Rubix Kube Brings ’80s Spectacle to Musikfest With Special Guest Joel Hoekstra
BETHLEHEM, PA — If you thought you’d seen it all in the realm of tribute bands, think again. Rubix Kube, self-proclaimed “The Galaxy’s Most Excellent ’80s Tribute Band,” brought a full-blown neon-drenched nostalgia explosion to Musikfest this week—and the crowd didn’t just show up, they showed out.
The Monday night performance at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks was everything fans of the 1980s could ask for: dazzling costumes, pitch-perfect renditions of hair metal, new wave, and synth-pop classics, and a sea of retro fans singing along under the Pennsylvania night sky.
A Tribute Act That Brings the Original Artists Along for the Ride
What sets Rubix Kube apart isn’t just their uncanny ability to capture the sound of the ’80s—it’s their reputation among the very artists they pay tribute to. Over the years, legends like Rick Springfield, Debbie Gibson, and Howard Jones have joined them on stage for live sets, using Rubix Kube as their backing band.
This time around, fans were treated to a guest performance by Joel Hoekstra—the guitar wizard known for his work with Whitesnake, Rock of Ages on Broadway, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. His presence only intensified the electric energy already pulsing through the crowd.
Why the ’80s Still Hit So Hard in 2025
In a pre-show interview, lead singer Cherie Martorana Neve explained why the band’s appeal spans generations:
“The ’80s had pop, hair metal, punk, dance, new wave—it was the first MTV generation. People saw the music, not just heard it. That visual connection stuck.”
And it shows. The audience wasn’t just made up of Gen Xers reliving their youth—college-aged fans decked out in shoulder pads, neon tights, and teased hair filled the lawn, singing every word.
A Story That Started in NYC and Hit Radio City Music Hall
Cherie’s journey to the big stage began with Rock & Roll Karaoke nights in New York City, which led to a collaboration with Moby and eventually the formation of Rubix Kube. The band hit a milestone in 2009 when she performed at Radio City Music Hall alongside Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Eddie Vedder at a benefit concert.
Oh, and about that surreal moment backstage:
“I was hip bumping with Ringo. He points at Paul on stage and says, ‘See that guy? He might go somewhere,’” Cherie laughed. “It was unreal.”
Musikfest Magic: A Crowd That Never Disappoints
While the band has played major cities coast to coast, Martorana Neve said there’s nothing like the crowd in Pennsylvania:
“They dress the part, they know every lyric. The energy exchange is unbelievable. We wait all year to play Musikfest.”
And this year was no exception. From “Jump” to “Under Pressure”, the night was a full-on celebration of the music that still unites and energizes.
Did you catch Rubix Kube at Musikfest this year? What’s your all-time favorite ’80s anthem? Share your retro memories with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com!