Monsters of Rock returns to Hazleton's First Night!

Hazleton, Pennsylvania - Billed as the areas ultimate 80's tribute band, Hazleton based Monsters of Rock will make a return trip to Hazleton's popular New Years Eve arts festival, First Night Hazleton.

According to the bands founder and drummer, Vick Lutsky, the band made its debut public performance at the event, December 31, 2004 and got the call earlier this year, from event coordinator Lena Kotansky, to make a return appearance.

"There was no question about doing the show, said Lutsky. It's a fantastic community event and it opens our music up to a wide range of people."

"While our music is centered heavily around the artists of the 1980's, during that initial performance the audience spanned from nine to ninety! Well, maybe not ninety," joked Lutsky!

"The point is, over the course of the 3 shows, we hit a diverse audience of about 600 people, and we're very much looking forward to this years show."

"It was a natural", according to Hazleton City Economic Officer, Lena Kotansky, who is also coordinates the First Night event.

"The organization had worked with Monsters of Rock in their infancy, and it was clear they bring another layer of diversity to the entire program."

"I've followed their career since their debut, and I think we are going to be in for quite a show!" Kotansky continued, "I've talked to Vick and have a good idea of what type of a concert they are setting up for that night. Frankly, anyone who has any appreciation for some of the biggest bands of the late seventies and eighties is not going to want to miss this show!"

The band has enjoyed a variety of notoriety during the past year including performing with popular 1980's national recording artists Ratt, as well as Vixen.

This past October also had the band performing to sold out audiences, as they played the musical score behind the renowned Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts production of Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Lutsky continued, "We bring a show that's completely over the top and reminiscent of the big concerts of the 1980's".

When asked what people can expect from this years performance, Lutsky said, "We've taken some creative liberties with this particular show, straying a little bit from our normal club set, we intend to bring more of a rock opera sound to the stage. Without giving it all away, the audience will be treated to an amazing audio-visual presentation of music by Queen, Journey, Styx and more!"

First Night Hazleton is held December 31st, and starts at 5:00PM. The festival includes over a dozen indoor venues, hosting a wide diversity of arts and music.

Monsters of Rock will perform three separate shows, starting at 5:45PM at the Altamont Hotel Building ballroom, located on the corner of Broad and Church Streets.

"All Access" passes are available for $4 for youth and seniors, and $8 for adults.

For more information about the show, the festival in general or to purchase passes, please visit: www.FirstNightHazleton.com

# # #