The area’s newest tribute band to hit the scene will light a fire in your veins. Urgent – Tribute to Foreigner is a full six-piece powerhouse made up of some of the area’s most talented musicians. Together, they’ve built a full-production show modeled after the iconic band’s original lineup, focusing on all the classic hits from the early years — “Cold As Ice,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Double Vision.” Over 30 classics are possible in this two-hour performance that captures the music, look, and feel of Foreigner. From hard-rocking anthems to heartfelt ballads, Urgent has you covered.
Formed in early 2023, the band began crafting a show worthy of what they would want to see brought to the stage. One of the biggest keys to success in pulling this off is nailing Lou Gramm’s legendary vocals. For that, they rely on local vocal legend Mark McNelley of SpellBound and Balistic fame, who’s been belting out ’70s and ’80s classics since birth. His passion for the era runs deep, and his ability to connect with a crowd and pull them into the performance has always been his driving force.
Todd Thanhauser, “The Glue” that holds the band together — “The Hammer” — and co-founder with Mark, not only keeps the band on beat during performances but also behind the scenes. He handles the day-to-day work: booking shows, coordinating schedules, and managing business operations. With years of combined musical experience, they knew they needed a strong supporting cast — musicians who could not only play but fill in the harmonies and nuances that make Foreigner’s sound so distinct.
On lead guitar is Dave Hafer, another die-hard Foreigner fan. He brings the 1980s energy to the front line, delivering the leads and harmonies that define the sound. He also loves interacting with the crowd, making sure everyone feels the vibe of the era that made this music so great. For Dave, it’s more than just playing solos — it’s about bringing the spirit of a true rock show to life for the fans who make it all possible.
Doug Kimberling handles keyboards, with over 30 years of experience. He also provides backing vocals and serves as the band’s musical director, ensuring every setup and performance is dialed in. To keep things authentic, he even breaks out a keytar for the “Cold As Ice” solo, just like in the early days — a true nod to the craft.
Rob DeSimone, on guitar and keys, is a self-proclaimed perfectionist and eccentric. Rob was brought in to scrutinize the sound and make sure every little nuance that brings Foreigner’s music to life is represented. If there’s a quirky background line, they’ll recreate it — like the “three blind mice” lyric echoing in “Cold As Ice.” If a specific instrument or sound is in the original recording, they’ll reproduce it live — or find the exact tone through the keys. That’s Rob’s specialty.
Rick Yohe, on bass, brings a smooth, bluesy pulse to the group. When asked about his contribution, he jokes, “Pizza and beer!” But his energy keeps the band loose and fired up before every show. He captures the right-era tone with his 1971 Rickenbacker bass and Marshall amp — another perfectionist and lifelong fan of the music.
Together, the members have formed a true partnership — the band is structured as an LLC, ensuring total professionalism in everything they do. From day one, they’ve shown unwavering dedication, never missing a beat.
Urgent will close out this year at The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland on Friday, November 14th, before hitting the road for the “Long, Long Way From Home Tour 2026.” The tour will take them to Wilmington, NC; Manchester, NH; Rochester, MI; and everywhere in between. They’ll also return home often, including a show at the beautiful Allen Theatre in Annville on March 7th. Check the tour schedule at the end of this article be on the lookout for new dates as they’re announced..
Tickets for the West Shore Theatre show are selling fast, with limited seating available. Local CBS weatherman and music aficionado Steve Knight will be hosting the event who also featured the band on his popular Knight Shift Podcast. Jeff Karli of Moving Audio Imagery will be filming the concert with 10–12 cameras to capture the full production — complete with flash pods, backdrops, stage effects, and lighting. Expect surprises — maybe even a 10-foot-tall jukebox like the original band used, or a backup choir. Urgent loves to pull out all the stops to keep fans entertained.
So which classics do they enjoy performing most? Mark’s favorite is “That Was Yesterday,” inspired by Live at Deer Creek 1993. Dave’s pick is “Juke Box Hero,” for its intricate guitar work. Doug loves “Cold As Ice” for the keytar solo. Rob chose the namesake “Urgent” for its high energy and signature riff. Rick’s favorite is “Double Vision” for the rich harmonies, and Todd goes with the deeper cut “Out of the Blue,” a dramatic ballad that always grabs the crowd.
Not every song makes the cut, though. “Down on Love,” a lesser-known ballad, didn’t land with audiences, so it was swapped out for “Woman in Black” — a move that got fans back on their feet. “It’s all about the fans,” they say. “If something isn’t working, we set it free.” The band adjusts on the fly, driven by audience energy. With so many hits to choose from, it’s easy to see why they chose Foreigner — there’s a song for everyone, whether you’ve heard it before or not.
Urgent has teamed up with Drew Zimmerman of Providence Music Group to help with bookings and expanding their reach. They’d like to thank Drew and Jeff Karli for helping push the band to the next level — Thanks to Steve Knight of the Knight Shift podcast, Michael Washkevic of MDW Productions, Jeff Tomerell of 3 Hive Studios and especially our fans, friends, and families for their tireless support. that’s what motivates them to deliver the best show possible. From classic rock lovers to the new generation discovering the music, Urgent brings something for everyone.
