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Restless Heart wins over fans by performing string of hits

It's been awhile since the band Restless Heart has had a big hit.

In the music industry, there's a saying that if you don't keep recording, you're quickly forgotten.On Saturday night at Penn's Peak, it was obvious that the fans still very well remember the sextet.Restless Heart performed a 15-number set that included every one of the band's seven number one hits.Among them including "The Bluest Eyes in Texas, a ballad which proved to be one of the crowd's favorites judging by the applause.The band is celebrating its 25th anniversary. There had been a time in the 90s when the band disbanded, but all the original members have reunited and were present for the Penn's Peak event.A highlight of their performance was a medley of songs from other artists. Lead singer Larry Stewart termed it a "medley of friends" who have helped Restless Heart over the years.The medley included "Why Not Me" by The Judds, "Mercury Blues" by Alan Jackson, "Family Tradition" by Hank Williams Jr., and "Mountain Music" by Alabama.This was Restless Heart's first appearance at Penn's Peak. The band fell in love with the venue."We found our favorite venue in all America," Stewart said. "The view is great. The food is great. The people are great."Other number one hits the band sung included "Why Does It Have To Be Right Or Wrong," "That Rock Won't Roll," and "I'll Still Be Loving You."Lonnie Kester of Palmerton was thrilled with the performance by Restless Heart. "They were awesome," he said, noting he has been a fan of the group since he first heard them in 1985."I got every album they made," Kester said. "It's too bad they don't get the recognition they deserve. This was a great show."Mindy Papukin of Clifton, N.J. said she was thrilled when she saw Restless Heart was coming to Penn's Peak. "I didn't know they were back together and they're a fantastic band," she said.She added, "This venue is fabulous," noting it was her first visit.Opening the evening was singer Nicole Donatone, a radio host on Penn's Peak Radio, who did a number of cover tunes. Donatone hosts "Roundup," a Sunday morning show on Penn's Peak Radio which airs from 10 a.m. to noon.Donatone displayed the expansive range of vocals by singing songs by Mary Chapin Carpenter ("I Feel Lucky"), Loretta Lynn ("Coal Miner's Daughter"), Little Big Town ("Little White Church"), and Patsy Cline ("In Care of the Blues"). Especially outstanding was her version of the country classic "Blue Moon O'er Kentucky."She did a 45-minute set that had audience members clapping with her and tapping their toes."She has a fabulous voice," said Deb Tomasko of Allentown.Kester agreed, stating, "She has a lot of potential."

Ron Gower/TIMES NEWS Larry Stewart of the band Restless Heart sings during concert Saturday at Penn's Peak.