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Harris Goldstein was one of around 30 students who met Jordan Ward before his set at this year’s Juice Jam. As a big fan of Ward’s music, the experience was a highlight for him.

“He was one of the most humble people I’ve ever met in my entire life,” Goldstein, a Syracuse University senior, said. “I love supporting amazing people. I got the vinyl signed, and he offered to sign it too. I didn’t even have to ask.”

Ward and Ashe took the stage on Shaw Quadrangle for University Union’s annual Juice Jam on Saturday. Attendees came out for an afternoon of food, games, inflatables and live music.

Two hours before his opening act, Ward held a private listening party for students. He played songs off his unreleased album in the Schine Student Center. He told the crowd at Juice Jam the album would be coming out soon.

Recent budget cuts to UU’s programming impacted this year’s Juice Jam . In the past, the event has took place in the JMA Wireless Dome or Skytop Lot and charged students for tickets to attend. This year, it was outside and free of charge for all attendees.

Freshmen Lexie Haupt and Kelly Kalleberg said the announcement about funding issues was disappointing to hear, as they appreciate the “cool work” UU does throughout the school year.

“This is something that can bring people together, and then to cut that of all things, now you’re making it harder to bring people together,” Haupt said.

UU creates a lot of student engagement, freshman Talia Lichterman said. She said the budget cuts were confusing to her, as she and her friends had always heard about UU’s events before coming to campus.

These changes didn’t stop students from showing up, though. The event drew attendees from all grades who were excited to hear live music, especially for free, Lichterman said. Rachel Moskowitz, a graduate student in the Bandier Program, said she never thought she’d see these two artists perform at the same show and was excited since she likes both artists’ music.

Singer-songwriter Jordan Ward hosted a private listening party of his new album for around 30 students. During his Juice Jam performance, he announced the album will be coming out soon. Christian Calabrese | Asst. Photo Editor

Ward kicked off the afternoon with a high-energy set, performing some of his top hits, like “Lil Baby Crush,” “Player Two” and his newest single, “JUICY.” His DJ hit sound effects, like the Rasta horn or dogs barking, in between songs. Ward interacted with the crowd, joking with audience members and prompting everyone to “wake up.”

“I don’t want no Generation Z stare right now, I want y’all turnt up,” Ward told the crowd.

Before singing “WHITE CROCS (with Ryan Trey),” Ward told attendees he needed more comfortable shoes to perform, to which a student threw one of their Crocs at him. He enthusiastically caught it and performed the song, amusing the crowd.

Ward closed out his set with his most-streamed song, “FAMJAM4000.”. Goldstein and his friends said the whole set was incredible, but that song was the best part.

Headliner Ashe took the stage next, welcoming everyone to Juice Jam. She expressed her gratitude to be there and joked about the name of the event.

“Are we juicing your mascot? That feels super masochistic,” she told the crowd.

Ashe performed 15 of her songs, including “Pull The Plug” and “Save Myself.” She sang both her solo work and songs off the debut album from her and FINNEAS’ new band, “The Favors.” The album came out yesterday. The crowd was filled with her fans, like Haupt, but also those who just appreciated the music.

“I’m not a mega fan or anything, but live music is my favorite thing in the world, and her band is incredible,” Kalleberg said.

A few songs into her set, Ashe told the audience that she’d been invited to SU back in 2022, but had to turn it down for her mental health. Now, three years later, she’s grateful to be back performing, happy and healthy on such a nice day, she said.

Ashe also interacted with the group. During her set, she called out to attendees standing directly in the sun, asking how they were feeling. She offered her sunglasses to attendees, throwing them out for someone to catch like a bouquet toss, she said.

“Till Forever Falls Apart,” her and FINNEAS’ first musical collaboration, drew many listeners to emerge from sitting on the grass to standing close to the stage. Ashe expressed appreciation for the work she’s released with FINNEAS, praising his talent and work ethic.

Ashe closed Juice Jam with her final song, “Moral of the Story,” which is what most attendees, like Moskowitz, were familiar with. The crowd gathered to sing, and Ashe asked everyone to get low, then jump for the final chorus.

Senior Bella Bebe said Juice Jam is always a fun fall event at SU, and she’s glad to be here in her final year. A month into the semester is often a busy period for many students, she said, so relaxing and watching these artists perform is nice downtime in between studying.

Despite changes to UU’s programming, this year’s Juice Jam gathered a good turnout, Haupt said.

“Anytime there’s live music, I’m there,” Kalleberg said.

Published on September 20, 2025 at 9:52 pm