The SuperTramp Tribute

March 1, 2025 @ 7p
@ Raue Center For The Arts

Meet The Supertramp Tribute, a crafty, slightly eccentric, and wildly passionate ensemble of multi-instrumentalists who have united to pay homage to one of the most endearing Progressive Rock bands the world has ever known.

With an arsenal that includes three keyboard players, a stable of reeds, and a rhythmic backbone, this tribute band delivers a sonic experience that transports you through time. Their performances are more than just a collection of cover songs; they are a musical odyssey that invites you to take the long way home, immersing yourself in the iconic sounds and intricate melodies that made Supertramp a household name.

Get ready to embark on a musical journey like no other, only with The Supertramp Tribute.

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DAVE ADLER: Piano, Lead Vocals.

After cutting his teeth in Madison playing with Clyde Stubblefield and Comedy Sportz Dave worked with Second City, The Annoyance Theater, and Improv-Olympic in Chicago. He performed at the Dublin Theater Festival, scored the cult-classic Fatty Drives the Bus (Troma), and toured Iceland with Sugar Cubes drummer Siggi Baldursson. He scored the first season of Comedy Central’s Upright Citizens Brigade in New York and worked with lounge savant Richard Cheese as music director and arranger, appearing on MTV, NBC, CNN, and headlining regularly in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He received the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award for Pianist of the Year in 2023. In addition to performing in The Supertramp Tribute he is co-leader of Steely Dane and a member of the Willy Porter Band.

CHRIS BOYDEN: Piano, Guitar, Lead Vocals.

Chris began singing as a small child, started his piano lessons at the tender age of 8, and by the time he turned 15, he had learned how to play the guitar and bass. He ventured into composing his own music, amassing a collection of over 100 original compositions. Chris became a member of both the high school jazz and marching bands, where he showcased his talent on the trumpet. Additionally, he formed a local rock band, where he demonstrated his vocal and instrumental proficiency. As his skills grew, he started performing nationally with various rock cover and original music groups, gracing renowned venues like the Whiskey A Go Go in LA and the Spiral in NYC. Chris’s unwavering passion for music and his commitment to his craft have afforded him the opportunity to share the stage and studio with artists such as Joey Molland, Rick Springfield, and Alabama.

MITCH COOPER: Bass Guitar, Synth, Backing Vocals.

Mitch Cooper’s musical roots trace back to age 4, when he began playing piano. Since then, his self-taught journey has led him to master over fifteen instruments, a testament to his natural affinity for music. Mitch’s extraordinary ability to play guitar with one hand while simultaneously performing keyboard melodies with the other sets him apart as a uniquely skilled performer. With perfect pitch, a highly refined “ear,” and a deep understanding of music, Mitch has been a dynamic presence in the music industry since the 1980’s. He is a songwriter, composer, engineer, and producer and brings a wealth of influences to his work, drawing from the complexities of Bach to the modern intricacies of Dream Theater. Whether in a live setting or in the studio, his passion and dedication to his craft are evident in every project he undertakes, inviting listeners to experience the joy and obsession of a life dedicated to music.

TOMMY VALENTINE: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bari Saxophone, Clarinet.

Tom was only four years old when he first laid his hands on the piano and he quickly set off to pursue classical training. At the age of 14, he picked up the saxophone and instantly fell in love with its soulful sound. From that moment on, Tom dedicated himself to mastering both instruments. For over 40 years, Tom has graced the stage with saxophones, clarinet, flute, and keyboards while collaborating with legendary artists like Luther Allison, Bernard Allison, James Solberg, Jim Liban, Clyde Stubblefield, W.C. Clark and Jimmie Vaughan. Music has been Tom’s lifelong passion, and The Supertramp Tribute is the perfect place to showcase that passion.

BRIAN WIRT: Percussion, Backing Vocals.

Brian grew up watching his father play drums and began his own percussive journey at age 4. Studying at Carroll College, Lawrence University, and UW Green Bay, Brian achieved state honors in jazz percussion. Having spent three years as the drummer for the Top 40/Show band, Mirage, Brian decided to start up his own dance-party band, The Sweet Tarts. They quickly became a hit. In 2009, he formed the country cover band Rebel Grace. Brian currently performs in the Phil Collins/Peter Gabriel/Genesis tribute band, Ph!l, and is the heartbeat of the Supertramp Tribute Band.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tim Paul
Board President

John Jacobsen
Vice President

Jerry Trachsler
Treasurer

Luanne Flavin
Secretary

John Green
Mike H. Johnson
Richard Kuranda
Jack Minsley
Rich Naponelli
Michelle Nowland
Sandra Pierce
Regan Shepley
Chuck Stevens
Steven Szalaj

Stacey McInerney
Volunteer Liaison

RAUE CENTER STAFF

Richard Kuranda
Raue Center CEO & Founding Artistic Director of Williams Street Repertory

Justin Wellington
Managing Director

Jenna Klaproth
Operations Manager

Meredith Schaefer-Flowers
Director of Marketing &
Institutional Advancement

Michele V. Knight
Marketing Manager

James Knight
Economic Development Manager

Rob Scharlow
Raue Center School for the Arts
Director of Education

Maribeth Ling
Front of House Manager

Chris Tumblin
Raue Center Director of Production

Lisa Giebler
Technical Director

Ryan Meadow
Raue Center Production Manager

Robin Hughes
Executive Producer / Production Manager

James Mablin
Resident Music Director

Box Office Associates
Naomi Unverzagt
Nick Eversman

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or visit rauecenter.org.

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