Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo return to F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on May 20 with The Vindys
From a press release:
It was announced today that Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will return to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, May 20 with special guests The Vindys.
The pair previously played an acoustic set at the Kirby Center (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre) in 2016 and recently performed in Wilkes-Barre at Mohegan Pennsylvania in 2023. This show will be presented as part of the PNC Celebrity Series. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, which are $69.50, $79.50, $89.50, $99.50, $129.50, and $149.50, plus applicable fees, go on sale this Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Kirby Center box office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), online at kirbycenter.org and ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 570-826-1100. An exclusive pre-sale for Kirby Members begins Thursday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.
Offered online only, two VIP packages are available with limited availability. The VIP tour package, which is $229.50, plus fees, includes one premium reserved ticket, a long sleeve tour shirt, a record tote, a bandana, a guitar pick set with case, and a commemorative laminate and lanyard. The soundcheck package, which is $329.50 and $349.50, plus fees, includes one premium reserved ticket located in the first 10 rows, VIP early entry into the venue, VIP access to Benatar and Giraldo’s pre-show soundcheck, a Q&A with Benatar and Giraldo, a long sleeve tour shirt, a record tote, a bandana, a guitar pick set with case, a commemorative laminate and lanyard, and an on-site VIP host.
In a pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer/songwriter Pat Benatar and producer/musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts on their own terms. Her staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with his trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created eternal rock hits like “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Promises in the Dark,” “We Live for Love,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Hell Is for Children.”
Their stunning achievements are a testament to their vision. Together, the husband and wife team has created two multi-platinum, five platinum, and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits. They have sold over 36 million records worldwide and have won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy Awards. They have also been feted with three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, a 2008 induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and became Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees in 2022.
For the past decade, The Vindys have been captivating audiences with their signature blend of rock, soul, and pop. Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, the band has built a devoted following through electrifying live performances and heartfelt songwriting.
At the heart of The Vindys is powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Jackie Popovec, who has earned high praise from none other than Pat Benatar, who raved, “She’s amazing. That girl can sing her ass off.” She’s backed by an exceptional lineup, with John Anthony delivering electrifying lead guitar, Rick Deak on rhythm guitar, Owen Davis on drums, Brendan Burke on bass, and Nathan Anthony on keys. Together, this dynamic ensemble crafts a sound that Music Connection Magazine hailed as “rock and roll at its finest.”
The Vindys have been making waves nationally, lighting up major festival stages and opening for legends like Benatar and Giraldo, ZZ Top, Marcus King, Beth Hart, and Ann Wilson.
Their anthemic track “Are You Ready” was featured in ESPN commercials, while their music video for “Bugs” earned an exclusive selection at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.
Critics have taken notice. In an article titled “The 10 Best Concerts I Saw in 2024,” the Washington Post’s Marc Thiessen praised, “Jackie Popovec is a revelation. … By the end, they were delivering a raucous standing ovation. See. This. Band.” They were also named Cleveland Magazine’s 2023 Editor’s Pick for “Best Indie Rock Band.”
The Vindys are gearing up for an electrifying year as they prepare to release new music that showcases their evolving sound and boundless creativity. They aim to push boundaries all while staying true to their rock, soul, and pop roots. Their passion for crafting songs fuels their excitement, making this upcoming release not just another milestone, but a bold step forward in their journey. The next chapter of The Vindys’ story is about to unfold, and it promises to be their most thrilling yet.
The F.M. Kirby Center is a historic Art Deco/Moderne-style performing arts center located in downtown Wilkes-Barre. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
