When Pure Gold takes the stage at Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival, audiences can expect much more than a concert. They can expect a full-scale entertainment experience built on decades of musical excellence, crowd interaction, and nonstop energy.
Pure Gold Showband delivers a fully choreographed, high-energy performance packed with the songs you know and love. Every show is designed to get audiences singing, dancing, and completely engaged from start to finish. With five lead vocalists, a full horn section, and a powerhouse rhythm section, this is live entertainment at its absolute best.
Based in Pittsburgh and serving the tri-state region, Pure Gold traces its roots back to 1978 when Henry and Susan DeLuca launched a five-member a cappella group called Acapella Gold. Performing locally without a backing band, the group steadily grew in popularity. As demand increased, musicians were added, eventually transforming the ensemble into the showband known today as Pure Gold.
“The group started as a doo wop group and we wanted to give the band a retro name because we play the music and songs that people know and love,” said Mike Lathom, Lead Vocals and Band Manager.
Over nearly five decades, Pure Gold has evolved into a 12-piece showband that combines powerhouse vocals, polished choreography, a full horn section, and a dynamic rhythm section into a production designed to engage audiences from the first song to the last. The group performs throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond, appearing at theaters, festivals, community events, and concert venues. Their resume includes performances at The Benedum, Heinz Hall, Capital Theatre, Palace Theatre, Oaks Theatre, and Penn Theatre.
A Soundtrack for Generations
What began as a doo-wop act has grown into a versatile showband performing an expansive catalog of music from the 1960s through the 2000s. Their repertoire includes oldies, soul, rock, pop, disco, soft rock, and R&B.
Pure Gold covers a wide range of artists and bands, from Bruno Mars and Journey to Earth, Wind & Fire. Festivalgoers can expect to hear favorites such as:
- Tennessee Whiskey
- Billie Jean
- A Motown Medley
- Sweet Caroline
- Hold the Line
- I Have Nothing
- Uptown Funk
- September
- Let’s Stay Together
- Proud Mary
- Don’t Stop Believin’
- Superstition
- For the Longest Time
Their biggest musical inspiration is Earth, Wind & Fire.
“We are inspired by Earth Wind and Fire because of the energy that they have, the good vibes they put off, … the words they sing, the vocals, and the instrumentation and arrangement of it all,” Lathom said. “To many of our group members, it doesn’t get much better than them.”
The band also points to The Temptations as an influence because of their choreographed stage presentation.
“Everything is choreographed. They aren’t just singing; they are putting on a show. We do the same thing.”
Bruno Mars is another artist whose performance style has inspired the group.
“His style and dress reflects the retro feel and he has great choreography,” Lathom said.
Asked what band they would most like to open for, the answer came without hesitation: Earth, Wind & Fire.
Meet the Band
The current Pure Gold Showband features a talented lineup of performers and musicians who bring the group’s signature sound and stage presence to life.
Mike Lathom – Lead Vocals and Manager
Lathom serves as both the band’s manager and one of its lead vocalists, helping guide the group’s vision while delivering energetic performances on stage.
Josie Crooks – Lead Vocals
Crooks adds vocal versatility and stage charisma to the group’s five-vocalist lineup.
Bill Dell – Lead Vocals
Dell contributes powerful lead vocals and helps create the rich harmonies that have become a hallmark of the Pure Gold sound.
Leah Moore – Lead Vocals
Moore’s dynamic vocal style brings added depth and variety to the band’s broad musical repertoire.
David Kiss – Lead Vocals
Kiss rounds out the lead vocal team, helping deliver everything from classic Motown favorites to contemporary hits.
Larry Siefers – Keyboards, Saxophone, Harmonica, Flute and Vocals
One of the band’s most versatile musicians, Siefers contributes multiple instrumental textures while also adding vocals.
Bob Prince – Baritone Saxophone and Keyboards
Prince strengthens the band’s horn section while adding keyboard support to the ensemble.
Kevin McManus – Trombone
McManus provides the trombone sound that helps give Pure Gold’s arrangements their big-band feel.
Gene Laus – Trumpet
Laus adds punch and excitement to the horn section with his trumpet performances.
Paul Martello – Drums, Percussion and Background Vocals
Martello anchors the rhythm section, keeping the band’s energy moving while adding vocal support.
Don Garvin – Lead Guitar
Garvin’s guitar work drives many of the rock, soul, and pop selections in the band’s repertoire.
Ray Falcsik – Bass Guitar
Falcsik provides the groove and foundation that keep audiences dancing throughout every performance.
Community Connections
For Pure Gold, community festivals offer something special that larger venues cannot.
“The intimacy. We are up close and personal with these people and are able to communicate directly with them, to shake hands with them, see them and their reactions, and speak to them. After the show it’s great to hear the feedback,” Lathom said.
That connection with audiences helps fuel what band members describe as their greatest strength: energy.
“The best part about our band is the energy.”
Festival attendees can expect a visual spectacle as well as a musical one.
According to Lathom, “We are a fully produced and choreographed show from start to finish. As well as being appealing to the ears, there is a visual aspect people are constantly moving around and dancing.”
Ready to Entertain
As thousands gather for one of Ellwood City’s signature summer events, Pure Gold promises to deliver a performance that celebrates generations of music while creating new memories for festivalgoers.
Whether audience members come for Motown classics, disco favorites, rock anthems, or contemporary hits, they’ll find themselves singing along to familiar songs performed with the enthusiasm and showmanship that have defined Pure Gold for nearly 50 years.
Merchandise will also be available for purchase during the event, giving fans a chance to take home a souvenir from one of the region’s most enduring and entertaining musical acts.
Connect with the Band
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