NYS Music 2024

Category: Syracuse

  • ONCO Fermentations in Tully Announces Sunday Blues Series for 2025

    ONCO Fermentations, located in Tully, NY, has announced a new Sunday Blues Series for 2025. The brewery, kitchen and event space, opened in 2019, is located 20 minutes south of Syracuse, and showcases regional musicians on most Fridays, Saturdays, and/or Sundays.

    ONCO fermentation
    ONCO Fermentations in Tully

    The brewery in Tully is centrally located right off Route 81 (Exit 67) on the edge of Onondaga and Cortland counties, making ONCO a draw for customers from Binghamton to the North Country, and from as far as the Finger Lakes. With this geographical positioning, ONCO helps acts that may otherwise play in a concentrated local area, making Tully a destination for folks looking for live music that don’t want to drive to a city, or those fans who enjoy a short, scenic drive into the near-rural area.

    While the early music schedule at ONCO has been based on musician schedules and other events at the brewery, 2025 is the first year patrons can expect music every Sunday – with very few exceptions.

    ONCO fermentation

    ONCO is filling in most Sundays with the blues this year, one of the brewery’s favorite styles of music. Founder and Tap Room Manager Erin Bullard is a huge promoter of all of her acts, often saying “We put an urban warehouse brewery in rural America,” even though Tully isn’t truly rural.

    All shows are free of charge at ONCO, which straddles the line of listening room and bar, with a roughly 100 person main tasting room atmosphere that is festive as well as appreciative when the music plays. 

    In 2022 the brewery opened the Neo Kitchen within their space, focusing mainly on cold fermented Neapolitan pizzas, but a small expansion of offerings is currently under development. The brewery brews its own award-winning beer, and also offers nonalcoholic options, wine, hard cider and a selection of cocktails.

    ONCO fermentation

    These three threads bring people back to ONCO time and time again – beer, food, and music. The brewery also has a 3,500 square foot “Back Space” area for patron overflow and alternate activities during the shows, and a large outdoor beer garden adjoins the facility. When the weather warms up, all music is scheduled to be outside, but will be located inside if the weather is unpleasant.

    There will be no blues on select days – Superbowl Sunday, Easter, and a special events including F.I.R.E. Festival on March 9 with Jess Novak, the brewery’s 6th Anniversary Weekend Party finale on March 16, and ONCtOberfest on September 21, as well as other occasional music showcase treats.

    ONCO fermentation

    Musicians interested in performing at ONCO can reach out to Erin at music@oncoferment.com with a sample of their music, EPK, schedule and rate. The website is updated regularly with events, as well as regular posts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    ONCO Fermentations Sunday Blues Series

    Jan 5  / Joel Kane’s Uptown

    Jan 19 / Bradshaw Blues

    Jan 26 / Tangled Roots

    Feb 2  /  Austin Jimmy Murphy

    Feb 23  /  Tangled Roots

    March 2 / Stacey & The Copycats

    March 23 / Steve Grills & The Roadmasters

    March 30 / Jes Sheldon & The Stewards of Sol

    April 6 / The Ripcords

    April 13 / StratCat Willie & The Strays

    May 4 / Steve Grills & The Roadmasters

    May 11 / Blue Tonic

    May 18 / The Shylocks

    May 25 / Jane Zell Trio

    ONCO Fermentations Sunday Blues Schedule

  • Stacey Waterman: A Legend of The New York Backstage

    A New York music legend that remains backstage, Stacey Waterman has been making the state’s music scene move behind the scenes for well over 30 years now.

    Stacey Waterman

    A star of the music scene who actively avoids the limelight may seem like an oxymoron, but Stacey Waterman does so with utter grace and humility. A legend in New York’s backstage management scene, Waterman’s work has earned her a spot in the SAMMYs Hall of Fame alongside decades worth of respect from everyone within the industry and outside of it.

    The owner of The DMR Agency, Stacey is responsible for production management services for a wide host of promoters, venues, and events throughout Central New York. No factor of the industry is outside of her wheelhouse, specializing in concert and festival coordination and execution, booking and contract negotiations with talent, and settlement. 

    Having gotten her start in her early 20s managing the local band White Boy and the Wagon Burners, Waterman’s resume today is impressive beyond the meaning of the word. 

    The list of names in Stacey’s repertoire is incredibly expansive, including but not limited to Paul McCartney, Dave Matthews, Phish, and The Rolling Stones, though with over 30 years into the gig, she’s stated that being starstruck is a thing of the past while on the job.

    On a broader scale, Stacey has also worked with the likes of Live Nation, The New York State Fair, Creative Concerts, Famous Artist Broadway, Galaxy Events, FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, and a myriad of other organizations.

    With an attentive eye and a clear, genuine care for the craft, each of Waterman’s shows receives the same amount of energy- that is to say, 100%. She balances professionalism and lightheartedness perfectly, reportedly doing everything from tracking down birthday cakes to hiring a veterinarian for a band member’s cat. 

    Stacey and her dog Shakima.

    In her own words from a conversation with Syracuse.com, she always does her best to accommodate a request no matter how challenging it may seem to accomplish because she “want(s) everyone to leave with a good feeling.”

    Beyond her freelance work, Waterman is responsible for one of her signature local events, The Salt City Waltz. A recreation of the iconic farewell concert captured by Martin Scorsese, the event features the biggest names of the area, uplifting and showcasing local creatives.

    A truly admirable woman in the music scene- especially the backstage portion that so often becomes a male-dominated space- it’s not difficult to call Waterman a genuine inspiration, and an admirably humble one at that.

    To keep up with Stacey and learn about her newest upcoming events, be sure to check out her Instagram page here.

  • Avril Lavigne Extends Greatest Hits Tour, Four Shows in New York

    Pop punk icon Avril Lavigne has extended her Greatest Hits Tour into 2025, including four shows across New York State.

    Avril has extended the sold-out run well into 2025, including dates at the Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, the Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse, Madison Square Garden, and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

    Canadian-born Avril Lavigne is the pop-punk singer-songwriter credited for paving the way for the female-driven pop punk music that became synonymous with the early 2000s. 

    Ushering in the era with her “Pop-Punk Queen” moniker and skater style with her debut studio album Let Go, Lavigne quickly rose to stardom with hits such as “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi,” charting at the top of the Billboard 200 with her first ever release.

    Since then, Lavigne has released six albums, each to critical acclaim. In addition to her traditional successes, Countless artists from punk to indie rock to emo hip hop have named Lavigne as a major inspiration or influence, creating a legacy extending well beyond herself.

    Avril also earned a Guinness World Record for being the youngest female solo artist to top the UK chart and saw the success of her hit “Girlfriend” emerge as the first music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube just four years after the website’s creation.

    Originally announced at the beginning of the year, Lavigne has spent the majority of 2024 performing her Greatest Hits Tour across the globe.

    Supporting the tour will be special guests Fefe Dobson, Simple Plan, and We The Kings- the latter two of which will perform during all New York Dates.

    Avril Lavigne

    Avril Lavigne will grace the stages of four venues in New York, with shows in Saratoga Springs on May 27, Syracuse on May 28, Manhattan on May 30, and Bethel Woods on June 27. The full list of dates and venues is below.

    For more information on the Greatest Hits Tour and all things Avril Lavigne, be sure to visit her official website here.

    AVRIL LAVIGNE: THE GREATEST HITS 2025 TOUR DATES:

    Sun May 18 – Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre 

    Tue May 20 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre 

    Sun May 25 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheatre 

    Tue May 27 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC 

    Wed May 28 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater 

    Fri May 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 

    Tue Jun 03 – London, ON – Canada Life Place 

    Thu Jun 05 – Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort 

    Sat Jun 07 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium 

    Sun Jun 08 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    Tue Jun 10 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center 

    Thu Jun 12 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis 

    Tue Jun 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park 

    Wed Jun 18 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium 

    Fri Jun 20 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sat Jun 21 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 

    Mon Jun 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place 

    Thu Jun 26 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake 

    Fri Jun 27 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 

    Sun Jun 29 – Burls Creek, ON – Burl’s Creek Event Grounds~ (visit AllYourFriendsFestival.com for ticket details)

    Sat Oct 18 – Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas Festival Grounds~ (visit WhenWeWereYoungFestival.com for more info)

  • Styx and Kevin Cronin Announce “Brotherhood of Rock” Tour, Stops in Syracuse and Saratoga

    Rock legends Styx and Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon have announced their upcoming “Brotherhood of Rock” tour. The tour sees two dates in NY including Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse on July 14 and SPAC in Saratoga Springs on August 12.

    Kevin Cronin brotherhood of rock styx

    Styx and Kevin Cronin have one of the strongest brotherly bonds spanning 25 years, especially since they’ve crossed paths on the North American concert trail along with the occasional joint festival concert. Fittingly, next summer they’ll join forces for the sixth time for their “Brotherhood of Rock” tour, along with special guest Don Felder of the Eagles.

    The seven men comprising Styx – James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Will Evankovich (mandolin, guitars), Terry Gowan (bass, guitar, vocals)—have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. Styx draws from over five decades of barn burning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts.

    Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” to the majestic spiritual love for a special “Lady” from an individual yearning for true connection as a “Man in the Wilderness” to a regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.

    Styx in 2012

    For his first solo summer outing, iconic vocalist and hit songwriter Kevin Cronin’s band features the same multi-talented lineup that toured America in 2024 as REO Speedwagon. Cronin continues to be joined onstage by lead guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt, who have played in REO Speedwagon since 1989.

    Cronin began fronting REO Speedwagon in 1972, delivering a newly melodic sound, and setting the stage for the explosive HI INFIDELITY (1980). Fueled by massive hit singles “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run,” the RIAA Diamond Award-certified album remains a high-water mark for rock bands. He has written number one hits such as “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and “Roll With the Changes,” “Time for Me to Fly,” “Don’t Let Him Go,” and “In My Dreams.”

    Kevin Cronin

    DATE               CITY                            VENUE

    Wed 5/28          Greenville, SC               Bon Secours Wellness Arena

    Sat 5/31            Tampa, FL                    MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Mon 6/2            Jacksonville, FL            Daily’s Place

    Wed 6/4            Austin, TX                     Germania Insurance Amphitheater

    Fri 6/6               The Woodlands, TX       The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

    Sat 6/7             Ridgedale, MO              Thunder Ridge Nature Arena

    * Mon 6/9          Denver, CO                   Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

    Wed 6/11          Salt Lake City, UT         Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Fri 6/13             Concord, CA                 Toyota Pavilion at Concord

    Sat 6/14            Bend, OR                     Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    Sun 6/15           Ridgefield, WA              RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Sat 6/28            Albuquerque, NM          Isleta Amphitheater

    * Mon 6/30        Colorado Springs, CO   Ford Amphitheatre

    Wed 7/2            Kansas City, MO           Starlight Theatre

    Sat 7/5             Birmingham, AL            Coca-Cola Amphitheater

    Sun 7/6             Alpharetta, GA              Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    Tue 7/8             Charlotte, NC                PNC Music Pavilion

    Wed 7/9            Raleigh, NC                  Coastal Credit Union Music Park

    Fri 7/11             Virginia Beach, VA         Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

    Sat 7/12            Bristow, VA                   Jiffy Lube Live

    Mon 7/14          Syracuse, NY                Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

    Tue 7/15           Bridgeport, CT              Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

    Fri 7/18             Gilford, NH                    BankNH Pavilion

    Sat 7/19            Mansfield, MA               Xfinity Center

    Sun 7/20           Holmdel, NJ                  PNC Bank Arts Center

    Fri 8/1               Dallas, TX                     Dos Equis Pavilion

    Sat 8/2             Brandon, MS                 Brandon Amphitheater

    Mon 8/4            Franklin, TN                  FirstBank Amphitheater

    Wed 8/6            Richmond, VA               Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront

    Fri 8/8               Camden, NJ                 Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    Sun 8/10           Burgettstown, PA          The Pavilion at Star Lake

    Tue 8/12           Saratoga Springs, NY    Broadview Stage at SPAC

    Wed 8/13          Toronto, ON                  Budweiser Stage

    Fri 8/15             Noblesville, IN               Ruoff Music Center

    Sat 8/16            Clarkston, MI                Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Tue 8/19           Cincinnati, OH               Riverbend Music Center

    Wed 8/20          Cuyahoga Falls, OH      Blossom Music Center

    Fri 8/22             St. Louis, MO                Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    Sat 8/23            Tinley Park, IL               Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

    Sun 8/24           Milwaukee, WI              American Family Insurance Amphitheater

    * Not a LN Show

    Kevin Cronin brotherhood of rock styx

    For more information on the upcoming “Brotherhood of Rock” tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Lakeview Amphitheater To Ban Personal Lawn Chairs For Live Nation Shows

    The Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in Syracuse has announced a controversial ban on personal lawn chairs for all shows presented by Live Nation.

    Photo via syracuseamphitheater.com

    Opening its doors to the people of Syracuse and beyond in 2015, the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview has hosted a wide variety of household acts throughout its career thus far. 

    Quickly becoming both a local and fan favorite, one of the Amphitheater’s most beloved aspects is certainly its expansive opportunities for outdoor seating beyond its pavilion- though a newly announced policy indicates a major shift in their outdoor concert experience.

    Alongside the announcement of country artist Cody Jinks being added to their already impressive 2025 concert roster, the Empower FCU Amphitheater has published disclaimers prior to new ticket sales indicating a new lawn chair policy that has received mixed responses.

    In a new pop-up seemingly applicable to all dates including and following Jinks’ show on August 17, The Empower FCU venue has announced a ban on the usage of personal lawn chairs for all shows presented by Live Nation.

    “For the safety, comfort and experience of all fans, outside lawn chairs will NOT be permitted inside the venue for Live Nation shows. A limited number of lawn chair rentals will be available for advance purchase online or at the venue on the day of the event, while supplies last.”

    – Live Nation

    It should be noted that while this announcement comes as a shocking upset to the local community and fans of outdoor live music from beyond Syracuse, it seems to be within the routine policy of all venues in partnership with Live Nation.

    It is uncertain how the newly introduced up-charge for venue-provided seating will affect the success and sales of events held within the Amphitheater, as its open lawn typically provides an additional 12,000 tickets for concert goers beyond the pavilion’s 5,000.

    With their updated policy, lawn chairs will come at an additional cost to concert-goers. For reference, lawn tickets for Thomas Rhett’s show on August 21 are categorized as either a standard general admission $41.75 ticket or a “Take A Seat – Lawn Ticket + Chair Rental” package for an additional $11.

    Photo via syracuseamphitheater.com

    While limitations on lawn chair usage are not new to the venue with several sold-out shows instituting the Amphitheater’s 2022 policy similarly banning outside lawn chairs for concerts with attendance above 14,000, a shift to this degree is new and certainly jarring for veterans and folks new to the venue alike who will now experience a large majority of concerts with rental fees in the place of personal belongings.

    For more information on the Empower FCU Amphitheater’s events and policies, visit the venue’s official Live Nation page here.

  • Cody Jinks Announces 2025 “Hippies and Cowboys” Tour, Pier 17 and Syracuse Shows

    Multi-platinum country artist Cody Jinks has announced his upcoming 2025 North American Headline Tour, Hippies and Cowboys.

    The Hippies and Cowboys Tour sees 23 dates including two in New York: The Rooftop at Pier 17 in NYC on August 13 and Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in Syracuse on August 17. Special guests Tanner Usrey and Shane Smith & The Saints appear at certain dates along the tour.

    Cody jinks Hippies and cowboys

    The electrifying performer who has sold over 2 million tickets to date is looking forward to another ambitious stage setup as he embarks on this upcoming tour produced by Live Nation and FPC Live. Fans can expect the same kind of big tent, inclusive environment for which Jinks is known for. 

    The tour announcement dropped alongside his upcoming project, Cody Jinks Sings Lefty Frizzell, a tribute album to the late honky-tonk legend, Lefty Frizzell which includes covers of many fan-favorite tracks including, “If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time.” Giving the songs new life, Jinks takes the music, a cornerstone of traditional country and honky-tonk and makes it his own with the same sincerity and emotional depth that captured fans throughout Lefty’s career. The Hippies and Cowboys Tour kicks off on March 14 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and wraps up on September 20 in Youngstown, Ohio.

    Cody Jinks 2025 Tour Dates:

    March 14, 2025–New Orleans, LA–Mahalia Jackson Theatre of Performing Arts

    May 29, 2025–Columbia, MO–9th Street*

    May 30, 2025–Franklin, TN–FirstBank Amphitheater*

    June 26, 2025–Nampa, ID–Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater*

    June 27, 2025–Idaho Falls, ID–Mountain America Center*

    June 28, 2025–Casper, WY–Ford Wyoming Center*

    July 10, 2025–Wheatland, CA–Hard Rock Live*

    July 11, 2025–Stateline, NV–Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys*

    July 12, 2025–Berkeley, CA–Greek Theatre UC Berkeley*

    July 17, 2025–Kent, WA–accesso ShoWare Center*

    July 19, 2025–Airway Heights, WA–Northern Quest Amphitheater*

    July 26, 2025–Morrison, CO–Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    August 7, 2025–Asbury Park, NJ–Stone Pony Summer Stage#

    August 8, 2025–Philadelphia, PA– The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark#

    August 9, 2025–Baltimore, MD–Pier Six Pavilion#

    August 11, 2025–Virginia Beach, VA–The Dome#

    August 13, 2025–New York, NY–The Rooftop at Pier 17#

    August 15, 2025–Bridgeport, CT–Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*

    August 16, 2025–Boston, MA–Leader Bank Pavilion*

    August 17, 2025–Syracuse, NY–Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview*

    September 18, 2025–Des Moines, IA–Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park*

    September 19, 2025–Indianapolis, IN–Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park*

    September 20, 2025–Youngstown, OH–Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre*

    *with Tanner Usrey 

    #with Shane Smith & The Saints

    Shane Smith & The Saints

    For more information on the upcoming Hippies and Cowboys Tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • 2025 Syracuse Area Music Awards Announced

    The SAMMYS board has announced the dates of the 2025 Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame Dinner and subsequent Awards Show.

    sammy awards 2022

    The Syracuse Area Music Awards, more commonly referred to as the SAMMYS, is an annual awards show created to honor and celebrate the works from the brightest musical minds of the Syracuse area.

    Newly announced, the 2025 SAMMYS Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 6, and The SAMMYS Award Show will be held the following night on Friday, March 7. 

    The award show will feature performances by local musicians interspersed throughout awards presented in a wide variety of categories including four People’s Choice Awards, the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, the Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the Sammys Award, and the SAMMYS Community Spirit Award.

    The SAMMYS People’s Choice online open submission phase will open on January 1. Everyone is encouraged to nominate their personal favorite artist, band, event, music series, academic/musical organization, and live music venue. For more information on how to submit and vote for your favorites, visit here.

    From the Central New York area and want to have your work considered for a SAMMY? Online-only recorded submissions will be accepted from December 1- January 3. Each artist must select one category they wish to be judged in, and eligibility for submission is limited to commercially released albums or EPs that were published between January 1- December 31, 2024. The online entry form is live now, accessible here.

  • New York Series: Syracuse Fight Song ‘Down the Field’

    Originally profiled in 2018, we take a look at the Syracuse Fight Song “Down the Field,” its origins and place in Syracuse University history.

    The month of March signifies the end of winter, and the hope that Spring brings. It reintroduces the world to sunlight after 6 pm, walking around in a single layer of clothing, and the occasional bunny in your backyard. While some people look forward to eating lamb on Easter Sunday or drinking their weight in green beer on St. Patrick’s Day, there is only one thing on the minds of people from Syracuse during the month of March: Basketball.

    The 2018 NCAA Tournament is set to begin, and features Syracuse playing Arizona State in a First Four Midwest Region game at 9:10 pm on March 14 in Dayton, Ohio. There you will hear buzzers buzzing, fans cheering, and the infamous Syracuse fight song ‘Down the Field’ played by the Sour Sitrus Society.

    Originally written in 1914 by Ralph Murphy (Class of 1916) and composed by Harold Lewis (Class of 1915), Syracuse University’s fight song has stood the test of time.It’s used as a device to pump up the crowd and draw support for the team, and something every Syracuse University student and alumni has etched in their brains for life.

    down the field syracuse fight song

    Katie Canete, Drum Major of the Syracuse University Marching Band (SUMB) in 2017, was one of three who conducted/lead the band through every rehearsal and performance. The marching band consists of approximately 200 members, and is one of the oldest collegiate bands in the nation.

    “’’Down the Field,’ or better known as Syracuse University’s fight song, is played and sung by the Syracuse University Marching Band at every home football game and Sour Sitrus Society at every home basketball game,” Canete said. “A lot of the fans don’t know all of the words, but the entire crowd always claps along once they hear the tune! It’s infectious!”

    down the field

    The SUMB’s home turf is the Carrier Dome, a domed sports stadium located on Syracuse University’s campus in the University Hill neighborhood. It holds nearly 50,000 people for football games, 35,446 for basketball games, and 56,250 for concerts. Additionally, the SUMB can be see playing local parades and other assorted performances throughout the year. As March Madness begins, you can be sure to hear the Rah! Rah! Rah’s of ‘Down the Field’ when Syracuse scores some big points.

    ‘Down the Field’ Lyrics

    Down, down the field goes old Syracuse,
    Just see those backs hit the line and go thro’.
    Down, down the field they go marching,
    Fighting for the Orange staunch and true.

    Rah! Rah! Rah!

    Vict’ry’s in sight for old Syracuse,
    Each loyal son knows she ne’er more will lose,
    For we’ll fight, yes, we’ll fight, and with all our might
    For the glory of Syracuse.

  • Jess Novak Announces Upcoming EP WOMAN

    Syracuse-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Jess Novak has announced her newest release WOMAN, slated for December.

    jess novak the joke

    With a sharp electric fiddle, impactful vocals, and an enrapturing sound, Jess Novak is a musical force to be reckoned with. Having performed on stages from California to the likes of New York City’s own The Cutting Room in solo, duo, or band formation, Novak has played over 150 shows each year and has an impressive count of twelve original album releases under her belt- and a published book to boot.

    In addition to her own musical endeavors, Novak is the founder and presenter of the F.I.R.E. Festival, an acronym for females inspire, rock, empower. Hosted for the first time in 2022, the annual F.I.R.E. festival continues to highlight and empower female artists, musicians, and business owners across the industry.

    Returning for her 13th release since debuting as an artist in 2013, Jess has announced the WOMAN EP slated for release this December. A call to action for women as well as a celebration of those who take a stand in the face of seemingly daunting odds, WOMAN will feature two original songs in addition to a surprise cover of a Taylor Swift track.

    Made in partnership with the producer and engineer behind her last EP Sonrise, Justin Spaulding, WOMAN is a promising fan to the already burning flame that is female empowerment.

    “I felt like I needed to capture the spirit of the [F.I.R.E. Festival] in a song, specifically combining the words ‘fire’ and ‘woman.’ I did in this song, but didn’t expect the timing to be so meaningful. I want to give faith and inspiration to women who are standing up for themselves and others all the time.”

      – Jess Novak

      Jess Novak has also teased a music video publication coinciding with the release of WOMAN. While no further information is available on this exciting development, you can keep up to date on all of the latest updates on WOMAN and beyond on Jess’ official website here.

    • In Focus:  Mikaela Davis Brings Solo+Acoustic Tour to Homer

      Melodic harp sounds reverberated through the Center for the Arts in Homer on Wednesday November 20, as Mikaela Davis brought her Solo+Acoustic tour to the refurbished church.  John Lee Shannon opened the show.  

      mikaela davis homer

      Davis has risen to stardom over the last several years, thanks to a nearly relentless touring schedule.  The Rochester native and classically trained harpist has performed muti-week residencies through out various music venues across New York State on several occasions the last two years.  Those shows saw Davis joined by her band, Southern Star, and took on a very upbeat, jam-oriented vibe.   For this run of dates, Davis stripped her music to its core, performing on either the harp or keyboard.

      mikaela davis homer

      The evening opened with a set by John Lee Shannon.  Shannon performed a 40 minute set of acoustic instrumental tracks, primarily off of Shannon’s 2020 release In & Of.

      mikaela davis homer

      After a brief intermission, Davis took to the stage and took seat at her harp.  She opened with the hauntingly beautiful “Cinderella” (off her latest release, And Southern Star), and followed up with “A Letter I’ll Never Send” and “In My Groove”.  Stripped down to their foundation, the songs took on a different life and allowed Davis’ songwriting to shine.   Davis would take turns performing on the harp and keyboard, while opener John Lee Shannon would add acoustic guitar for a new offering from Davis, “Rose Colored Glasses”.

      mikaela davis homer

      Early in the show, Davis stated that this was the first time she felt nervous performing in a very long time.  She talked about the fears that the audience would become bored and leave early.  Any of those fears were squashed early on in the evening, as the theater became engrossed in the music.  To say that the theater was so quiet you could hear a pin drop would be an understatement.  The theater was so quiet, you could hear the click on the effect pedals as Davis switched amongst them during her songs. To garner such attention from the audience is a true testament to Davis’ abilities as a songwriter and performer.

      Mikaela Davis – Homer Center for the Arts, Homer, NY – Wednesday, November 20, 2024

      Setlist: Cinderella, A Letter That I’ll Never Send, In My Groove, Home in the Country, The Pearl, Promise, One of these Days, Delivery, Natural Women (Carol King), Rose Colored Glasses, Far From You, Little Bird, Emily, Saturday Morning

      Encore: All I Do is Disappear

      mikaela davis homer
      mikaela davis homer
      mikaela davis homer
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