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Jake Wesley Rogers’ Star Rises in Saint Paul

Jake Wesley Rogers, Photography by Dylan Novacek

Last updated on April 6th, 2023 at 05:41 pm

If you aren’t listening to Jake Wesley Rogers yet, this is your sign to do so. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Missouri is out on his first headlining tour and is set to make big waves. Following his opening run on Panic! At The Disco’s final U.S. tour, he’s selling already selling out venues.

Jake Wesley Rogers adjusts his glasses to address the audience in Saint Paul.
Jake Wesley Rogers, Photography by Dylan Novacek

Poised with a “young Elton John” flair, Rogers cultivates an inclusive and safe environment for his fans to express themselves. As an openly gay musician, many of his songs touch on struggles with faith, past relationships and traumas, but most importantly, the power of self-love.

Jake Wesley Rogers, in a different outfit, sings into the microphone.
Jake Wesley Rogers, Photography by Dylan Novacek

Starting his performance with the wildly infectious single “Middle of Love,” Rogers took his audience through 90 minutes of passion and power. From well-timed stomps, various outfit changes, and a powerful voice, Rogers had the entire room on their feet.

Jake Wesley Rogers looks to the sky for a soaring vocal while his bright yellow outfit billows above him.
Jake Wesley Rogers, Photography by Dylan Novacek

For me, there are three things that set Rogers apart from other artists: his powerful voice, his unique style, and his lyrical content. One song that nearly had me weeping was titled “Jacob From The Bible.” As he reflected on his faith and identity during the encore, it reminded me of Tyler Glenn from Neon Trees, who touched on similar topics in his solo album Excommunication.

Stage lights reflect under Jake Wesley Rogers' chin as he sings.
Jake Wesley Rogers, Photography by Dylan Novacek

Another thing that stood out in his performance was his connection to the audience. Rogers frequently locked eyes with several young fans whose faces were decorated with glitter and stones. Throughout the performance, I felt like he was performing with us as well as to us.

Closeup of Stacey Ryan smiling at the audience.
Stacey Ryan, Photography by Dylan Novacek

Along for the ride was his opening act Stacey Ryan, who was recently discovered through TikTok for her viral “open verse challenge” video. Although I have my personal gripes about TikTok music and its place in the industry, she genuinely has great vocals. Her cover of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac was noteworthy.

Jake Wesley Rogers raises his arms to wave a the audience in Saint Paul.
Jake Wesley Rogers, Photography by Dylan Novacek

After seeing Jake Wesley Rogers open for Panic! At The Disco in September, I knew he was an artist to watch out for. It’s rare when an opening act catches my ear the way he did, and his sold-out show at the Amsterdam Bar is proof of his rising star. I highly recommend giving him a stream on Spotify and catching him when he comes to town next.

In the stage light shadows, Jake Wesley Rogers locks eyes with audience members.
Jake Wesley Rogers, Photography by Dylan Novacek

Setlist: 

  1. Middle of Love
  2. Lavender Forever
  3. Weddings and Funerals
  4. My Mistake
  5. Call It Love
  6. Momentary
  7. Hot Gospel
  8. Jacob From the Bible
  9. Cause of a Scene
  10. Happy Accident
  11. Hindsight
  12. Pluto

Written by Dylan Novacek

Photographer, graphic designer, and multimedia storyteller from St. Paul. Most likely listening to CHVRCHES, Of Monsters and Men or Fall Out Boy. Once featured in the New York Times for using the bathroom during Avengers: Endgame.

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