Jess Novak has released her EP Sonrise, a love letter to the two most important men in Jess’ life: her husband and her son. She also comes with news of future concert dates and other projects to come.
Jess Novak (electric violin, guitar, vocals, piano, percussion, looping) makes The Jess Novak Band what it is with the help of Byron Cage on drums, Anthony Saturno on electric guitar, Jay Fabbri on bass, and Gavin George and Marcus Oliver on drums.
Having traveled across the country and playing 200 shows every year, Jess Novak and her band are well-versed in music, determined to make their next concert even better than their last.
Novak boasts many talents: with her electric violin and other instruments, she also is credited with aiding in the creation of F.I.R.E Festival (Females. Inspire. Rock. Empower.). This event is meant to create a safe space for women in a male-dominated industry, inviting old and young from all kinds of backgrounds.
F.I.R.E is also accepting applications for participants, be it volunteering, performing, or sponsoring.
On top of this festival, she also boasts a future in being an author, with one already published book Dare to Begin published in September 2022, discussing her own musical journey and dreams. Another book is also on the way– a fiction novel “The House Musician” likely to hit the shelves in 2024.
Just when you think she can’t do anything else, Jess brings a life into the world. She and her husband, Ben, collaborated on an EP called Sonrise, an in-depth and vulnerable love letter to her son, the life she brought into the world, and the immediate connection they shared since his birth.
It’s an eclectic album with heartfelt vocals and rock instrumentals, from the loving “Falling” to the hard rock “My Baby,” this EP shows all the emotions that can be experienced when one becomes a parent, and how this forever alters one’s life.
“This album doesn’t feel like an album to me. It feels like a love letter to the two most important men in my life. It feels like a proud way to say how much I love them and how I can’t believe I’m this lucky to be sharing my heart in these songs.”
Country star Jason Aldean has announced a 24-city extension of his cross-country Highway Desperado Tour, featuring special guests, festivals, and VIP opportunities for fan across the US. Kicking off on May 18, the tour includes three NY dates in Syracuse, Wantagh, and Darien Center this summer.
After a successful 40-date run in 2023, Jason Aldean will continue the Highway Desperado Tour in the summer of 2024. The tour begins on May 18 in Thackerville, OH, with stops at landmark venues such as Bristow, VA’s Jiffy Lube Live, NC’s Greensboro Coliseum, and more. Aldean will play in New York on three dates. He will stop in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 11, in Wantagh at the Jones Beach Theater on July 12, and finally, at Darien Center’s Darien Lake Amphitheater on August 1.
Aldean recently released his 11th studio album on November 3 to huge success. The 14-track record includes hit singles such as “Try That In A Small Town” and “Let Your Boys Be Country.” The latter includes a brand new music video featuring guest appearances by Aldean’s young son and daughter, and focuses on the simplicity and nature of rural childhood life.
The Highway Desperado Tour features special guests including Hailey Whitters and Lauren Alaina, as well as Chase Matthew, Austin Snell, and Dee Jay Silver at select shows. In addition to the newly added dates, Jason Aldean will headline festivals such as the Winstock Country Music Festival, the Voices of America Country Music Festival, and Canada’s YQM Country Music Fest.
Tickets for the Highway Desperado tour go on sale on December 15 at 10AM. A variety of VIP packages and experiences are available, including premium tickets, access to the Jason Aldean VIP Lounge, pre-show acoustic performance and Q&A, VIP gift items, and more. Tickets and more information are available at JasonAldean.com and vipnation.com.
Jason Aldean HIGHWAY DESPERADO 2024 Tour Dates
5/18/24 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino and Resort*
7/11/24 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview&
7/12/24 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater&
7/13/24 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
7/25/24 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena^
7/26/24 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach^
8/1/24 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater^
8/2/24 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^
8/3/24 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain^
8/8/24 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center^
8/10/24 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake^
The holiday season is here, and there may be no greater gift to give your friends and family this season than tickets to a stunning concert. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse this December that you may want to consider.
New Jersey hip-hop pioneers Sugar Hill Gang will kick off the month with a performance at Syracuse’s newest music venue, the Middle Ages Beer Hall. Known for their smash hit “Rapper’s Delight” which was the first rap single to become a top 40 hit (1979), the band has served as the inspiration to countless acts over the last four decades. In 2019, the group reunited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the track, and have continued to tour intermittently since.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $35.
Central New York hard-rock fans won’t want to miss the reunion of Syracuse’s Brand New Sin on December 2 at The Westcott Theater. The rockers, led by Joe Altier, last performed a reunion show in 2019. Active from 2002-2012, the band performed at the 2007 Krockathon, and have opened for bands such as Black Label Society, Slash, Chris Cornell, Godsmack, and Type O Negative. The band saw commercial success in 2002 with the release of the single “My World” which was featured on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $30.
Rochester native and New York State favorite Mikaela Davis returns to Funk ’n Waffles for a show on December 8. Davis will again be joined by her band, Southern Star. The group recently wrapped up a successful tour in support of their album, And Southern Star, which saw the band open several shows for The Mountain Goats. Davis, a classically trained harpist, weaves beautiful melodies which intertwine with her band’s Grateful Dead inspired roots. A recent three-show residency in Syracuse saw the band play two sets each night; one set of Southern Star originals, and one set of Grateful Dead favorites. The band continues to rise in popularity, and this is surely one you won’t want to miss. Maybird opens the show.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $22.
Coincidentally on the same night, Davis’ recent tour partners and indie-folk rockers The Mountain Goats perform an intimate concert at the Center for the Arts in Homer. Originally the creation of singer-songwriter John Darnielle, he will be accompanied by a full band for this performance. Known for high intensity live concerts which feature Darnielle’s clever and witty lyrics, the band frequently sells out whatever venue is in their path. This performance at the Center for the Arts is no exception.
Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are sold out.
Those looking to get in to the holiday spirt won’t want to miss this one, as Lindsey Stirling returns to Central New York as part of her annual Snow Waltz Tour. The violinist/dancer, whose performances are known for stunning choreography and theatrics, is embarking on what is now becoming an annual holiday celebration, which will see the violinist perform a wide variety of holiday favorites as well as tracks from her own Snow Waltz album.
The dynamic progressive fusion rock trio Baked Shrimp from Long Island announced in a letter to fans that they are going on an indefinite hiatus, starting in February 2024.
Before disbanding though, the group is embarking on a farewell album release tour, coming to the Cutting Room, Funk ‘n Waffles, and The Hollow in January and February of 2024.
Baked Shrimp consists of Jared Cowen (Guitar/Vocals), Scott Reill (Bass/Vocals), and Jager Soss (Drums/Vocals). Together, they channel boundless energy, unique songwriting, and powerful improvisation, weaving into a symphonic odyssey that is their eclectic discography. During the years 2022 and 2023, the group performed over 215 concerts throughout the US and Canada, debuting at renowned events like the Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Northlands Live, and Mile of Music.
They have played with the likes of Phil Lesh and provided direct support for the Disco Biscuits, Dopapod, Twiddle, and Andy Frasco & The U.N.
In their letter to fans, Baked Shrimp expressed gratitude for their fans and to venue and festival owners for “taking a chance on [them].” Going on, they said “These past seven years have been a privilege and honor getting to perform our original music with all of our heart and soul in front of your dancing, smiling, and loving faces from all different parts of the country. The three of us will cherish every one of these moments for the rest of our lives.”
The band is going separate ways, with each member pursuing their dreams and will still remain active in the music industry. Ending the announcement, the group wishes everyone well, saying “Stay safe, love and respect one another, enjoy the holidays, and weâll see you for one last tour starting in January at home in NYC.”
To purchase tickets to their upcoming farewell album release tour, visit here.
Baked Shrimp Farewell Album Release Tour 2024: 01/12 – The Cutting Room – New York, NY (Album Release Party) 01/13 – The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD w/ Greasy Hands 01/14 – The Camel – Richmond, VA (Umphrey’s McGee After-Party) 01/17 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 01/18 – The Pour House – Raleigh, NC w/ The Hourglass Kids 01/19 – Live at “The Shop” – Dunbar, WV 01/20 – Blue Fox Billiards – Winchester, VA w/ Tim Cintron Project 02/02 – The Drake – Amherst, MA 02/03 – Nectar’s – Burlington, VT 02/08 – Funk ‘n Waffles – Syracuse, NY 02/09 – The Hollow – Albany, NY 02/10 – River Street Jazz Cafe – Plains, PA 02/17 – Park City Music Hall – Bridgeport, CT (Final Show) w/ Honeydew
Comedian, actor, and podcast host Sebastian Maniscalco has announced his 2024 It Ain’t Right Tour, stopping in New York City, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse.
Sebastian Maniscalco is the undisputed king of physical comedy, hailed by The New York Times as the “hottest comic in America.” He has been performing for over two decades gaining a massive loyal fanbase. With his tireless work ethic and undeniable talent, Maniscalco commands the crowd with his witty jokes and honesty. During his latest tour, he conquered New York City by selling out Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, and Prudential Center. With residencies at the Borgata Event Center in Atlantic City, as well as the Wynn, Encore Theatre in Las Vegas, he continues his record-breaking arena shows that earned him the top spot on Pollstar’s Top Comedy Tours list.
He has also starred in six comedy specials for networks such as Netflix, Showtime, and Comedy Central. Maniscalco’s success in comedy extends beyond the stand-up stage. His talents have translated to film, television, and podcasting. His new series Bookie, co-produced by Maniscalco and Chuck Lorre, premieres in November of 2023 on HBO MAX. The show follows a veteran bookie navigating the impending legalization of sports gambling and the evolving culture that bounces him around Los Angeles.
Credit: Peggy Sirota.
Maniscalco can be seen on the big screen in projects such as the animated feature film The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the Neil Bogart biopic Spinning Gold, and the dramedy Somewhere in Queens with Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf. In 2023, Maniscalco marked his first role as a leading man when he co-wrote and starred in About My Father, loosely based on his Italian family experience, alongside Robert De Niro. Maniscalco also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama, The Irishman, and Peter Farrelly’s Oscar-winning Green Book.
Along with TV and standup, Maniscalco currently hosts two podcasts, Daddy vs. Doctor and The Pete and Sebastian Show. He is also the author of the national best-selling memoir, “Stay Hungry,” an inspiring, and honest collection of essays that traces his career from trials and tribulations – to reaching the pinnacles of comedy success.
“Hop on the ‘It Ain’t Right’ tour, where I’ll roast today’s absurdities – nonexistent manners, wallet-wincing prices, and the social media circus,” said Maniscalco. “Join me in laughing at the wrongs in this shameless world!”
Tickets will be available starting with artist presale on Wednesday, November 29. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m.
IT AIN’T RIGHT 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu Jul 11 – Norfolk, VA – Norfolk Scope Arena
Fri Jul 12 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Sat Jul 13 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
The sounds of rock nostalgia echoed through out the historic Landmark Theater in Syracuse on Sunday, as Bush brought their “No Where To Go But Everywhere” tour to the historic theater. Bad Wolves and Eva Under Fire opened the concert.
It can be hard to fathom that Bush have been staples in the music industry for nearly 30 years. Led by frontman and heart throb Gavin Rossdale, the multiplatinum selling rockers recently released Loaded; The Greatest Hits 1994-2023, a retrospective chronicle of the band’s discography. Though many of the faces in the band have changed since 1994, they are still led by Gavin Rossdale (vocals, guitar). The remainder of the band consists of Chris Traynor (guitars), Corey Britz (bass guitar), and Nik Hughes (percussion).
The evening kicked off with a high octane set by Eva Under Fire. Led by vocalist Eva Marie, the Detroit natives took the early arriving crowd on a fast paced musical journey. Vocalist Eva Marie took immediate command of the crowd’s attention as she strutted along the platforms that adorned the front of the stage. Midway through their set, the band embraced their role as the opening act, delivering a clever take on Journey’s “Separate Ways.” Eva Marie engaged with the audience at every opportunity, at one point taking the cellphone of a fan (who was attempting to take a mid-set selfie) and sand into the phone as she danced about the stage.
Up next were hard rockers, Bad Wolves. Singer Daniel Laskiewicz crept through the shadows of the stage while performing tracks form the bands four album discography. They would close their set with a cover of the Cranberries hit “Zombie” which saw those in attendance rise to their feet and sing along.
After a dramatic introduction which saw strobe lights dance about the stage in perfect synchrony to drum beats, Gavin Rossdale and his bandmates took to the stage. They wasted no time getting the greatest hits party started, kicking off the evening with their 1994 breakthrough hit, “Everything Zen”. From the familiar opening guitar riff, fans pushed to the front of the stage to catch a closer glimpse of the stars. The band kept the momentum going early, with the intense rocker “Machine Head” and their 1997 hit “Greedy Fly”.
In between songs, Rossdale spoke about the experiences that led him to writing the songs, and encouraged the fans in attendance to reflect back on what the songs meant to them; on the memories of where they were and who they were with when they first heard them. Perhaps the most heartfelt story told by Rossdale was before performing the band’s 2000 hit “Letting the Cables Sleep”, a song written about when Rossdale learned a close friend of his had HIV.
Through out the evening, Rossdale and his bandmates wove through the many eras of the band’s music, with newer tracks like “Flowers On A Grave” and “More Than Machines” proving to be just as strong as the band’s earlier hits. The band would close out the evening with two of their more familiar tracks, a solo rendition of “Glycerine” followed by “Come Down”. Both songs had fans bellowing out the familiar choruses in the theater and as they their way into the streets following the concert.
On Saturday, November 18, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra continued its 2023-2024 Symphonic Series with “Faces of Joy,” an exhilarating program of music spanning two centuries. The evening began with a short piece for strings and celesta, “Five Faces of Joy,” by the living Chinese-American composer Wang Jie.
The composer calls her work a portrait of “five comic ways of smiling,” including “the smile of a dancing Godzilla,” and Maestro Daniel Hege and the ensemble brought out the wit and whimsy of Wang’s music, providing a fitting introduction to a concert whose theme was joy.
Pianist Andrew Russo performing at Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Faces of Joy”
Also on the program was Sergei Prokofiev’s delightful Symphony No. 1, known as the “Classical” Symphony. Writing in 1917, the young Prokofiev sought to imitate the musical style of Mozart and Haydn, and this piece is full of delicacy, dynamic contrasts, and devilish speed. The principal woodwinds of the Philharmonic gave a collective star turn in the dizzying fourth movement.
The highlight of the concert, though, was the second half of the program, with guest soloist Andrew Russo playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor.” Russo, Maestro Hege, and the orchestra seemed to become an organic whole, breathing together as Russo pushed the piano to the utmost extremes of emotional expression. Russo’s virtuosic playing and Hege’s sensitive conducting created a spellbinding atmosphere of joy, which the audience acknowledged by leaping to its feet with loud cheers at the conclusion.
As always, it was uplifting to see many children and teens in the concert hall. One young boy told this reviewer that he particularly loved Andrew Russo’s performance, saying, “He reminds me of Beethoven!” It was pure joy to hear Beethoven and his colleagues brought to life so skillfully by the Binghamton Philharmonic.
Don’t miss the next event from the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, Soprano Robin Johannsen & Pianist Tomoko Kanamaru on December 3. Both internationally acclaimed artists, the duo will perform a program of art songs by women composers from the nineteenth through the twenty-first centuries, including works by Clara Schumann, Florence Price, and Yui Kitamura.
Tickets are $25. For more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Box Office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
The future is uncertain for the Syracuse Opera, announcing it has canceled the remainder of shows for the 2023-2024 season.
Photos courtesy of Syracuse Opera Facebook and Bunn Hill Photo (Randy Cummings).
Syracuse.com has reported that the Syracuse Opera board chair Camille Tisdel said ticket sales are down 40-60% from where they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company planned to have three more productions: “All is Calm,” The Fantasticks,” and “The Barber of Seville.”
Tisdel, in a note to members Friday, wrote “While our recent productions have been artistically excellent and impactful, like many opera companies across the country, ticket sales have been considerably lower than projected, and we do not have the financial ability to continue the season.” She also went on to stay that grant support, donations, and sponsorships are all in jeopardy because of the uncertainty in our world post-pandemic.
She also said that Syracuse Opera has one full-time and four part-time employees that will be furloughed.
A scene from Syracuse Opera’s April 30 production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” Photo courtesy of Bunn Hill Photo.
The current season opened on Oct. 20 with “I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” at the Redhouse Arts Center. The Syracuse Opera was founded in 1974, and was the only year-round professional opera company, opening many doors for the Central New York music community. Due to the pandemic, their revenue had decreased dramatically, with majority of the opera’s coming from donations, grants, and sponsorships.
As audience members keep declining, it is becoming more difficult to attract sponsors, Tisdel said. Government grants that helped keep organizations afloat have mostly gone away, making situations like these hard to deal with.
“The next 24 months, let’s say, are going to be a big challenge for theaters around the country,” Syracuse Stage artistic director Bob Hupp told the Post-Standard | syracuse.com in April. “It’s going to be tough before it gets better.”
The future of Syracuse Opera remains uncertain, and the board will decide in the coming months what to do next. Tisdel said ticketholders and subscribers will be contacted in the coming weeks about refunds.
Charley Orlando, a Syracuse native, has released his newest single, “California,” with hints of surf rock and an overall relaxing vibe. “California” is the first of many songs to come that were created while Charley and his wife traveled across the US over the course of three years.
Charley Orlando has released 17 albums in the past and continues to break genres and musical standards. In his 30 plus year career, he has been added to the GRAMMY entry ballot a total of 28 times, and played over 3,000 shows in North America.
The last three years, Charley has been traveling the country in a 24-foot RV with his wife, exploring the US and spending his days writing music. In that time, he wrote six songs that will be released one by one over the course of the next year.
For his newest upcoming song, “California,” he recorded vocal parts in the shower of the RV with a blanket over his head to keep outside noise to a minimum, and crafted all the guitar parts sitting in the front seat of the RV.
“This song is obviously inspired by traveling in California. It’s long been one of my favorite places to explore and the song is a humble thank you to the land that brought forth so much creativity in me.”
Charley Orlando
If you’ve been missing that calm 70s rock that early Beach Boys songs produced, this song might just be the perfect fit. It has an incredible electric guitar line that ties the whole song together, and raise your Good Vibrations. That, combined with the occasional enchanting vocal harmonies, add to an overall surf-rock feel.
“California” is a raw, earthy song. It’s so easy to picture the making of this song because this entire track paints the picture of traveling in California without any worries– letting yourself go with the flow.
Upcoming Charley Orlando shows 11/25 Ithaca; The Range info here
In the world of family fun, Sesame Street has been a go-to for decades. Now, get ready for something extra special as Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the whole Sesame Street gang hit the road in the brand-new live production, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello.
This musical road trip is set to hit cities all across the U.S. and Canada, bringing the magic of Sesame Street to life starting in April 2024.
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello promises more than just a show – it’s an interactive musical adventure. Join in the fun as your favorite characters come to life on stage. Expect surprises, laughter, and all the timeless magic of Sesame Street. This is an experience that goes beyond the screen, bringing the heartwarming spirit of Sesame Street to a live and tangible stage.
This tour is no small affair, hitting major cities from Portland, ME, to Vancouver, and everywhere in between. The kickoff is at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and the fun won’t stop until it’s made its way through more than 50 cities.
SESAME STREET LIVE! SAY HELLO TOUR DATES:
Tuesday, Apr. 16 – Merrill Auditorium – Portland, ME
Wednesday, Apr. 17 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Lowell, MA
Thursday, Jun. 27 – Rio Rancho Events Center – Rio Rancho, NM
Friday, Jun. 28 – Pueblo Memorial Hall – Pueblo, CO
Saturday, Jun. 29 – United Wireless Arena – Dodge City, KS
Sunday, Jun. 30 – Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, CO
Tickets for this musical journey go on sale Friday, November 17th, with early access starting Tuesday, November 14th. Don’t miss out – head to SesameStreetLive.com to snag your tickets. This event is for everyone, from the littlest fans to those young at heart.
