A FAREWELL TO KINGS - STARTING LINEUP
Zack James (Vocals, Tambourine, Vibra-slap)
Zack started his singing journey in the theater world, whereafter he transitioned to the cover and tribute scene. On top of singing, Zack is a multi-instrumentalist having played euphonium in multiple regional brass ensembles and bass guitar with locally-based bands, most notably, The Gab Cinque Band. Zack has a deep love and passion for Rush’s music that is put on display with every performance with AF2K.
Aaron Leone (Guitars & Bass Pedals)
Welcome to my how/who/what/why & “Where’s My Thing?” page!
By day, I enjoy being a music educator. I currently own and run my private school, The Guitar and Bass Academy of Jackson located in New Jersey. Soon to open a second music school located in Metuchen, New Jersey. My other gig is playing music professor at a Monmouth University. By night, I indulge in being a guitarist and entertainer of sorts for AF2K. I enjoy conjuring the “harmony of the spheres” in front of large audiences. Also, gigs must be always night, otherwise they wouldn't need the stage lights. Thank you for the wisdom Thelonius
My education goes back to being a classical guitar major at Manhattan School of Music. I also have been more than fortunate to study with world-class musicians, such as: Tal Farlow, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Jorge Caballero and Harry Leahey. I also follow the teachings and wisdom of friend and mentor Uli Jon Roth.
Yours Truly,
The Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler
Johnny Vines (Drums & Percussion)
Johnny began playing the drums when he was 12, and since then music has been his focus in life. He attended college for music, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Rowan University where he studied with Dean Witten and Don Liuzzi, as well as a Masters Degree in Orchestral Performance from Temple University, where he studied with Alan Abel, Chris Deviney, and Phil O’Banion.
Johnny is also a professional audio engineer, a venture that began at age 14 from learning how to operate a 2-track machine to record very basic demos of his early bands. After undergoing a mentorship with Jeff Levine at Organic Sounds in Long Branch, NJ, Johnny became a professional audio engineer, and has worked studio sessions and live production on the Jersey shore for the past ten years. His resume includes working with a wide array of musicians including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chorus, Carmine Appice, The Joe Baracata Band, Mike Wells, and many others.
Johnny is also an active guitarist, keyboardist, and composer, having written and released two albums with the band Creeptones, as well as a Solo EP under the name From Nowhere.
Adam Cyran (Bass & Synthesizers)
Adam began his bass journey in the fall of 2012 after witnessing his first Rush concert at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on the Clockwork Angels tour. He dabbled for years and did not pour major amounts of time into playing as his primary focus was set on pursuing his education and passion for Mechanical Engineering/Robotics.
Fast forward to the late 2018, Adam soon began taking lessons with a professor of music, Aaron Leone, in Jackson NJ and they soon bonded over their love of Rush. Adam continued to study under Leone’s guidance and found a renewed passion for playing bass; specifically Rush’s music and Geddy Lee’s basslines.
In mid 2021, Adam jumped into the local music scene and even managed some side work as a session musician in the Asbury Park area. Most notably, he played bass for Jarod Clemons and The Late Nights until April of 2022. All of these experiences culminated in the eventual formation of AF2K and reuniting with his former teacher, now as a colleague and peer to create a next level tribute experience.
Aside from playing & collecting basses and synthesizers, Adam still enjoys his job as a Mechanical Engineer and his additional hobbies of Emceeing/Play By Play Announcing Robotics Competitions, 3D printing, Biking, and Underwater Basket Weaving.