NORWICH - Following a successful tour of Vermont and the release of the group's self-titled debut CD, the Syracuse-based Golden Novak Band will return to Rita's Tavern Sept. 6 for a 9 p.m. to midnight showcase featuring songs from the album, as well as the ensemble's penchant for extended jams and soulful (and danceable) grooves.

Jess Novak (guitar/fiddle/vocals) and Brian Golden (guitar/vocals) – the band's founding members and sole songwriters – both said they're excited for a second performance at Rita's, this time with all six members of the group that recorded the new album in attendance. The pair will be joined by keyboardist Mark Nanni, drummer Nick Andrews, bassist Paul Puzzullo and, for at least a few tunes, percussionist Randy Heuer. The performance marks the first time all six will hit the stage as a unit.

"We've had a rotating cast up until now," explained Golden. "Mark, Nick, Paul and Randy all perform with other groups as well, so it can be tough to get everyone together on the same stage. That being said, I can't wait to see what evolves as we move forward."

Moving forward is exactly what Golden and Novak are doing, with a five week tour of Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Nashville, TN in the books. The pair leave Syracuse for points south in late September, returning just in time for an October 31 Halloween show at Theater Mack, in Auburn, NY.