PRESS RELEASE

Contact:
Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-479-5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

Fulton Day of Scholastic Jazz Features CNY Jazz Orchestra

Syracuse NY – The third consecutive “Fulton Day of Jazz” will take place Thursday March 15th at G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton, New York, concluding at 7:30 pm with a free public concert featuring the CNY Jazz Orchestra. It is hosted by Terry Caviness, director of bands at G. Ray Bodley High School, and sponsored by Fulton Savings Bank.

This year marks an expansion of the festival, with the addition of the Phoenix High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Liza Grethel. The CNY Jazz day residency includes multiple clinics, rehearsals, and a “learn to improvise” scholastic jazz jam session, all given by members of the CNYJO. In the finale concert, soloists Joe Carello and Bret Zvacek will perform with Fulton’s High School Jazz Ensemble and the Phoenix jazz band, respectively. Then the prize-winning Central New York Jazz Orchestra, the regional all-star big band now in its 22nd season, will take the stage for a full-length closing set led by Zvacek.

“We’re ever so thankful to our friends at Fulton Savings for their loyal support of this event, which is still growing,” according to Larry Luttinger of CNY Jazz. “Oswego County doesn’t yet have an invitational scholastic jazz festival, and we’re proud to work with them to build this experience. The unique skill set involved in learning to improvise builds leadership, cooperation, theoretical skill, and self-confidence in these young people. It’s wonderful to give them the “aha” moments that help them realize their abilities – and what it takes to pursue this discipline.”

What: Fulton Day of Jazz
When: Thursday March 15th, 7:30 pm concert
Where: G. Ray Bodley High School, 6 William Gillard Dr, Fulton, NY
Who: The CNY Jazz Orchestra, G Ray Bodley Jazz Ensemble, and Phoenix High School Jazz Ensemble
Cost: free

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About CNY Jazz Central
CNY Jazz Central, upstate New York’s largest year-round provider of jazz and American music in public and in schools, presents over 300 events to an annual audience of over 54,000. They include a summer season of festivals and concerts including the Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest, the Stage of Nations ECOfest, and Jazz in the City; the CNY Jazz Cabaret Series, a busy arts-in-education service, shows at downtown’s Jazz Central theater, the SummerJazz Workshop, the Stan Colella Parks & Recreation All-Stars, two music series held at Le Moyne College’s Le Moyne Plaza, the new Jazz at the Cavalier Series at the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown, and other series of all kinds throughout the extended region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-479-5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY JAZZ PRESENTS 10TH ANNIVERSARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH CABARET

Syracuse NY – On Sunday February 25th, the CNY Jazz Black History Month Cabaret is moving to the posh surroundings of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown’s Finger Lakes Ballroom to celebrate its 10th Anniversary of sponsorship by Brackens Financial Solutions Network. West Coast contemporary saxophonist Eric Darius will headline a double bill including guest vocalist Tracy Hamlin in a two-hour show. At intermission, Assemblymember Pam Hunter will be honored with the Pioneer Public Service Award, for groundbreaking public service. A combo of members of the Stan Colella Parks & Recreation All-Stars will entertain in the Cavalier Room.

Additional supporters include National Grid, Wegmans, Visions Federal Credit Union, and the Syracuse University Humanities Center. New sponsors and long-time CNY Jazz supporters Bill and Nancy Byrne have graciously underwritten a full buffet for the event, offered at no extra cost to all attendees.

Additional events will extend the cultural impact and reach of the gala concert. Following the cabaret, singer, producer, and record label owner Tracy Hamlin will speak about her career, music as a unifying cultural force, and technology as a tool to draw from a diverse music history. Sponsored by the Syracuse University Humanities Center and a wide network of academic departments, this free symposium will take place Monday February 26th at noon in Bird Library’s Peter Graham Scholarly Commons. Monday evening, Hamlin will coach a free 7:00 p.m. voice master class at the Community Folk Art Center, 805 E. Genesee St, which is sponsoring the class. All elements of song delivery will be covered, and an accompanist will be provided if needed. All interested vocalists must register at cfac@syr.edu or by calling 315-442-2230.

“When CNY Jazz brings an artist to Syracuse, our policy is to capitalize on that presence to make their stay more than the sum of its parts,” according to Larry Luttinger, organizer of the cabaret series. “Jazz is the centerpiece of America’s culture, with great unifying power. Our incredible collection of sponsors deserves copious thanks for their important contributions to this celebration of the diversity of our culture, especially Vicki Brackens, without whose help this event would not have grown to the signature February event that it’s become.”

The CNY Jazz Cabarets always feature fine national talent in a club atmosphere, with cash bar and food available. Paid garage parking is available in the garage directly to the southeast of the hotel. Patrons are cautioned that the former Hotel Syracuse garage no longer connects to the hotel via the overhead walkway.

What: Black History Month Cabaret with Eric Darius and Tracy Hamlin
Where: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202
When: Sunday February 25th, 4 p.m. Doors; 5 p.m. SHOWTIME
How Much: Admission $40 door, $35 advance at cnyjazz.org/subscribe or 315-479-5299. Door $10 w/student ID. Cash Bar & Free Buffet

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About CNY Jazz
CNY Jazz Central, upstate New York’s largest year-round provider of jazz and American music in public and in schools, presents over 300 events to an annual audience of over 54,000. They include a summer season of festivals and concerts including the Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest, the Stage of Nations ECOfest, and Jazz in the City; the CNY Jazz Cabaret Series, a busy arts-in-education service, shows at downtown’s Jazz Central theater, the SummerJazz Workshop, the Stan Colella Parks & Recreation All-Stars, two music series held at Le Moyne College’s Le Moyne Plaza, the new Jazz at the Cavalier Series at the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown, and other series of all kinds throughout the extended region.

PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse NY 13202
315.479.5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

Acclaimed Jazz, R&B Singer Tracy Hamlin to Visit Syracuse Feb. 25-26
Music Legend to Speak at Syracuse Symposium, Hold Master Class
The Syracuse Symposium continues its yearlong look at “Belonging” with a mini-residency by acclaimed singer Tracy Hamlin. Her visit also is part of the University’s observance of Black History Month.

Hamlin will headline a panel discussion titled “Music, Identity & Belonging” on Monday, Feb. 26, from 12:00 -1:30 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, 114 Bird Library. The event is moderated by Kal Alston, interim executive director of the Community Folk Art Center (CFAC), professor of Cultural Foundations of Education in the School of Education and a faculty affiliate in women’s & gender studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. Rounding out the panel are Theo Cateforis, associate professor of music history and cultures in A&S, and Jeff Welcher in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Setnor School of Music, where he teaches jazz and commercial music and directs the SU Vocal Jazz ensemble.

Also on Feb. 26, Hamlin will lead a vocal master class from 7-8:30 p.m. at CFAC, 805 E. Genesee St. Syracuse. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register and request accessibility accommodations, contact cfac@syr.edu. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Humanities Center in A&S at 315.443.7192, or visit humcenter.syr.edu.

Hamlin’s visit to campus follows her performance with saxophonist Eric Darius on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown (100 Onondaga St.). Their concert is part of CNY Jazz’s Black History Month Cabaret. For tickets and more information, contact Cathleen O’Brien Brown, general manager of CNY Jazz, at 315.479.5299 or cathleen@cnyjazz.org.

Additional support for Hamlin’s residency comes from A&S, CFAC and the Department of Art and Music Histories in A&S. “We are honored to partner with CNY Jazz in presenting Tracy Hamlin: Her singular voice redefines every genre she performs,” says Vivian May, director of the Humanities Center and professor of women’s and gender studies in A&S. “As a singer, producer and creative entrepreneur, Tracy defies stereotypes about race and gender. Her visit will explore how music shapes and is shaped by individual and collective notions of belonging.”
As the title suggests, Hamlin’s noontime discussion will explore connections between music and identity, with special attention to how music promotes social and cultural understanding and how new technologies, such as digital streaming, help showcase diverse cultural histories.

Larry Luttinger ’79, G’81, founder and executive director of the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, anticipates a lively interdisciplinary discussion. “Music communicates values and shapes identity, and as such, fosters bonds between people across cultural origins,” says Luttinger, also an award-winning percussionist and music educator. “Tracy will draw on personal experience, as a classically trained singer who has crossed over into other genres, to illustrate how music intersects with ideas about belonging, identity, mobility and social relations.”

At the master class, the Baltimore native hopes to work with singers of all ages and backgrounds. Interested participants should prepare a solo (preferably memorized) from the Great American Songbook or the pop/soul canon. Each singer also should bring two copies of his or her lead sheet or keyboard accompaniment, or, if applicable, a mobile phone audio file. “This is an opportunity for singers to find their voice and connect with a major artist,” May adds. “Tracy will briefly work with each person, focusing on sound, technique and overall performance. Since this is a community event, spectators are welcome to attend.”

As an internationally touring solo artist, Hamlin has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in soul, jazz, R&B and house music. They include Carlos Santana, Wynonna Judd, Chaka Khan, Esperanza Spalding, Jonathan Butler, Marcus Miller and DJ Spen. She also has served as lead vocalist for the smooth jazz group Pieces of a Dream, and has been a songwriter, arranger and lead background vocalist for disco queen Gloria Gaynor. Hamlin has produced and released five solo albums on her label, DMH Records. Currently, she is working on her sixth solo album.

Hamlin is a trustee of the Recording Academy (internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards); the producer of an annual “fringe” event of the St. Lucia Jazz festival; and a music teacher at Baltimore’s Jemicy School, serving students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Classically trained, Hamlin studied at Peabody Preparatory and the Baltimore School for the Arts.
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About the Symposium

Organized and presented by the Humanities Center, Syracuse Symposium is a public humanities series that revolves around an annual theme. Programs include lectures, workshops, performances, exhibits, films and readings. Located in the Tolley Humanities Building, the Humanities Center serves the campus community by cultivating diverse forms of scholarship, sponsoring a broad range of programming and partnerships and addressing enduring questions and pressing social issues.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-479-5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

Jazz Central Hosts Charlie Brown Christmas Show

Winter Clothing Collected for Relocated Hurricane Victims

Syracuse NY – For many, Christmas is not complete until they have watched Linus explain the true meaning of the holiday to Charlie Brown at the holiday pageant. As recognizable as these beloved characters are, a few notes from pianist Vince Guaraldi’s jazz soundtrack are enough to bring the spirit of the season back to any Peanuts fan. On December 16th at 2 p.m. audiences will have a chance to relive the spirit of the holiday, when “A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Karl Stabnau Quartet” visits Jazz Central to perform the complete album of favorites from the 1965 TV special, plus more holiday music for the entire family.

Now in its eighth year of touring, the Rochester-based Karl Stabnau Quartet is a group of highly sought-after soloists with extensive performance credits. “We all play a wide array of musical styles year-round, but something magical happens whenever we play these tunes each Christmas,” according to Stabnau, leader and arranger of the seasonal concert. “We re-imagine the songs for our quartet while remaining true to the original score, all the songs from the album, including Skating, Christmas Time Is Here, and Linus and Lucy, along with original arrangements of other Christmas songs. We guarantee our audiences of all ages a fun and meaningful holiday experience.”

CNY Jazz Central is partnering with the Spanish Action League of Syracuse, La Liga, to help with their relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Maria. Audiences for this show and all other shows presented at the Jazz Central theater during December are encouraged to bring winter clothing items: caps, gloves, mittens, scarves, sweaters, boots and coats, to be donated to victims of Hurricane Maria who have been temporarily relocated to Syracuse.

One show only is scheduled, on Saturday December 16th at 2 pm during the festivities of the Holidays in the City weekend. Entry price is $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and under eighteen, available at www.cnyjazz.org. Seating is limited in the cozy Jazz Central venue, and advance reservations are strongly suggested. Drinks, snacks and hot cocoa will be on hand.

What: A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Karl Stabnau Quartet
When: Saturday December 16th 2:00 p.m.
Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY 13202
Cost: Admission $20, $15 seniors and under eighteen, at cnyjazz.org or 315-479-5299. Donations of winter clothing accepted.

For interviews call Larry Luttinger 315-479-5299

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-479-5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

Broadway Leading Men Visit Jazz Central

Entertainment offerings this holiday season will include a reprise production of “Leading Men Don’t Dance”, the hit revue that celebrates and exposes the talents and egos of typical Broadway leading men, their narcissism, hubris, and need for attention, presented by Salt City Center for the Performing Arts at downtown’s Jazz Central theater on December 9th and 10th. Director Bob Brown’s repertoire for this new edition of the show includes almost two dozen songs from the world’s greatest stage productions, including Cabaret, Hunchback of Notre Dame, La Cage aux Folles, My Fair Lady, Aspects of Love, Jesus Christ Superstar, and to celebrate the season, select holiday titles. The leading men, in the necessary alphabetical order to avoid infighting, are Bob Brown, Liam Fitzpatrick, Frank Fiumano, and Gary Troy. All are multi-decade veterans of both local and national touring productions, and local audiences will recognize Troy as Del Grogan from Boardwalk Empire, as well as Bill Snibson, from many past productions of Me and My Girl at Salt City Playhouse.

“Storytelling and hijinks will abound this time around,” according to Bob Brown, who has been reviving this show with a revolving cast of leads since 2002. “This cast may refuse to dance, with the exception of Gary, who we absolutely forbid to dance although he repeatedly tries, but boy can they sing. This year’s audiences are in for a treat, with a holiday flair to boot.”

Two shows only are scheduled, on Saturday, December 9th at 8 pm and a Sunday matinee December 10th at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 general admission and are available at www.cnyjazz.org. Seating is limited in the cozy Jazz Central venue. Advance reservations are strongly suggested.

What: “Leading Men Don’t Dance”
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 9th and 10th
Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY 13202
Cost: Tickets $20 advance at cnyjazz.org or 315-479-5299

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-479-5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz Cabaret Reveals Hidden Treasure

CNY Jazz launches their 22nd subscriber series on Sunday November 19th at the Sheraton Syracuse University, with a return Central New York appearance by Harlem-based guitarist and singer “King” Solomon Hicks. Tickets are $35 at the door or $30 in advance at cnyjazz.org/subscribe, or by calling 315-479-5299. Students will be admitted for $10.

Hicks has been on the scene at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club since age 13, as lead guitarist and singer in the house orchestra. Now only 23, he has already performed with Ne-Yo, Tony Bennett, Jon Hendricks, Mike Stern, and Lee Ritenour, and has opened for Joe Bonamassa and Gregg Allman. Solomon performs regularly in New York City clubs like The Iridium, Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar, and Minton’s Playhouse. He has become a sought-after touring performer at international festivals in Spain, Germany, France, Japan, Denmark, Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean.

“Solomon has been anointed by the best in the business, and deservedly so,” according to concert organizer Larry Luttinger. “His career is skyrocketing. We first found him a few years back as a member of Antoinette Montague’s band in one of our cabarets, and vowed to bring him back as a leader. This summer he absolutely killed our south side Jazz in the City audience, and now we’re finally able to present him in the comfortable surroundings of the Sheraton. His guitar style seamlessly blends blues with jazz, and he sings like George Benson as well, with an infectious grin and outgoing personality. We’ve fallen in love with him, and we know our audience will too.”

An added element of his appearance will be the homecoming presence of his new organist, Will Gorman, a graduate of CNY Jazz scholastic programs like the SummerJazz Workshop and the Stan Colella Parks and Recreation All-Star Big Band. Now a New York freelancer, Gorman recently finished a European tour with Hicks.

The CNY Jazz Cabarets feature international talent in a club atmosphere, with cash bar and affordable food stations available starting at 4pm. Two sets are scheduled, at 5 and 6pm. Sheraton parking garage tickets will be validated at the door, and holders of CNY Jazz Club Discount Cards will receive 10% off food and drink.

Who: “King” Solomon Hicks
When: Sunday, November 19th, 2017 – Doors 4 p.m. Showtime 5 p.m.
Where: Sheraton Syracuse University Grand Ballroom, 801 University Ave, Syracuse, NY
Cost: Tickets $35 door, $30 advance at cnyjazz.org/subscribe or 315-479-5299.
$10 w/student ID

For interviews with Solomon, call CNY Jazz art 315-479-5299

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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-479-5299
Larry@cnyjazz.org

JAZZ AT THE CAVALIER DEBUTS AT THE MARRIOTT SYRACUSE DOWNTOWN

Syracuse NY – The storied Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the historic Hotel Syracuse, will partner with CNY Jazz Central to create the new “Jazz at the Cavalier” series in the luxurious Cavalier Room. All events will take place Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, beginning on November 8th.

Twenty eight events are scheduled, featuring over a dozen of Upstate New York’s finest resident jazz and cabaret vocalists with grand piano accompaniment. Among the lineup of artists are Nancy Kelly, who will kick off the series, Ronnie Leigh, Moe Harrington, Andrea Miceli, Danielle Patrice, Scott Dennis, Just Joe, Rochester’s Jon Seiger and Ithaca-based Sally Ramirez, supported by pianists Rick Montalbano, Dick Ford, Dave Solazzo, and Jimmy Cox, among others. The full schedule may be found at www.cnyjazz.org.

Modeled after formats made famous in midtown Manhattan at hotels like the Carlisle and the Algonquin, the series provides an intimate cabaret atmosphere in the cozy, clubby surroundings of the Cavalier Room. The series is free, with no cover charge, and holders of CNY Jazz Club cards will enjoy 10% food and drink discounts off craft cocktails and the small plate menu.

“I feel very privileged to be able to present a series like this in the historic surroundings of our city’s flagship hotel”, said Larry Luttinger, organizer of the series. “To be programming where bandleaders like Carl Silfer, Williamson’s Parisians, and the Stan Colella Orchestra held court for so long, is an honor. I can’t tell you how thankful I am that Ed Riley’s team has embraced this concept. I also remember the more recent days when the hotel was the mid-week ‘over the hump day’ place to unwind for downtown professionals. Now there’s a reason to restart this tradition as well”.

Said Ed Riley, developer and driving force behind the hotel’s renaissance, “The Cavalier Room was designed to be the perfect setting for patrons to relax and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer, and we’re delighted to partner with CNY Jazz to host this series. Jazz at the Cavalier personifies our commitment to quality hospitality for travelers and downtown residents alike, carrying on our hotel’s tradition as the social and cultural hub that this grand old girl has been for almost a century”.

A full “Jazz at the Cavalier” entertainment schedule can be found at https://www.cnyjazz.org/jazz-at-the-cavalier/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger, Executive Director
CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, Inc.
(315) 479-5299
(315) 479-7409 (fax)
larry@cnyjazz.org
cnyjazz.org

Jazz@SITRUS Talent Lineup Announced

Sheraton Syracuse University Hosts Series for Seventh Year

(Syracuse, NY) — The popular JAZZ@SITRUS series returns for a seventh season at Sitrus on the Hill, the cocktail lounge in the Sheraton Syracuse University, commencing with a kickoff concert by Nancy Kelly and her band in a tribute to Mark Murphy, Syracuse’s most famous jazz singing export. The celebration starts Friday, September 29th at 6pm. Admission is free to all events in the series.

This season will shift to a monthly schedule and present heftier musical offerings, including a new holiday show of music from Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas album. “This venue is in great demand throughout the season, so we decided to lean out our schedule and bring in bigger acts and unique new packages,” according to Larry Luttinger, organizer of the series. “The ever-popular Nancy Kelly will again anchor the series with three performances, we’re featuring an America’s Got Talent semi-finalist, a Peanuts holiday show, Donna Alford’s soulful voice, and a CNY Jazz reunion gig with Melissa and friends. Ending your week by winding down and attending these fun gigs should be a priority for all who love good music, food and drink.”

This year, the Sheraton is extending the CNY Jazz Club 10% food and drink discounts to all who show a valid S.U. I.D. card, and validated parking is available. 2016-17 CNY Jazz Club cards will be honored through the November 3rd event. Call 315-479-5299, email info@cnyjazz.org or visit www.cnyjazz.org for more information.

JAZZ@SITRUS 2017-18 Series: All dates Friday 6-9PM
Sept 29th: Nancy Kelly’s Mark Murphy Tribute
Oct 20th: Edgar Pagan’s GPL with Julia Goodwin
Nov 3rd: ESP with Kirsten Tegtmeyer & Jeff Stockham
December 15th: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Karl Stabnau Quartet
Jan 12th: Nancy Kelly
Feb 16th: Donna Alford JaSSBand
Mar 23rd: Melissa Gardiner’s MG3 & Friends
Apr 13th: Nancy Kelly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-479-5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

Cabaret Series Brings International Jazz and Blues Stars
CNY Jazz 22nd Season Logs Over 300 Events

Syracuse, NY – CNY Jazz Central will produce over 300 events in their 22nd season, including new events in the historic surroundings of the Marriott Downtown Syracuse and in the Syracuse Stage Sutton Pavilion. This expanded palette of offerings includes their core Cabaret Series, a Vespers Series, Nancy Kelly Vocal Jazz Jams and Cabarets, January JAZZfest, multiple educational programs in public and in schools, a total of 5 “CNY Jazz Club” series, and an eclectic season of offerings in downtown’s Jazz Central, offering theater, improv comedy, film, burlesque, and music in all styles.

The CNY Jazz Cabaret Series, the centerpiece of their season, hosts three international acts – ascending blues and jazz wunderkind “King” Solomon Hicks, the Contemporary Jazz of Eric Darius and Tracy Hamlin, and Tony DeSare, the heir to the Harry Connick legacy, with the 17-piece CNY Jazz Orchestra in a closing concert.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.cnyjazz.org or by calling 315-479-5299. Cabaret subscriptions are offered for $85 until November 10th. Individual tickets, group, and corporate tables are also available.

At all Cabaret Series events, a cash bar and affordable buffet stations are available. All CNY Jazz subscribers and donors will be given a “CNY Jazz Club Card” to receive 10% discounts on food and drink at all cabarets, other CNY Jazz Club Series, and validated parking privileges at the Sheraton Syracuse University.

“We like to say that we’re the only arts organization you’ll need”, said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder and Executive Director. “This year we’ll reach an audience of well over 55,000 in total, with something for practically everyone. Our CNY Jazz Club discount cards are now accepted not only at our cabarets, but during our other events at the Sheraton, the Hotel Syracuse, Le Moyne Plaza, Finger Lakes on Tap, and the Sutton Pavilion. We call these our “gateway” series, meant to bring in new faces and build our donor and subscriber base by giving audiences lots of added value. Just buy a subscription or advance cabaret tickets, or make a minimum $50 donation, and you get a card. And, you become a member of our growing CNY Jazz family.”

CNY JAZZ CENTRAL 22ND SEASON CABARET SERIES

Sunday, Nov. 19th, 2017
“King” Solomon Hicks
4 p.m. Doors; 5 p.m. SHOWTIME at the Sheraton Syracuse University
Solomon has been performing since age 13 as lead guitarist at Harlem’s legendary Cotton Club, a post he held for 9 years. His schedule now includes worldwide festival appearances and dates at the most prestigious clubs in the Big Apple, including the Iridium and Minton’s Playhouse. Barely into his 20’s, he has already performed with artists like Ne-Yo, Tony Bennett, Jon Hendricks, Mike Stern, and Lee Ritenour.

Sunday, Feb. 25th, 2018 
Black History Month Cabaret with Eric Darius & Tracy Hamlin
Sponsored by Brackens Financial Solutions Network
4 p.m. Doors; 5 p.m. SHOWTIME at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 Onondaga St, Syracuse NY 13202
This event moves to the historic and lavish surroundings of the Marriott Downtown Syracuse for the first time. Eric Darius, contemporary Jazz saxophonist from L.A., brings his band plus Philadelphia’s Tracy Hamlin, formerly of Pieces of a Dream, for a first-time public show in Syracuse.

Sunday, April 29th, 2018
An evening with Tony DeSare and the CNY Jazz Orchestra
4 p.m. Doors; 5 p.m. SHOWTIME at the Sheraton Syracuse University
Jazz Times has said that DeSare’s “position among male crooners places him squarely between the pop sensibility of Michael Bublé and the jazz smarts of Harry Connick Jr”. He will sing and play not only from the Great American Songbook, but tackle newer fare like Prince’s “Kiss” and the Gibb Brothers’ “How Deep is Your Love” in this season-closing concert. The entire CNY Jazz Orchestra will be on hand to accompany him, and perform an opening set.

ARTIST VIDEO LINKS

“King” Solomon Hicks – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sdSxcMkK2w

Eric Darius and Tracy Hamlin – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BH8RgA1_Mc

Tony DeSare – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22To0DtSWdA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Larry Luttinger, Executive Director
CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, Inc.
(315) 479-5299
(315) 479-7409 (fax)
larry@cnyjazz.org
cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz Swings Into Action At LeMoyne Plaza

Twin Series Celebrate Jazz and Americana, Jams Mix Students with Pros

Syracuse, NY — Le Moyne College and CNY Jazz will collaborate on a new season of jazz and Americana with a continuation of the “Jazz at the Plaza” and “Parties in the Plaza” series, as well as their “Scholastic Jazz Jams”. A total of 50 CNY Jazz events are scheduled throughout the upcoming season at Le Moyne Plaza, 1135 Salt Springs Rd, the college and community center bordering the college campus.

Jazz at the Plaza, a Wednesday “lunch and listen” series, features area veterans like Dave Solazzo, Jeff Stockham, John Spillett, Melissa Gardiner, and Edgar Pagan, among others, and add newcomers Kanjira, Ithaca’s Sally Ramirez, LuBossa and the Jeff Martin Organ Trio to the mix.

Entering its second season, the Saturday evening singer/songwriter Americana series “Parties in the Plaza” relies on experienced, published professionals including Mark Hoffmann, Todd Hobin, Just Joe, Frenay & Lenin, and Dave Porter, along with Novak/Nanni, Lisa Lee, Jason Bean and the Ghost Town Ramblers.

Four more “Scholastic Jazz Jams” are slated for Saturday afternoons, where aspiring jazzers can hone their skills backed by the CNY Jazz Quartet in a welcoming setting.

“Le Moyne Plaza is becoming known as a relaxing environment where good music is regularly available, and where the community is welcome to enjoy the friendly, laid-back atmosphere,” according to Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder and designer of the content for all three series. “Thanks to Le Moyne College, campus and community come together seamlessly to enjoy fine music in the cozy surroundings of the plaza, with food and drink on hand from Cam’s Pizzeria and Dunkin. The college’s commitment to Syracuse, and to the arts as a unifying force, is a model for the nation, and I thank them for their vision and ongoing partnership.”

Complete schedules and details on all three series are available at https://www.cnyjazz.org.

All events are free and open to the public.

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About CNY Jazz Central
The CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, established in 1996, is the primary year-round provider of jazz presentations for the public and for schools across the entire Upstate New York region. Its growing list of programs includes The CNY Jazz Orchestra Big Band Club dates, Scholastic Jazz Jams, Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, Stage of Nations ECOfest, Jazz Vespers Series, SummerJazz Workshop, Jazz in the City, the Black History Month and Jimmy Van Heusen Cabarets, Syracuse Parks and Rec “Stan Colella” All-Star Big Band, and more. www.cnyjazz.org

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