO & TICKETS

All Science Exhibititions All Theater Shows All Movies Special Events