Youngstown rockers The Vindys have been hot news in northeast Ohio for while now. The group, fronted by charismatic singer/guitarist/lyricist Jackie Popovec, debuted ten years ago and woodshedded for a few years in obscurity before their reputation in northeast Ohio started to snowball and expand beyond the area. Popovec is the band’s main attraction, with a powerful yet nuanced style that recalls classic R&B vocalists such as Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. But she’s well supported by a hard-rocking band that features led John Anthony and Rick Deak on guitars and harmony vocals.
The Vindys released a seven-track EP Red Wine in 2014, which served to announce their presence, and the nine-track Keep Going in 2016, which gave them some serious momentum. They dropped their album Bugs in 2022, which began to expand their following regionally. It became clear they were ready for the next step.
That step has arrived with their first national tour, supporting Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on their Funtastic 24 tour, with a Cleveland date at the MGM Northfield Park Stage Wednesday July 10 (where the Vindys have previously opened to Benatar). The tour began in New Jersey and Washington D.C. just before the Cleveland date, and will move on to markets such as Detroit, New York City, Bethel, NY, Connecticut, and Indianapolis, before heading west to Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Portland and multiple dates in California in August.
“When I was 13 years old, I used to sing ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ in my first-ever band,” says Popovec. “Pat is one of my biggest vocal influences, and I truly consider her my hero!”
The tour lineup also includes drummer Owen Davis, bassist Brendan Burke and keyboard player Nathan Anthony. The Vindys are also planning to release new music this month to give fans something new to enjoy until they get back. Learn more about the band at thevindys.com.