The Reagan Years Band: Your ’80s soundtrack to summer concerts

For many of us in the Cumberland Valley, summer doesn’t officially start until The Reagan Years hit the stage.

With nine performances scheduled within a 45-minute drive, and even more if you’re willing to venture slightly beyond, this summer is shaping up to be a full-blown ‘80s revival. From Chambersburg to Carroll Valley, from Boonsboro to Mont Alto, this high-energy tribute band has become more than a seasonal fixture. It’s a local tradition.

And if you think you’ve already seen them, think again.

A 30-year overnight success

When The Reagan Years played their very first gig at Jenkinson’s in Atlantic City back in 1996, the response was… less than enthusiastic. “The promoter told us, ‘This ‘80s thing? No one wants to hear this [*bleep*] anymore,” said founding member and drummer, Sy Seyler, with a laugh. “He told our singer to get out while he could.”

Fortunately, they didn’t listen.

Nearly three decades later, The Reagan Years are still going strong, and the ’80s revival they helped pioneer is bigger than ever. “Back then, we were one of only three ’80s tribute bands in the country,” Seyler said.

But longevity isn’t just about sticking around; it’s about staying fresh. “We keep our core hits,” lead vocalist Anthony Nuccio explained, “but we also change up the set list, add new songs, and tailor the show based on the venue. A carnival crowd is different from a club crowd. And we love that.”

What to expect at a show

So what makes a Reagan Years concert so unforgettable?

Think high-octane nostalgia with serious musical chops. This isn’t karaoke with Aqua Net. These are seasoned, professional musicians who know their craft, and they bring the technical skill to match the iconic sound of the era. Journey. Madonna. Bon Jovi. INXS. Hall & Oates. Guns N’ Roses. Every show is a mixtape come to life, with audience members singing along from the first keyboard riff to the final encore.

And don’t forget that iconic saxophone sound that made so many ‘80s hits memorable. “We bring Scott Benford out with the sax and harmonica when the show calls for it,” said Seyler. “It just adds that extra layer of magic.”

For Nuccio, who joined the band after starring as the lead in the 10th anniversary “Rock of Ages” national tour, every song is a chance to connect with the crowd. “One of my favorites to perform is ‘Paradise City,’” he said. “It brings this huge wave of energy. But I also love the quieter moments, when Seyler and I do the Queen and Bowie duet, and the whole crowd just listens. You can hear a pin drop.”

Family fun and core memories

While they regularly pack beach bars, theaters and clubs across the East Coast, it’s the summer carnival and festival circuit where The Reagan Years truly shine. “We love these events,” Seyler said. “It’s a chance for families to come together, for free, and share a moment. Not everyone can afford concert tickets, but these local shows are accessible, fun and multigenerational.”

It’s not uncommon to see a 7-year-old belting out “Don’t Stop Believin’” next to their grandparents. “When we see that kind of connection, when a kid knows the lyrics to a song that came out decades before they were born, it’s incredible,” Nuccio said. “Sometimes we’ll go out into the crowd and hand the mic to someone young. You never know if that moment will inspire them to pursue music.”

Seyler agrees: “If they put the phone down and start singing? We’ve done our job.”

A band with a life off stage

When they’re not performing, the members of The Reagan Years are a surprisingly eclectic bunch. Sy Seyler is an avid fly fisherman. Anthony Nuccio is a gym junkie with a passion for hiking and theater. Scott Benford, the band’s saxophonist, also loves fishing. Karen Ellison, keyboardist, plays competitive tennis. Raychel Harvey, vocalist, is involved in horse rescue. Glenn Riley, guitarist, teaches guitar. Bryan Kimes, bassist, loves playing with his cat, Walter. That mix of real life off-stage is part of what keeps their energy fresh on-stage.

And while they’re fully committed to preserving the magic of the ‘80s, they aren’t stuck in the past. “We see a resurgence in younger audiences,” Nuccio noted. “Stranger Things, retro fashion, even metal bands bringing sax back. It’s all rooted in that ‘80s vibe. The influence is everywhere.”

More than just a concert

Seeing The Reagan Years live is like attending a reunion, a dance party and a rock concert rolled into one. It’s no wonder so many fans build their summer around the band’s schedule. “People come to every local show,” Seyler said. “Every. Single. One. We’re talking Friday, Saturday, Sunday.”

Why?

Because no two shows are ever the same. “We rotate our set lists, adapt to the crowd and we’re always evolving,” Nuccio added. “So even if you’ve seen us before, you haven’t seen this version of us.”

And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth digging your old prom dress out of the closet for the ‘80s Ball at Mickey’s Black Box in Lititz? The answer is a resounding yes. “You’ll fit right in,” Seyler said. “Or stand out, in the best way possible.”

Two words: Thank you

To the fans who show up year after year, from the front row dancers to the lawn-chair loungers: the band sees you. “Seriously,” said Seyler, “thank you. We don’t take it for granted.”

And to those who’ve never been?

“Come out,” Nuccio said. “Bring your kids. Bring your parents. Come for the party, and stay for the music.”

Local shows this summer
Here’s where you can catch The Reagan Years live in the Cumberland Valley: