RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The anthemic metal of Def Leppard and the melodic rock ballads of Journey echoed up the grassy hillside and across the shimmering waters of Lake Clementia as Entertainment, Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta kicked off its summer concert series on June 14.

Although the tribute band consists of seven musicians, they swapped out the lead singers and made other adjustments when they transitioned from Def Leppard Revisited to Journey Revisited following intermission.

Although the Def Leppard tribute band opened with high-energy hits like “Rocket,” “Animal” and “Armageddon It,” the dance floor remained quiet at first, aside from a few enthusiastic youngsters and a half-dozen adults sporting outfits that looked like a throwback to the 1987-era when the “Hysteria” album was released.

But by the time the band launched into “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph” to close its set, the dance floor was packed and fully alive.

The Journey Revisited set opened with band leader Val Popovik delivering a soaring rendition of the national anthem on electric guitar, backed by Kevin Jachetta on keyboard. The set featured fan favorites like “Wheel in the Sky” and “Open Arms.” Lead vocalist Frank Howard invited the crowd to sing “Don’t Stop Believin’” a cappella: an invitation the audience embraced with enthusiasm.

Responding to calls for an encore, the band closed out the night with energetic performances of “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” and “Any Way You Want It.”

Interviewed after the concert, the band leader praised the audience’s energy.

“They were really loud and really into it,” Popovic said. “What makes it fun is when the audience gives back to us, and then we give it back to them. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”

ETC President JT Turner said the board was very pleased with the turnout for the first concert, which came close to a full house.

“Both bands delivered incredible performances, and the packed dance floors perfectly captured the crowd’s energy and the sense of nostalgia for these two iconic groups,” he said.

Turner also highlighted the dual role of Rancho Murieta resident Paul Fite, who plays guitar for Def Leppard Revisited and serves on the ETC Facilities Board.

“We’re proud to have his talents both on and off the stage,” he said.

Turner emceed a brief program before the concert got underway, beginning by inviting ETC Board members to the stage and introducing them to the crowd. He also expressed appreciation for the event’s sponsors, starting with Realtor Karen Hoberg of Rancho Murieta Homes & Land, the concert’s title sponsor.

He then introduced two performers from the Murieta Dance Company—siblings David and Gemma Schneider—who reprised an award-winning routine set to the song “Pick Me.”

Adding a burst of fun, Turner used a T-shirt cannon to launch giveaways into the audience. As the concert wrapped up under clear skies, the evening cooled enough that some attendees bundled up in sweaters or blankets.