The Vindys features musicians from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, who create eclectic song arrangements with front woman Jackie Popovec at the helm. We instantly loved the vibe of this indy band with Popovec sporting a retro satin logo jacket and cat-eyed glasses that reminded us of the ‘pink ladies’ from the movie Grease, and a neon sign reflecting their logo instead of your standard stage backdrop, her charisma shined through instantly.

The Vindys may have been the opening act, but they were the hometown favorites, judging by the number of concertgoers who raised their hands when lead singer Jackie Popovec asked how many people in the audience were friends and family of the band, were wearing Vindys’ merch or had texted the band members the day of the show.

Opening the night was a “new-to-me” rock/blues/soul outfit from Youngstown, OH: The Vindys. Led by Jackie Popovic, they delivered a high-energy six-song set culled from across their catalog. Popovic’s dynamic, powerful voice was the undeniable centerpiece—charming, commanding, and deeply engaging. That said, she’s backed by a top-tier group of musicians: drummer Owens Davis, bassist Brenden Burke, keyboardist Nathan Anthony, and guitarists John Anthony and Rick Deak, the latter of whom lit up the closing number, “Chasin’,” with soaring guitar solos—punctuated by a killer snippet of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.”

Opening the night were The Vindys, a rising rock outfit from Ohio fronted by Jackie Popovec, whose commanding voice and confident swagger immediately grabbed attention.

As for the Vindys, sometimes opening bands can be dicey, especially when the headliners have been beloved rock icons for over forty years. But wow…The Vindys. The Vindys are from Youngstown and have been steadily gaining recognition over the last ten years. Benatar tapped them to open for her last tour, and it went so well, she invited them back. In one interview, Benatar raved about lead singer Jackie Popovec, “…that girl can sing her ass off!” Praise doesn’t get much better than that

The Vindys, opening the evening, made a strong impression. Jackie Popovec’s vocals were powerful yet easy on the ears, and the band’s original songs were met with genuine enthusiasm. Their musicianship and stage presence suggested a group ready for bigger stages.

Their closing cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” was a bold choice that paid off. The Vindys put their own spin on the classic, showing off their range and earning a standing ovation. It’s clear why they were chosen for this tour—this is a band with real potential, and their performance at Fallsview proved they’re more than up to the challenge.

It takes a special performer to get people invested in songs that they don't know. That is exactly what The Vindys was able to do. By the first chorus of the first song "Don't Tell Me, Just Love Me" I was hooked. The surprise of the night and the highlight of the opening set was a stellar cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs." The song was a perfect showcase for Popovec's impressive pipes. Check them out now, thank me later.

The Vindys are set to open for Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at their F.M. Kirby Center show on Tuesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.

Dynamic rockers The Vindys just released their new single and music video, “Electric”, as they continue on their second consecutive tour alongside Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, opening for a series of shows spanning 26 cities throughout the spring season.

I chatted with Jackie from The Vindys about her musical upbringing and what it’s like being on tour with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.

Ohio pop-rockers the Vindys delivered a rousing opening set that showed off accessible songwriting and singer Jackie Popovec's powerful pipes.

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jackie Popovec. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jackie below.

The Vindys are getting ready to team up with Metal Queen Lita Ford for Rock the Rich Center. The annual concert benefits the Rich Center for Autism. This year, they’re highlighting “Women Who Rock,” but the focus remains on the autism community.

Ford will headline the show and will be joined on stage by the Vindys. Vindy’s lead singer, Jackie Popovec, is excited to return to the stage for the third-straight year, tag-teaming with Lita Ford.

“Electric” arrives as The Vindys prepare to launch their second consecutive tour alongside Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, beginning April 18 in Tulsa, OK, opening a series of shows spanning 26 cities, including Austin, Memphis, Baltimore, and two dates in Canada.

After a successful nationwide tour as the opening act for Pat Benatar, a Youngstown band is going back on the road for an East Coast tour.

Youngstown’s popular rock-n-roll band The Vindys will once again be touring with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. The Benatar plus Giraldo Spring Tour 2025 was announced Tuesday. As was the case last summer, The Vindys will open for them on 24 of their 25 stops.

The Vindys will go back on tour this spring with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. The Youngstown-based rockers also toured with Benatar and Giraldo last summer.

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo invited The Vindys back for an encore. The Youngstown band will open for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees for a 26-city tour running from April 18 through June 1. Last summer The Vindys opened for Benatar and Giraldo on a 22-city trek that was the group’s first cross-country tour.

The Vindys had planned to work on a new album in the summer of 2024.

Instead, the band got an offer it couldn’t refuse — joining Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldoon a national tour over the summer, including a gig at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park in Indianapolis.

Who are the Vindys? I had no idea when I showed up on a hot July night to see newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.

Lita Ford, former Runaway and Ozzy Osbourne collaborator, and Youngstown’s The Vindys will play a benefit show for the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.