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'Spirit of the 80's' concert lineup announced

by jmaloni

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Fri, Jun 5th 2015 12:35 pm

The English Beat to debut first album in 35 years at Aug. 8 show

Eighties recording artists The English Beat featuring Dave Wakeling will debut "Here We Go Love," their first album in 35 years, at the fourth annual "Spirit of the 80's" weekend, Aug. 7-8 in Lewiston's Academy Park. The band will perform songs from the new album, which will be released Aug. 4.

"We're beyond thrilled that The English Beat will be headlining this year's event," said Michael Hanrahan, the "Spirit of the 80's" event chairman. "This band epitomizes the sounds and beat of this music period. Not only will they be playing favorites from the '80s, like 'Mirror in the Bathroom,' but we'll also be among the first to hear them perform songs from their new release live!"

The English Beat will take the stage Saturday night. Friday night's headline act is Stan Ridgway, who, as frontman for the Wall of Voodoo, provided the eclectic voice heard on the band's '80s hit single "Mexican Radio." After becoming a solo act in the mid-'80s, Ridgway has continued to tell stories through his music.

"Stan Ridgway plans on delivering an overview of his career," Hanrahan said. "Lewiston is lucky to showcase such an acclaimed artist in the intimate setting of Academy Park."

Also appearing at this year's "Spirit of the 80's" Saturday show will be The Toasters, a third-generation ska band. Locally based artists, including The Mirrors, a band that first began in Lewiston, also will perform sets.

"The 'Spirit of the 80's' has really expanded over the last four years," Hanrahan said. "The event originally began as smaller, local affair, but has steadily grown to attract fans from across the region and Canada. We truly try to invoke the alternative sounds we grew up listening to with Toronto-based 102.1 CFNY."

Hanrahan noted proceeds from the 2015 "Spirit of the 80's" weekend will go to charitable organizations, including the Lewiston Council on the Arts, Lewiston-Porter Alumni Association and Music is Art, an organization founded by Goo Goo Doll guitarist Robbie Takac.

Tickets for the event are $15 presale and $20 at the door for Friday night, and $20 presale and $25 at the door for Saturday. A $30 combo ticket will provide admittance for both evenings. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

For more information, visit www.thespiritoftheeighties.com.

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