In a heartwarming display of hometown pride, the members of the renowned country rock band Abilene recently presented a special gift to the City of Pittston. The band, whose roots trace back to the Pittston Area School District in the early 1970s, has been recognized for their significant contributions to the local music scene and will soon be inducted into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Honoring the Enduring Legacy of Abilene

Hometown Heroes Receive a Prestigious Accolade

The members of Abilene, including Joe Pacuska, Mike Garzella, Jimmy Musto, Lee Calabro, and Joe "Weasel" Wascavage, along with former members Joe Andes and Carl Breeze, will be officially inducted into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame on November 8th at the F.M. Kirby Center. This prestigious honor recognizes the band's remarkable journey and their lasting impact on the local music landscape.Abilene's success was largely driven by their unique blend of country rock, a genre that was not widely embraced in the region at the time. Drawing inspiration from the likes of the Charlie Daniels Band, Doug Kershaw, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band carved out a niche for themselves, captivating audiences with their energetic performances and soulful melodies.

A Reunion Decades in the Making

The band's induction into the Hall of Fame marks a significant milestone, as it brings together the core members of Abilene for one final performance. After years of individual pursuits, the band members reunited at the request of former Wilkes-Barre City Mayor Tom Leighton, who invited them to perform at the city's Bicentennial Centennial concert in 2006.The Bicentennial Centennial concert proved to be a triumphant homecoming for Abilene, as they took the stage after the legendary Beach Boys. Despite the contractual restrictions that prevented them from using keyboards or drums, the band delivered a electrifying performance that left the crowd captivated.

Preserving the Legacy: Abilene's Recording Project

As the band prepares for their Hall of Fame induction, they have also been working on a special recording project that will allow them to preserve their legacy for future generations. Over the past three years, Abilene has been recording new, original music at JL Studios in Olyphant, with the guidance of their longtime soundman, Jim "Bozo" Connors.The recording project has been a labor of love for the band, as they reconnected with Connors after years of lost contact. Pacuska recalls the serendipitous moment when Connors shared his own original compositions, inspiring the band to capture their musical magic one last time.While the album is not expected to be released in time for the Hall of Fame ceremony, the band has set their sights on a 2025 release date. This new collection of Abilene originals will serve as a fitting tribute to the band's enduring spirit and their unwavering commitment to their craft.

The Final Curtain Call

As the members of Abilene prepare to take the stage one last time at the Kirby Center, a bittersweet sense of nostalgia and pride fills the air. The band has made it clear that this will be their final live performance, marking the end of an era for the beloved local legends.For the devoted fans who have followed Abilene's journey over the decades, this induction ceremony will be a poignant celebration of the band's remarkable accomplishments and the indelible mark they have left on the Northeastern Pennsylvania music scene. As the curtain falls on Abilene's live performances, their legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.