NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
Last night, pop star Jake Wesley Roger’s stopped by the Opera House in Toronto as his “Peace Love and Pluto” tour hits the Northeast. I say “pop star” even though he’s still a young man, having released just four EP’s, the latest “LOVE” last year. However, his dynamic personality already flags him as a star in the making, with many making comparisons between him and a young Elton John! In different times, if Elton had been able to be as open about his sexuality, their likeness would have been even more jaw dropping! Either way, I was looking forward to seeing him live for the first time!
A surprise first opener was a Toronto local, singer songwriter Kennen (aka Ken Gao). Writing and producing music from his own bedroom, his 2021 song “Timothée Chalemet” went viral! He played quite a short set but it was a joyful one and you couldn’t help but smile with him. You can check out his music on Spotify.
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Next up was Stacey Ryan, a singer songwriter from Montreal who became a sensation when she posted a snippet of a song “Don’t Text Me When You’re Drunk” on TikTok and asked the public to finish the lyrics. Ryan has a lovely voice and is obviously talented, playing both keyboards and guitar and I’m not a personal fan of vocal gymnastics but the crowd seemed to love it. My age is showing.
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Finally, it was time for the main attraction! Jake Wesley Rogers started his set decked out in an incredible yellow ruffled tulle top and big sunglasses while sitting at a keyboard. Again, Elton John anyone? Rogers is obviously not just a singer songwriter but a performer in every sense of the word. Having seen a setlist from previous performances, I thought the set would last maybe an hour. However, with Rogers constantly engaging with the crowd and telling stories, the show hit ninety minutes easily! You can tell he loves being on the stage and is so charming. He even made band introductions fun by playing truth or dare with his bandmates! I thought that no one would be able to top bassist Emma Lambiase’s imitation of Rogers but then keyboardist Mike Miller sang “You and I” by Stevie Wonder. Wow!! Talented group, for sure! Rogers saved my favorite tracks, “Hindsight” and “Pluto” until the end of the show and for the encore, he recited a little something he wrote during the pandemic, perhaps part of a book. It was called “I Am” and was about his journey growing up in Missouri, understanding his sexuality and gender, and finding himself. He spoke with such emotion…a performer indeed! Catch him on his remaining tour stops in the Northeast if you can but catch him now before he starts to play arenas!
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