Ellwood City Locals To Play In Summer Concert

The Summer Concert Live season will be one of the first larger events to be held in downtown New Castle after the lifting of many COVID restrictions.

With the concert series kicking off Friday, June 25th with New Castle’s ‘The Dorals’, a six-piece band performing music from the Baby Boomer generation, showcasing their talents. Their performance will be accompanied by a Classic Car Show, hosted by the Rapid Tappets Car Club.

One group that will be performing later in July has some talent from Ellwood City. Liz Agey and Noah Rectenwald are two members of “Totally 80’s” group set to perform next month. Totally 80’s is a tribute band to the 1980’s and covers all classic hits from the era.

Agey, a 1995 Lincoln High School graduate and Ellwood City native, answered a few questions about the concert what she is looking forward to with things beginning to open up again. According to the band’s website, Lizzy Lizz brings her powerhouse vocals to the stage for Totally 80s. She straight up loves rock ‘n roll, and she’ll hit you with her best shot each and every night — if you’re really lucky, you’ll catch her walking like an egyptian and that’s sure to give you a total eclipse of the heart.

How did you get into music?
My dad was a music teacher in the Big Beaver Falls School District and we noticed I was able to sing at a young age. I started singing in church events and school functions and of course, at home in front of the mirror into my hair brush! I took singing lessons throughout high school and competed in District and Regional Chorus. I was in all of the school musicals as well. In college, I joined the choir in my Freshman year and Spotlight Theater Group. After college, going out to karaoke was a fun way for me to keep singing. I was a karaoke DJ for a while. I joined my first band in 2004 and then finally joined Totally 80s in 2014.

What is your opinion on places opening back up this summer?
My personal opinion is that it was time to get things opened back up. However at the same time, we also need to remember that COVID is still out there and that we still need to be cautious and also respectful of other people. Not everyone has the same opinions. Too much has been lost over the last year and I feel for those who have lost their lives, loved ones, jobs, businesses, etc.

Are you excited about the concert season?
I am definitely excited for concert season, especially after the last year. We have a busy summer schedule ahead of us and we know people want to get back to doing the things they enjoyed pre-pandemic.

What is a memorable venue or place your group has performed at?
Totally 80’s had the opportunity to play for two of the Shear the Beard charity concerts at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. It was cool to sing with Brett Keisel and the King of Cool, Donnie Iris! As for the other venues we play, I honestly love them all. We have such an amazing group of fans that come out to support our shows, they help make each show memorable. It’s an overwhelming and humbling feeling.

Lastly, what do you want to say to the concert go-ers?
Everyone is going to have a BLAST on July 30! From The Go-Go’s to Bon Jovi to Kenny Loggins, Totally 80’s brings a high-energy show that will have everyone dancing and singing along. We encourage all to dress up in 80s attire as well! We are gonna have a totally gnarly, totally awesome night to remember!

Above is a photo of the group, TOTALLY 80s and below is a promotional video of the group performing. TOTALLY 80s is an experience, a guilty pleasure, a reminiscence of days gone by, but most of all, TOTALLY 80s is a DESTINATION! More information on the group can be found on their website, www.totes80s.com