The Jersey Syndicate has been busy making strides and gathering a following since Greater Media Newspapers last reported on the Manalapan-based band in January 2008.
The band will celebrate the release of its self-titled CD on Sept. 17 at the Stone Pony, Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, and the public is welcome to help the band celebrate. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10.
Bands slated to open for The Jersey Syndicate at the Stone Pony are Fistacuffs, Knucklebone and Beatrix Kiddo. Comedian Justin Flanagan will entertain the audience right before The Jersey Syndicate takes the
stage at 10:30 p.m.
Fronted by female lead singer Stevie Samay, the band is comprised of drummer and founder of The Jersey Syndicate, Mike Sasso, with Shaun Cooney (guitar/vocals), Al Bourguet (guitar), Rich Gurtler (keyboards/ vocals) and Chris Cooney (bass/vocals).
The band’s sound is described as having a modern pop/rock feel, sort of a cross between Bon Jovi and Carrie Underwood, according
to Sasso.
The Jersey Syndicate has shared the stage with national acts including Winger, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, Danger Danger, Eddie Money, Skid Row, Kings X, Ratt, Extreme, Stryper, Bang Tango, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, Trixter, Night Ranger, Warrant, Slaughter, and Pretty Boy Floyd.
The band has performed at venues that include the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, the House of Blues in Atlantic City, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson and Irving Plaza in New York City.
Sasso is excited about the band’s first time headlining at the Stone Pony and recalled some exciting moments when opening for bands he admires.
“One great thing that’s happened to us was when we opened for Extreme. Nuno Benttencourt, the guitarist from Extreme, told us he really enjoyed our set and was very impressed with the band,” said Sasso. “At the Night Ranger show, Brad Gillis, the guitarist from Night Ranger, told us he really dug our set, loved the tunes and wanted a CD. It always makes you feel good when the guys you admire are impressed with your music.”
Two of the songs on the band’s new CD were produced and mixed by Beau Hill, who has worked with such acts as Winger, Warrant, Ratt, Alice Cooper, Stevie Nicks, Europe, and others.
To coincide with the Beau Hill tracks, The Jersey Syndicate just released the first video/single from the CD to a song called “Tell Me.” Art Varga from Varga Productions produced the video. The band will begin shooting its next video for the song “Hurt Anymore” next month, complete with actors.
Sasso currently handles all of the bookings and management duties for the band, but the band is seeking a major management company to take control of the band and get it to the next level.
In addition to the Sept. 17 Stone Pony show, The Jersey Syndicate will be performing at the Utica Music and Arts Festival in upstate New York, Sept. 18, The Cup in Linden, Oct. 1, Wingfest at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, opening for Kansas, Oct. 16, and with Trixter, Nov. 26 at the Mexicali Blues in Teaneck. For more details visit the website at www.thejerseysyndicate. com.
Contact Amy Rosen at [email protected].