Here are some testimonials and comments from some great people who hired Amethyst for their events.

"Outstanding, outstanding, outstanding.  Our only regret was that they had to stop playing."

- Ryan (groom, WEDDING)

"Amethyst was great! They were so generous to play past their designated time. There were a lot of people dancing.......including me...wooohooo!!"

- Jill (Princeton University Reunions)

"YOU GUYS ROCKED THE HOUSE!  Thank you so much for helping this event to be such a success.  You guys were great to work with!"

- Ed (Seaside Park Yacht Club)

"Thank you so much for performing. Everything was great and we all enjoyed it. You really made our 80s prom complete."

- Raquel (Rowan University)

"There was nothing but praise and rave reviews for you from everyone at the party. On top of that you are a really nice group of people.  You made the night for us man and I hope you'll be willing to come here again in the future."

- Joe (private party)

"You folks were truly terrific at (my) Super Bowl party yesterday.  Many calls and texts thanking us for a great time and a great band."

- Bill (private party)

"Thank you guys so much for playing our Wedding, we had an awesome time.  I think the one thing we heard again and again from our guests was how awesome the band was.  We couldn't agree more.  If we ever have another big party, we will certainly look to see if you guys are available.  Thanks again for putting on such a great show and we wish you the best in the future.

- Mike & Erin (groom and bride, WEDDING)

"Thank you and the band for a great night... Everyone loved your music and Matt and I couldn't be happier with Amethyst."

- Jasmine (bride, WEDDING)

"You did a wonderful job on Saturday and all of our guests are still raving about your performance. Thank you so much for making our party a success."

- Judy (private party)

"We have had a huge number of emails from friends saying that this was their best wedding ever and you were the best wedding band they had seen. So thank you, and thanks to the rest of the band!"

- Dan (groom, WEDDING)

"I was very pumped by you and the rest of the BAND! You guys rocked! You where one of the main ingredients of a perfect night.   To make you feel great, I got many calls from my friends on Sunday about what a great party it was…there was one consistent theme…THE BAND WAS AWESOME!"

- Scott (private party)

"Thanks again for a great wedding event Oct. 14, 2006.  Months later we are still hearing about how much fun everyone had, esp. with the great music from your band.  I just wanted all of you to know how memorable you made their wedding."

- Jean (mother of bride, WEDDING)

The members of the 1980s cover band Amethyst didn't just learn the songs, they lived the decade, beginning their musical journeys in high school when the Rubik's Cube, regular Nintendo, leg warmers and Pac-Man were popular.

The current band started out in 2002, first as just a group of friends who had played in bands together in the past and decided to relive the music, playing songs they used to play in bands back then. Now in their late 30s, something that began as just for fun has turned into a popular cover band after its '80s concept stuck.

Three original members remain, including bassist vocalist Mike Dok, vocalist guitarist Pete Amadeo and guitarist vocalist Mike Zaffarese. In 2005, Dan O'Leary replaced the original keyboardist, and Pete's brother Eric replaced the drummer two years ago.

While the band had been fronted by a solo male lead vocalist for the first few years, in 2005, the addition of female vocalist Kristy Talorico opened them up to a lot more songs, and allowed them to "add the other half of the '80s," Dok said.

This move also helped set the band apart from other area bands with a similar musical theme.

Another difference Dok has noticed is that while some groups tend to stick with hair metal, Amethyst "tries to focus on all aspects of the '80s," he said, including dance, Top 40, college rock and straight pop.

The band plays songs by R.E.M., Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Billy Idol, Tommy Tutone, Journey, Pat Benatar and Madonna, to name a few.

During a typical set, the band bounces back and forth between male and female lead vocals, and among various genres, Dok said, "all linked by the common thread of the '80s."

The high-energy dance band, named after a minor comic book from the '80s called "Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld," sticks with the upbeat tunes, without any real ballads performed.

"It gets people up and dancing," Dok said.

Locally, Amethyst performs at the Surf City Hotel, a gig gained two years ago through a mutual connection. The band has been playing at Molly Maguire's in Clark for five years, and a bartender there recommended them to her father, who just happened to be the manager at the hotel.

"We love the Surf City Hotel," Dok said. This will be Amethyst's third year performing there, with only one date lined up — tonight.

"It's always a great time," he said, adding that last year, a group of 10 to 15 vacationers came back to see them at one of their shows, after hearing them first the year before.