Look, Bon Jovi isn’t touring anymore. That’s just the reality. But if you grew up on those songs — and statistically, a lot of us did — Always Jovi is the next best thing, and they’re playing Turning Stone on Friday, May 22 at 8 PM.
What Always Jovi Does
This is a tribute act that takes the job seriously. We’re talking the full catalog done right: “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “It’s My Life,” “Bad Medicine” — the songs that soundtracked every party, road trip, and karaoke night from 1986 through the early 2000s. A good Bon Jovi tribute understands that these aren’t just songs, they’re communal experiences. The whole point is that everybody in the room knows every word and nobody’s too cool to sing along.
If you want to brush up before the show — or just need a Saturday morning playlist — check out Bon Jovi’s catalog on Amazon.
Why Turning Stone Works for This
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona has quietly become one of the better entertainment destinations in central New York. The showroom is the right size for a tribute act — big enough to feel like an event, small enough that you’re not watching from a quarter mile away. The sound is tight, the seats are comfortable, and the whole resort setup means you can make a full evening out of it without getting back in the car between stops.
That’s the real play here. Dinner at one of Turning Stone’s restaurants, the show at 8, and then whatever the casino floor calls to you afterward. It’s a Friday night package that basically plans itself.
Getting There
Turning Stone is right off the Thruway — Exit 33 from I-90 and you’re practically in the parking lot. If you’re coming from the Albany side, it’s about 90 minutes. From Syracuse, maybe 40. Parking is free, plentiful, and close to the venue, which is one of those small things that makes a big difference when you’re heading home after a show.
If you want to skip the drive home entirely, Turning Stone has hotel rooms on-site. For a Friday night show, that’s not a bad call — especially if you plan on enjoying the full resort experience.
Tickets
Tribute shows at Turning Stone tend to be priced reasonably, and they also tend to fill up because the crowd knows exactly what they’re getting. Get tickets on Ticketmaster and lock it in. Bring friends. This is that kind of show — the more people you bring, the better the night gets.