Overview
The Total Mass Retain: YES Experience is a celebration of progressive rock’s enduring legacy, performed by one of the most respected tribute acts dedicated to the legendary band YES. Scheduled for November 14, 2025, the event will take place at The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey, US. The show is part of a broader movement that honors complex musicianship and immersive live performance, bringing together fans who appreciate the artistry and technical brilliance of 1970s progressive rock.
While not a multi-day festival, the event’s production and community-driven atmosphere give it a festival-like feel. Attendees can expect an evening of intricate compositions, virtuosic playing, and a passionate audience that spans generations of YES enthusiasts. The Total Mass Retain ensemble has built a reputation for authenticity, reproducing the nuances of YES’s catalog with stunning precision while adding their own interpretive flair.
Highlights
Music and Performance
Total Mass Retain are known for recreating the elaborate arrangements and sonic textures characteristic of YES’s music. Their concerts often feature extended instrumental passages, harmonically rich vocals, and a dynamic interplay between the musicians that recalls the original band’s adventurous spirit. The setlist typically spans multiple eras of YES’s discography, offering both casual listeners and die-hard fans a journey through progressive rock history.
Expect a high level of musicianship: intricate keyboard solos, soaring guitar leads, and rhythmic complexity that challenges and delights. The group’s dedication to accuracy is balanced with a palpable sense of joy and showmanship, making the performance engaging even for those new to the genre.
Production and Visuals
The Vogel provides an intimate yet technically sophisticated environment for progressive rock performances. The stage design and lighting are often tailored to evoke the psychedelic and cosmic imagery associated with YES’s classic tours. Expect vivid projections, carefully choreographed lighting cues, and sound engineering that ensures clarity across the venue’s acoustically refined space.
Unlike large outdoor festivals, this event emphasizes precision over scale. The proximity between audience and performers enhances the musical impact, allowing fans to observe the technical artistry up close. The production values are high, with a balance of nostalgia and contemporary presentation that honors the original material while keeping it accessible to modern listeners.
Unique Features
What makes the Total Mass Retain: YES Experience stand out is its dedication to authenticity and education. Many performances by the group are accompanied by commentary or introductions that contextualize the songs within the broader history of progressive rock. This transforms the concert into an immersive learning experience, not just entertainment.
Additionally, the event attracts a community of music scholars, audiophiles, and long-time fans who share a deep appreciation for complex, conceptual music. The audience often engages in post-show conversations and meet-ups, reflecting the communal spirit of progressive rock fandom.
Venue & Access
The City of Red Bank
Red Bank, New Jersey, is a vibrant small city on the banks of the Navesink River, known for its thriving arts scene and walkable downtown. The town’s blend of historic architecture, boutique shops, and diverse dining options makes it a welcoming destination for concertgoers. Its proximity to New York City—roughly an hour away by train or car—makes it accessible for both local residents and travelers from the surrounding metropolitan area.
The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts
The Vogel is a modern performance space within the renowned Count Basie Center for the Arts complex. Designed to accommodate mid-sized audiences, it offers superior acoustics, flexible seating, and a comfortable atmosphere. The venue’s layout ensures excellent sightlines from nearly every seat, and its state-of-the-art sound system is particularly suited to the layered instrumentation of progressive rock.
The Count Basie Center itself is a cultural landmark in Red Bank, hosting a wide range of performances from jazz and classical to rock and comedy. Its staff and facilities are known for professionalism and hospitality, contributing to a smooth, enjoyable concert experience.
Access and Transportation
Visitors can reach Red Bank via multiple transportation options:
- By Train: The NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line connects Red Bank directly with New York City’s Penn Station, offering a convenient and scenic route.
- By Car: The city is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Route 35. Several parking lots and garages are located within walking distance of the Count Basie Center.
- By Bus: Regional bus services link Red Bank with nearby towns and coastal destinations.
Once in town, most visitors find that walking is the easiest way to explore. The downtown area surrounding the venue features restaurants, cafés, and bars, making it ideal for pre- or post-show gatherings.
Tickets & Price Range
Tickets for the Total Mass Retain: YES Experience can be purchased through the official Ticketmaster page. Pricing typically varies depending on seat location and venue configuration. As with most theater-style performances, general admission and reserved seating options may differ in cost.
While exact prices can fluctuate, attendees can expect a range comparable to other mid-scale tribute concerts or performing arts center events. Premium seating or VIP experiences—if available—may be priced higher. It is advisable to purchase tickets early, as the show’s dedicated fan base often leads to strong sales in advance of the performance date.
Discounts may occasionally be offered for members of the Count Basie Center or through special promotions, but availability is not guaranteed. Always confirm ticket details and availability through official channels before making travel arrangements.
Past Lineups & Festival Vibe
Total Mass Retain has performed across the United States and internationally, earning acclaim for their meticulous recreations of YES’s most celebrated albums. Their past setlists have included selections from classic records such as “Close to the Edge,” “Fragile,” and “The Yes Album,” as well as deeper cuts that appeal to long-time fans. The band’s attention to period-accurate instrumentation and vocal harmonies creates an experience that closely mirrors attending a vintage YES concert.
While the Total Mass Retain: YES Experience in Red Bank is a single-event performance rather than a multi-day festival, its atmosphere evokes the communal spirit of a festival gathering. Audience members often describe a sense of shared nostalgia and discovery, with conversations about progressive rock history filling the intermissions and post-show mingling areas. The demographic is diverse, ranging from older fans who experienced YES in their prime to younger listeners discovering the genre’s complexity for the first time.
Previous tours and performances by Total Mass Retain have featured elaborate renditions of multi-part compositions, complete with synchronized lighting and video art inspired by Roger Dean’s iconic album covers. The result is a multisensory experience that bridges the gap between concert and theatrical production.
Tips for First-time Visitors
Weather and Seasonal Advice
November in Red Bank typically brings cool autumn weather, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 60s Fahrenheit (7–16°C). Visitors should dress in layers and bring a light jacket, especially for evening performances. While the venue is indoors, lines may form outside before doors open, so comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.
Packing Essentials
- Tickets and ID: Always carry printed or digital tickets along with valid identification for entry verification.
- Comfortable Footwear: Red Bank’s downtown area invites exploration before or after the show, so wear shoes suitable for walking.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Check venue policies, but many theaters provide refill stations or allow sealed water bottles.
- Merch Budget: Progressive rock events often feature exclusive merchandise such as posters, vinyl, and apparel—bring cash or a card in case something catches your eye.
On-site Behavior and Etiquette
As an indoor seated event, the Total Mass Retain: YES Experience encourages attentive listening and respect for fellow concertgoers. Applause and enthusiastic reactions are welcome, but excessive noise during quieter passages may distract both performers and audience members. Photography policies vary by event—always follow the staff’s instructions regarding flash or device usage.
Arriving early is recommended, not only to secure your seat comfortably but also to enjoy the pre-show ambiance. The Vogel’s bar and lounge areas offer refreshments and a chance to meet other fans before the performance begins.
Exploring Red Bank
For visitors spending more time in Red Bank, the city offers a variety of cultural and culinary experiences. Nearby attractions include art galleries, the historic Two River Theater, and scenic riverfront parks. Dining options range from upscale restaurants to casual diners, many within a short walk of the Count Basie Center. Planning a dinner reservation before the show is a popular choice among attendees.
Useful Links
Lineup, dates, and prices are subject to change. Please check the official sources for the latest information.
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