Two '80s bands to perform at Penn's Peak

Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe will welcome two iconic '80s bands, The Smithereens and Martha Davis & The Motels, at 8 p.m. Aug. 19.

The event will feature the original members of the bands in their East West Tour.

The Smithereens

"I think it's as good as anything we've ever done," Pat DiNizio says of 2011, the Smithereens' first album of original songs in 11 years.

"I hate to use the term 'comeback album,' and it certainly wasn't planned that way, but it really feels like it," adds longtime bandmate Jim Babjak. "It has the raw vibe of our early albums, while showing that we're moving forward and that we're still at the top of our game after 31 years."

The 13-song set shows the New Jersey-bred quartet to be making some of the most urgent music of their three-decade career, delivering a timeless brand of punchy, heartfelt rock 'n' roll with as much fire as ever. Such memorable new tunes as "Sorry," "One Look at You," "A World of Our Own" and "Rings on Her Fingers" exemplify the Smithereens' trademark brand of punchy melodic songcraft, driven home by DiNizio's expressive vocals and emotionally complex lyrics, along with fiery ensemble performances that show off the uncanny musical chemistry of long-standing musical partners DiNizio, Babjak and Dennis Diken and later addition Severo "the Thrilla" Jornacion, who joined in 2006.

Martha Davis & the Motels

One of LA's original new wave bands, Martha Davis & The Motels scored big with hits including "Only the Lonely," "Suddenly Last Summer," "Total Control, "Mission of Mercy, "Shame" and "Danger," netting two gold albums.

MTV videos did not kill this radio star with lead singer and songwriter Martha Davis winning Best Performance in a Music Video at the American Music Awards for her performance in the "Only the Lonely" video.

With an '80s revival now in full swing, Martha Davis & The Motels are back on the road pleasing their legions of fans.

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn's Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Penn's Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.