News: URGENT: Tribute to Foreigner to hit the Stage at Bristol’s Downtown Live on October 3rd

URGENT: Tribute to Foreigner to hit the Stage at Bristol’s Downtown Live on October 3rd 

Bristol, CT [September 24, 2026] – URGENT: Tribute to Foreigner will perform in Bristol, Connecticut on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7:00 pm, as part of the Downtown Live event series at the Rockwell Theater.


URGENT: Tribute to Foreigner will perform in Bristol, Connecticut on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7:00 pm, as part of the Downtown Live event series at the Rockwell Theater

Formed in 2023, Urgent – Tribute to Foreigner is a six-piece powerhouse made up of seasoned veterans of the Pennsylvania music scene. The band delivers an authentic Foreigner experience, recreating the iconic sound, harmonies, and energy of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, all performed live without the use of backing tracks.

At the heart of the band are Mark McNelley (lead vocals) and Todd Thanhauser (drums), a dynamic duo who have collaborated for nearly two decades. During the pandemic, the pair released an album, Lockdown Diaries, under the name AD2020, which featured notable collaborations with industry friends. Their singles, “Undivided” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” garnered over 30,000 views each on YouTube, showcasing their creativity and reach in challenging times.

After the pandemic, Mark and Todd sought a fresh direction, laying the foundation for Urgent – Tribute to Foreigner. Drawing from their experience as members of the cover band ESCAPE—where they performed hits from Journey, Styx, and Boston—they reached out to trusted collaborators from their ESCAPE days: Dave Hafer (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Rick Yohe (bass guitar, backing vocals).

To bring Foreigner’s intricate textures to life, the band recruited Doug Kimberling (keyboards, backing vocals), a talented musician Todd knew from the Lancaster-based band Screaming Daisies. Rounding out the lineup is Rob DeSimone (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), a veteran of the Philadelphia music scene whose versatility perfectly complements the band’s sound.
Arianna Therriault, Arts and Culture Supervisor, noted, “We are really excited to have “Urgent” at our venue – a few of our patrons requested this band and we love to give the patrons exactly what they want!”

“The songs are so iconic, it’s really an honor to play these songs that are part of the soundtrack to so many lives, including my own,” says drummer Todd Thanhauser, reflecting the passion and respect the band has for this legendary music.
Together, this six-piece ensemble combines technical precision, soaring harmonies, and an unmistakable love for Foreigner’s timeless music. Fans can expect a high-energy show filled with Foreigner’s greatest hits, performed with authenticity and heart.

Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Superintendent Dr. Josh Medeiros remarked, “Downtown Live continues to make an impact in downtown Bristol with shows for every age and interest – we’re really looking forward to hosting URGENT: A Tribute to Foreigner!”
The show is Saturday, October 3 at 7PM at the Rockwell Theater, located at 70 Memorial Boulevard, Bristol, CT 06010. Tickets for this show start at $35.00. For information on tickets and Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater, please visit www.DowntownLiveCT.com.

For questions or to arrange accommodations for your visit, please contact Arianna Therriault, Arts and Culture Supervisor, at AriannaTherriault@bristolct.gov or 860-584-6160.