The Vindys
Since 2014, The Vindys have been growing their loyal fan base with their unique blend of pop, soul, and rock. The Vindys are led by powerhouse singer/songwriter Jackie Popovec who The Repository says “…uncannily evokes Amy Winehouse on the more retro songs while going full-tilt rock ‘n’ roll on the harder, moodier numbers.” The 9 piece band includes John Anthony and Rick Deak on guitar, Owen Davis on drums, Brendan Burke on bass, Nathan Anthony on keyboards, Kyle O’Donnell on trumpet, Brian Mayle on Trombone, and Garret Kuchmaner on saxophone. With this combination, Pierce Brochetti of Music Connection magazine described the band as “the Vindys have everything going for them: a super-powerful voice, a searing guitar and a fantastic rhythm section topped with a horn section. Rock & Roll at its finest.”
Many of the members are trained musicians from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, who combine their skills to create arrangements of the songs with Popovec as the primary songwriter resulting in a depth and maturity in their music that is intricate, yet relatable. Because they are passionate about representing Youngstown as a place where the music scene is thriving, their name pays homage to their roots by drawing influence from Youngstown’s daily newspaper, The Vindicator. Brad Savage, program director of The Summit 91.3 FM, explains, “To me, they really personify Youngstown and northeast Ohio. They’ve got depth and substance and are instantly likable. Their songs get stuck in your head after one listen.”
The band has performed at various festivals including WonderStruck, WonderRoad, WonderBus, WonderWorks, Three Rivers Arts Festival, LaureLive, Winnetka Music Festival, and Summerfest where the band won the first day of the Emerging Artist Series. Additionally, The Vindys have shared the stage with ZZ Top, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson of Heart, Phillip Phillips, Walk off the Earth, Michael Stanley and the Resonators, Donnie Iris and the Cruiser and more.
Recently, their song “Are You Ready” which was used to promote several sports franchises including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates as well as in ESPN commercials for the 2023 ACC Softball Tournaments. Their latest music video, “Bugs,” screened at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City as one of eight music videos selected alongside national artists including The Black Keys and Lizzo. Their sophomore albumBugsblends rock, blues, and vintage pop for a dynamic listening experience that will make you curious to whether their music best suits a jazzy supper club or rock and roll arena.