Westside fundraiser returns as a free, all-ages event

When Jason Fellman staged last year’s Westside Totally ’80s Night, it was a resounding success aimed at giving the 21 and older set a nostalgic dance party for a good cause — proceeds from the $25-a-ticket benefit went toward Camp Howard and the Catholic Youth Organization.

Westside Totally ’80s Night II is sponsored by McMenamins, 105.9 The Brew and K103.3 Portland's Soft Rock.

Westside Totally ’80's Night II is Friday at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.) at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, 4045 N.W. Cornelius Pass Road, Hillsboro. For more info, visit j-fell.com.

This year, his production company J-Fell has teamed up with McMenamins to bring this popular event back, but with the aim of making it more accessible. Also, they’re taking the fun outside.

“It’s outdoors, it’s free, it’s all ages,” said Fellman. “Kids like ’80s music now, and we’re trying to add a family element to this show.”

Opening attendance to younger dancers, many of whom were born decades after most of these hits topped the charts, makes sense. After all, songs like Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” or Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” have held onto their novelty as dance tracks, even after 20 years.

Like last year, popular Journey Tribute band Stone in Love (featuring Fellman on drums) takes the stage. Fellman will also switch to lead vocals and rhythm guitar with Radical Revolution, his ’80s dance music band that offers an almost exhaustive medley of hits.

This year, the two bands will be joined by Bon Jovi tribute group Steelhorse.

Fellman said he looks forward to bringing such a lively show to the orchard at McMenamins Conelius Pass Roadhouse, where attendance is expected to reach around 1,500 people.

“I don’t think they’ve ever done a music event back there,” he said. “It’s definitely a different feel.”

And though admission is free this year, Fellman hopes Westside Totally ’80’s Night II will still benefit the community. Canned food donations for a local food bank are requested, but not required for entry.

Through his J-Fell Presents — which Fellman refers to as "Northwest's Cover and Tribute Band Juggernaut" — he manages and promotes all the bands participating in Totally ’80s Night II, as well as Guns N’ Roses cover band Appetite for Deception, ’80s glam metal band Hair Assault, rock and soul collective Ants in the Kitchen, and "retro-modern dance and party" group The Gent's Club Band.