January 17, 2025
As a courtesy to the artists and for the uninterrupted enjoyment of your fellow patrons, please silence all electronic devices. No portion of this performance may be photographed, recorded, filmed, taped, broadcast or mechanically reproduced without the written consent of the Artist and/or the Presenter. Mayo Performing Arts Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Program subject to change.
Back To The Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl is the world’s greatest tribute to the music of the ‘80s! Jessie’s Girl’s primary line-up includes a team of NYC's top rock and pop vocalists: Jenna O’Gara, Jerome Bell-Bastien, and Mark Rinzel. They are backed by one of the tightest bands in the city comprised of 20+ year veterans of the NYC music scene: Eric Presti on guitar, Drew Mortali on bass, Michael Maenza on drums, and Karlee Bloom on keys and keytar. Each with dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with!
In fact, Bret Michaels, MC Hammer, Colin Hay from Men at Work, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, Taylor Dane, Mike Score from A Flock of Seagulls, Tone Loc, Rob Base, and many more have all performed at the Back To The Eighties Show.
Their calendar is filled with high-profile appearances and private events around the U.S., bringing the Back To The Eighties Show to The Theater at Madison Square Garden for the I Want My ‘80s Concert, ABC / NY Magazine’s launch party for The Goldbergs, a Halloween bash with Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, a private birthday party for ‘80s icon Neil Patrick Harris and Coca Cola / Buffalo Wild Wings’ massive “Tablegate” event in Tempe, AZ, opening for Smash Mouth!
The band has continuously sold out nights at prestigious regional venues such as The Capitol Theatre in Westchester, NY, The Paramount on Long Island, the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ, Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA, and many other venues. They are the only band to play every year on The ‘80s Cruise and have firmed a deal to continue performing through 2024.
There is no decade like the ‘80s and no party like The Back To The Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl. So throw on your best neon, use extra hair spray on that hair and head to the Back To The Eighties Show - because it’s time to party like it’s 1989!
Meet the Band
Jenna O'Gara Vocals
Jenna has sung alongside musical legends such as Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire, Paula Cole, and Lalah Hathaway. She started out her singing aspirations at NYU's Tisch musical theater school, CAP21. Shortly after, she received a scholarship to attend the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she further refined her performance and vocal skills. Jenna has sung the National Anthem for the New York Knicks, and on some famous jingles for companies such as Kohl's Department Stores. In addition to her vocal studies
and accomplishments, Jenna majored in songwriting at Berklee and continues to work on and pursue her original music. As part of the Back To The Eighties Show, Jenna has performed alongside 80’s stars Tiffany, Rob Base, Sugar Hill Gang, and Taylor Dayne.
Mark Rinzel Vocals
Mark has been performing in New York City for 15 years, and fronts both The Jupiter Deluxe and a Police-tribute band called New York's Finest. He sings with acclaimed multi-faceted tribute act,
the Loser's Lounge, and is a featured vocalist in Cathyland productions. He has also sang at Symphony Space, Lincoln Center and Joe's Pub. Over the years, Mark has performed with Gary Wright, Joey Mullond (Badfinger), Mark Hudson, Regina Spector, Petula Clarke and others. He has toured internationally as well as in the US with multiple productions of Jesus Christ Superstar. Mark has written and produced music for TV (VH1's Rock Band 2 The Stars, TLC's NY Ink) and works regularly as a session vocalist and musician. As part of the Back To The Eighties Show, Mark has performed alongside 80’s stars Tiffany, Rob Base, Sugar Hill Gang, and Taylor Dayne.
Eric Presti Guitar / Technical Director
Eric has been active in the NYC music scene for over 20 years. He ran sound and was in the house band at the iconic Limelight club for a decade alongside legendary DJ Junior Vasquez, and played guitar for 8 years with the world famous karaoke band at Arlene’s Grocery. Eric also owned a NYC recording studio and produced numerous bands. He has also played in Sweden as member of Warrior Soul. Eric has also performed with 80’s pop stars MC Hammer, Tiffany, Rob Base, Naughty By Nature, Sugar Hill Gang, Taylor Dayne, Bret Michaels, Ton Loc, Glen Tillbrook from Squeeze, Alex Skolnick from Testament, Tony Handly of Spandau Ballet,Katrina from “Katrina and the Waves, Mike Score (A Flock of Seagulls), Tony Harnell of TNT, Colin Hay (Men At Work) and backed Tiffany on TV’s What Not To Wear. He has performed on TV’s Cake Boss and the Today Show.
Mike "The Warrior" Maenza Drums
With over 20 years of touring and recording experience, Mike is one of the most well known “go to” drummers in NYC - and fills in with dozens of bands and projects weekly. He has performed with 80’s pop stars Tiffany, Rob Base, Sugar Hill Gang, and Taylor Dayne, as well as backing Tiffany on TV’s What Not To Wear. Mike’s stylistic versatility has enabled him to perform with some of the biggest names in Rock, Pop, R&B, HipHop and Metal - including Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Brett Scallions of Fuel, Tony Harnell of TNT, and Benny Rietveld of Santana. He has also played regularly with numerous local bands including The Brass Knuckle Evangelists, The NYC Bitch band, Kingship, The Hired Killers, ZO2, Judas Priestess, Jesse Mallin, Saccharine, The X's, Queen V and the NY All-Stars, Cathy Cervenka, and many others.
Drew "The Druce" Mortali Bass
Drew has been a seasoned pro on the nationwide music scene for over 20 years – from NYC’s CBGB to LA’s Whiskey A Go Go. Drew has collaborated with greats including members of Queen, Blue Oyster Cult, The Georgia Satellites, and Al Kooper. “The Druce” ran the open mic night at the infamous Three Of Cups rock club in NYC’s East Village, and now keeps the jam band tradition alive at The National Underground, where he has performed with such influential musicians as Chris Barron and Aaron Comess of The Spin Doctors, and Dave Immergluck from Counting Crows. He also tours internationally with breakout singer-songwriter James Maddock, as well as the aforementioned Joey Degraw
and Chris Barron. His bass grooves can also be heard on their affiliated studio recordings, spun on WFUV's regular rotation, and currently heard worldwide on XM Radio's "The Loft".
Karlee Bloom Keyboards & Keytar
Karlee Bloom, born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, has been in the professional music business for over fifteen years sharing her talents with a diverse group of acts that span across original singer songwriter, hip hop, jazz, and funk. Her journey started
with her very first gig opening up for George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and she hasn't slowed down since. With 150+ shows a year and a jazz performance degree under her belt, she has performed in almost every state in the country and has opened up for artists such as Slightly Stoopid, Derek Trucks Band, Yellowman, Gift of Gab, Debbie Harry and many others. She also currently tours internationally with Glenn Leonard's Legendary Temptations Revue. Karlee's goal when performing is to bring an uncharted level of energy to every show she does, and is perpetually grateful to bring that same energy to the stage with Jessie's Girl.
Coming Soon to MPAC
FEBRUARY 7 - 8