Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Dylan Sulcer)

Excitement, emotion and nostalgia swept over the Krider Performing Arts Center (KPAC) as a Journey-based tribute band took the spotlight with classic songs at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.

As soon as the audience filed into their seats, the stage lit up as “Trial By Fire” started blasting their cover of the iconic rock sensation “Separate Ways.”

Right off the bat, lead vocalist Ernie Shepherd was able to capture the timbre and energy of Steve Perry as he recited the memorable chorus of “Someday love will find you/Break those chains that bind you.”

The other members of the band included lead guitarist Dan Cummins, bass guitarist Rich Barefoot, keyboardist Don McCray and drummer Kevin Lynch.

Throughout the opening number, all five members set a high bar for the night as they blended their talents together to make the audience roar.

KPAC technical director Nathan Miller used stunning lighting of swirling and flickering reds and blues to accompany the band, helping set the tone of each subsequent number.

The band played other songs such as “Holdin’ On” and “Send Her My Love,” before shifting towards some of the more popular Journey songs, such as the slow, romantic ballad “Open Arms.”

“We want you to be part of the show. If a spirit moves you and you want to get up and dance and, by the way, it is Valentine’s Day, give your lover a little squeeze, it’s ok. It’s alright,” lead singer Ernie Shepherd said.

This song was among the most receptive, as the audience held up their arms and swayed to the beat. At the end of the song, Shepherd held out his microphone and asked the audience to repeat the chorus one final time. In response, they recited the chorus from memory as their voices filled the entire theater, singing to Cummins’ guitar.

As expected, many audience members migrated towards the front of the stage and danced to the more upbeat songs such as “Lights,” “Feeling That Way” and “Who’s Crying Now.”

Shepherd adapted well to the audience, often taking pictures with them and even running down each of the aisles to fist bump those watching.

Even though the constant singing likely strained his voice, Shepherd retained his volume and pitch throughout the concert, exhibiting his impressive range that easily emulated the rock stars from decades before.

Cummins showed the true energy and skill that comes from being a lead guitarist, much like Neal Schon, playing impressive solos with a look of determination that never backed down during even the most complex songs.

Near the end, the band recited some of the biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin,'” “Wheel in the Sky” and especially “Faithfully,” where the audience recited the chorus from memory yet again.

Ending on a high note, the band met and greeted everyone, displaying their appreciation for their audience.

The band originally formed in 2007, where they hosted their first concert with an audience of only 27 people. They were used to pleasing audiences of all sizes, so they made it clear they would push their limits in front of the small town audience in Paris.

Lead guitarist Dan Cummins of North Carolina explained that they sometimes struggle to travel and tour, but still manage to host concerts and have fun doing it.

“It gets pretty tricky with day jobs and family and stuff. But luckily, we all like each other,” he said. “So we listen to music and we have a good time. But it’s all about when you play on stage, that’s what’s fun. So that makes it all worth it.”

Technical Director Nathan Miller, who operated the sound and lighting, enjoyed his time working with the tribute band.

“It’s a rock concert so it’s difficult to make it still sound good and listenable. That’s always a challenge, but these guys were awesome, really good musicians, really nice and easy to work with. So we had a good time,” he said.

Apart from “Trial By Fire,” KPAC has big plans to host other concerts for touring musicians later on in 2026.

“We’re going to have Travis LeDoyt in April. He’s an Elvis impersonator. He’s really good,” Miller said. “I think we’re having a Pink Floyd tribute band in September or October.”

More information about “Trial By Fire” can be found at their website at trialbyfirejourney.net.