26. "Limelight" by RUSH performed by MOOD LIFTERS — 4/26/26 @ The Lighthouse Cafe
Mood Lifters captures the stunning melodic precision of "Limelight," delivering a powerful performance of this iconic anthem that perfectly balances technical mastery with the song's reflective, soulful energy! Mood Lifters — A Tribute to RUSH Sunday, April 26, 2026 @ The Lighthouse Cafe, Hermosa Beach "A tired mind become a shape-shifter Everybody need a MOOD LIFTER Everybody need reverse polarity" — Neil Peart, "Vital Signs" The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach has seen many legendary performances, but Sunday afternoon felt like the start of a brand-new chapter for Mood Lifters. After the departure of the beloved Rocky Kuner, many fans—myself included—wondered if that "lightning in a bottle" could ever be captured again. Remarkably, the band hasn't just found a replacement; they’ve found a revelation in Charlotte La Rue. In only her second show as the "new voice" of Mood Lifters (and her first in Los Angeles), Charlotte commanded the stage with a presence that felt destined. Guitarist Ben King shared that after just a few songs at her audition, the band knew the magic was there. Meeting her after the set, I found her to be incredibly humble—a lifelong Rush fan who, just over a year ago (March 23, 2025) attended a Mood Lifters show at The Lighthouse Cafe. Who would have guessed that a year later she would be the group's singer? Her performance on tracks like "Anthem," "Natural Science," and "Xanadu" proved she is more than up to the task of honoring Geddy Lee's unique voice. The afternoon also featured a display of true professional camaraderie. With regular bassist Isamu Kakitani called away to Japan for a family emergency (our thoughts and best wishes are with you, Isamu!), Carlos Costa from the fellow SoCal Rush tribute "Natural Science" stepped in on a moment’s notice. To watch Carlos lock in with Mat Miranda’s precision drumming and Ben King’s intricate guitar work was a masterclass in musicianship. He saved the day and ensured the show went on without missing a beat. From the driving groove of "Animate" to the heavy-hitting encore of "Working Man," the 3-hour marathon was a soul-stirring reminder of why we love Rush. Moods were indeed lifted—and minds were blown! Setlist: SET 1: "Animate" "A Passage to Bangkok" "Anthem" "The Twilight Zone" "Distant Early Warning" "Freewill" "Witch Hunt" "Natural Science" "The Trees" "Xanadu" "Time Stand Still" "Vital Signs" "Kid Gloves" "YYZ" SET 2: "2112: Overture / The Temples of Syrinx" "The Spirit of Radio" "Fly by Night" "Red Barchetta" "Subdivisions" "New World Man" "Afterimage" "Closer to the Heart" "La Villa Strangiato" "Red Sector A" "The Analog Kid" "Limelight" Encore: "Tom Sawyer" "Working Man" YouTube Playlist link: • MOOD LIFTERS — 4/26/26 @ The Lighthouse Cafe Follow Mood Lifters: www.instagram.com/moodliftersrushtribute www.facebook.com/MoodLiftersRushTribute https://moodliftersrushtribute.com #moodlifters #rushtribute #rushtributeband #neilpeart #classicrock #rushfans #alexlifeson #guitar #rushfan #rushcover #geddylee #rush #progressiverock #tomsawyer #limelight #MovingPictures @moodliftersrushtribute #CharlotteLaRue @iamcharlottel #IsamuKakitani @ikakitani #BenKing @bking2112 #MatMiranda @drummermat @thelighthousecafe #hermosabeach
