For over a decade, Jeff Slate & Friends have played to sold out crowds paying tribute to artists like John Lennon, David Bowie and more, played by musicians who have worked with artists as diverse as Pete Townshend, Ozzy Osbourne and Mott the Hoople. The band’s Weekend Wilburys show – honoring the music of Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne’s ELO and Roy Orbison – has wowed crowds across the country. Bandleader Jeff Slate, who came up in the 1980s post-punk scene, and made his name working with his band The Badge and The Who’s Pete Townshend in the 1990s and 00s, is a world-class frontman and songwriter. He has appeared on stage and worked with music legends like Townshend, Roger McGuinn, Jeff Tweedy and Sheryl Crow, and his music has appeared in advertising and films, and on television, including in the hit show Gossip Girl.

Jeff’s writing can be found in The New Yorker, Esquire, the Wall Street Journal, where last year he interviewed Bob Dylan, and Rolling Stone, among others. Jeff is also a regular guest host on SiriusXM, is the co-author of the 2017 book The Authorized Roy Orbison, with the late-legend’s sons, and has written liner notes for albums by Orbison, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, among many others. Jeff’s fourth solo album, The Last Day of Summer, featuring Dave Stewart, Duff McKagan, Earl Slick and members of Paul Weller’s band and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, is due out later this year.

Jake Thistle:

Musician, Singer, Songwriter

Based in New Jersey, singer/songwriter Jake Thistle has been entertaining audiences for years.

Jake, now 20, has performed in Europe and across North America for crowds of thousands at major music events. Recently honored as a Rising Music Star from the Boston Herald, Jake's first studio single (Ghosted Road) garnered the Best Americana Song Award from Indie Boulevard Magazine. The Jersey Sound ranked Jake's Brooklyn Can Wait as a top 50 song of all time with a NJ connection, alongside major artists like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston and Frank Sinatra. The Hollywood Sentinel had this to say about Thistle's original, The Dreamer: "JAKE has it all. The looks, the voice, the talent...be prepared to be blown away."

Jake has been featured on radio stations around the world, and in a wide range of music/news outlets, including: CBS News, Variety, Billboard, American Songwriter Magazine, MTV, CTV, BBC Radio, The Record and The Boston Herald.

Already in his young career, Jake has appeared on stage in numerous capacities with legends like Bruce Springsteen, Ron Blair and Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Jim Keltner (Traveling Wilburys, Bob Dylan), Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), Jon Herington (Steely Dan), Mark Whitfield (Sting), Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan), GE Smith, Jesse Malin, Low Cut Connie, Carmen Vandeberg (Jeff Beck), John Hiatt, Anton Fig (Warren Zevon), Jim Babjak, Severo (both of The Smithereens), Alex and Roy Orbison Jr, Jeff Slate (Rolling Stone), Willie Nile, Lou Pallo (Les Paul), Eddie Brigati (Rascals), Johnny Farina (Santo and Johnny), and a many other greats. in addition, Jake has been on bills with the likes of Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, Roger McGuinn, Steve Earle, Tom Morello, The Lumineers, Wilco, among other Hall Of Famers.

Jake believes in the power of music to help the world. As a result, he has personally raised hundreds of thousands for a variety of charitable organizations through an extensive range of fundraising performances, and contributed music to events that raised millions. In recognition of these efforts, Jake was named an official artist for WhyHunger's Artists Against Hunger and Poverty, alongside legends like Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Brandi Carlisle and Carlos Santana. He was also honored with a special service award from the American Cancer Society for his significant contributions to the cause through his music.