'Spirit of the 80s' returns after 2-year pause

“The Spirit of the 80s” is back, Sunday, June 26, with popular new wave/synth-pop legends China Crisis. Doors open at 3 p.m. at The Ontario House (aka “The Stone Jug”), 358 Main St., Youngstown.

Organizers stated, “One of the most iconic English bands of the 1980s, China Crisis is celebrating its 40th anniversary with this special concert in the Jug's intimate setting.”

China Crisis was part of a wave of new wave/synth-pop Liverpool acts in the late 1970s and 1980s, including OMD, Echo and The Bunnymen, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly, founding members of the band, released their debut album, “Difficult Shapes and Passive Rhythms,” in 1982. They found major success in the U.K. with five Top 40 singles, 10 Top 50 singles, and five Top 40 albums, as well as hits across Australia, Europe and the Americas.

This concert marks the return of the annual “The Spirit of the 80s” events following two years of COVID-19-related cancellations.

Michelle Hosie and Michael Hanrahan run the festival. Hosie said, “It’s a celebration of the music of our youth – a chance to reunite with old friends and make new friends."

Hanrahan, who is the talent buyer and event producer, added, “Our goals are to keep the spirit of the ’80s alive. What started with some members of the Lewiston-Porter Class of 1987 talking about their desire to bring in the bands we listened to in high school for our 25th reunion in 2012 planted the seed for the annual event."

Toronto's The Spoons performed that year. “The Spirit of the 80s” also welcomed Stan Ridgway, Dave Wakling & The English Beat, along with Mike Peters and The Alarm, in subsequent years.

Hosie and Hanrahan added, “This Youngstown show will be a huge treat for fans old and new, featuring all the hits … performed with a full band.”

Opening will be Reflector from Niagara Falls. At 7 p.m., Lewiston’s The Woodroes perform classic 1980s hits. China Crisis takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 presale or $25 at the door. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/china-crisis-tickets-336494473027.