RUSH's NEIL PEART...'The Professor'...who died in early January, will be honored in his home town of St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada in mid-May. 'A Night For Neil' is set for May 16th at the Meridian Centre in St. Catherines, and will present musicians, speakers and production professionals to pay tribute to Peart. While the list of performers is not yet finalized (no word yet on any participation with Geddy & Alex), it has been announced that the evening will benefit Overtime Angels, St. Catharines Hospital and Walker Cancer Centre, the Juravinski Hospital & Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, and the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario. With Rush's philanthropic efforts as it's inspiration, Overtime Angels was founded in 2014 to provide financial assistance to those in crisis who don't meet the criteria established by social-service agencies. You can learn more about the work they do at their website. In the press release from Overtime Angels, spokesperson Lance Kasten states, "The event will honor 'The Professor' of words, lyricism and musicianship from a fan’s perspective. The outpouring of support for this event from across the globe has been tremendous." Neil's parents, Glen and Betty Peart are also very enthusiastic about the upcoming event saying, "We are grateful for the team that Overtime Angels is assembling. We are especially pleased to be able to support this charity event that will benefit some much-needed organizations that are close to our hearts.” Another hometown, grassroots tribute effort is aimed at renaming the pavillion in St. Catherines' Lakeside Park, immortalized in song on Rush's 1975 'Caress of Steel' album. A petition that was started shortly after Neil's death has garnered more than 25,000 signatures, and the Mayor of St. Catherines has indicated that he will put forth the renaming motion as well as creating "some other sort of tangible memorial." Tickets for 'A Night For Neil' are available (starting 2/28/20) can be purchased here. Rock On!
