Monday Night Sessions
For Immediate Release
CNY Jazz Central Presents: “Monday Night Sessions with Actual Proof”. A series of electrifying contemporary jazz concerts at the CNY Jazz Central theater.
Syracuse, NY – Last Monday of each month starting June 30th – October 2025: CNY Jazz Central and Actual Proof Productions are thrilled to announce a captivating series of contemporary jazz concerts with the Actual Proof band. Prepare to be transported by innovative sounds and dynamic performances in the intimate setting of the newly renovated CNY Jazz Central Theater.
‘We’re excited to bring our show to the CNY Jazz Central Theater and connect with our fans in such a beautiful intimate venue. We’re looking forward to this rare opportunity to pay tribute to our favorite contemporary jazz/fusion artists in our new concert series “Monday Night Sessions” created for this venue.” [Ronnie France, Bassist/Actual Proof]
Actual Proof is a group of five artists renowned for distinct blend of contemporary jazz (a fusion of traditional jazz with modern electronic elements). Improvisational prowess and captivating melodies will showcase their 2025 debut. Join theses artists in an intimate setting for an exploration of music by legendary artists including David Sanborn, The Yellow Jackets, Jeff Lorber Fusion, Joe Sample, Michael Brecker and many more!
441 E Washington St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Last Monday of each month: June 30, July 28, August 25, September 29, October 27
Doors @ 6:30 show 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tickets $10.00
Cash bar available – Free on Street parking at the venue
Contact Information:
Ronnie France: 315-559-5238
Actual Proof Artists:
Ronnie France – Grammy nominated for 2 albums with pianist Larry Arlotta, has worked with such luminaries as Doc Severinsen (The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson); Paul Schafer (David Letterman Show ) drummer Steve Smith (Journey – Vital Information); drummer Dennis Chambers (Herbie Handcock); Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels; vibraphonist Joe Locke; guitarist Dean Brown; Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker (James Brown Horns) and David Clayton Thomas (BS&T); Ron has also been an Upstate NY favorite bassist playing with Jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly; Primetime Funk with Ronnie Leigh and the Funky Jazz Band with Dave Hanlon.
Brian Scherer – Saxophonist – Multi Instrumentalist has shared the stage with many national recording artists including Don Menza, Dave Kerzner, The Smothers Brothers, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Martha Reeves. He received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Fredonia State University College and has done graduate work at both Potsdam and Oswego State Universities. Brian is an active touring artist, clinician, and private teacher in New York and Florida and has been a featured player with The Desantis Orchestra, ESP, Stroke, and the Funky Jazz Band.
Guitarist – Rick Balestra has been a featured artist at a number Jazz Festivals including the M&T Jazz Festival, the SUNY Oswego Jazz Guitar Festival, Glenora Wine Jazz Series, North Hampton Jazz Festival, Rochester’s Jazz Festival and Cornhill Festival. He has also been featured soloist with the Syracuse Symphony and Pops Orchestra and Syracuse Opera Company. For 10 seasons Rick was the originator and facilitator for the “Jazz Guitar Festival” held in upstate New York, where he shared the stage with internationally known artists such as Peter Bernstein, John Abercrombie, Gene Bertoncini, Pearl Django, Rodney Jones, Vic Juris, and Mike Stern. Rick received his Master’s Degree in Music from Ithaca College and is currently the Professor of Guitar at SUNY Oswego, Colgate University, and Hamilton College. He often performs with Gene Bertoncini & Rick Balestra Guitar Duo, Mescolare Trio, The Cayuga Latin Jazz Project, and as a duo with bassist Chris Colabello.
Keyboardist Ed Vivenzio Has had major label success with his band 805 recording two albums with R.C.A. Those records Stand In Line, 1980 and Question of Tomorrow, 1985 hit the US charts. The first record, Stand In Line ended up crossing over to chart on AOR radio airplay the first week of its release. Ed has been playing contemporary jazz in an around Syracuse most of his professional career — since the 1980’s. In that time, he’s produced his own original music and was the keyboardist for Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook and The Funky Jazz Band
Drummer Evan DuChene has toured with Inner city Recording Artist Dry Jack, backing up artists such as McCoy Tyner and Freddie Hubbard. Evan also toured with Philip Myers throughout the US playing many of the nation’s finest Five Diamond resorts as well as performances in Cancun, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Beijing China. In addition to playing with Actual Proof, Evan is a member of the three time SAMMY award winning band E.S.P. , as well as being a member of the Five Families Ensemble lead by Utica legend Monk Rowe. He has also worked with many upstate New York greats such as Ronnie Leigh, Larry Arlotta and Rick Montalbano to name a few.