FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Big Band Festival Scheduled for Jazz Central

Syracuse NY – Three, count’em, three big bands are slated to appear on Monday night April 30th at downtown’s Jazz Central theater, featuring the Stan Colella Parks & Recreation All-Stars, the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble, and the Micro Big Band.

The evening opens with a set by the Stan Colella Parks & Recreation All-Stars, the youth orchestra of CNY Jazz in partnership with the City of Syracuse. They will be mentored by clinicians from the ranks of the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble.

Following their set, the U. Michigan big band takes the stage, under the direction of Ellen Rowe, Director of Jazz Studies and internationally known jazz pianist. Rowe is a trailblazer in jazz, the first female named as Chair of a major university jazz department in the world.

The evening concludes with a debut set by the new Micro Big Band, led by Maynard Ferguson alumnus and lead alto saxophonist Mike Dubaniewicz. The ten-piece “little big band” plays a combination of swing, groove-oriented funk, and Latin selections. The MBB also performs original compositions, in addition to the music of classic big band leaders such as Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie, and others.

“A perfect confluence of schedules combined to make this night happen,” according to Larry Luttinger, founder of CNY Jazz. “It was total serendipity. Ellen was routing through Syracuse during their college tour, the All-Stars rehearse here regularly on Monday nights, and Mike’s hot new band has been rehearsing here and is ready to launch publicly with a showcase performance. Voila, a festival was born. What a night of jazz and jazz education!”

Admission to the entire evening is $10.00, $3.00 with student I.D.

What: CNY Jazz Big Band Festival
Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY
When: Monday April 30th, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
How Much: Adults $10, Students $3 at the door

Schedule:
5:30 Stan Colella All-Stars
7:30 U. Michigan Jazz Ensemble
8:30 Micro Big Band

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About CNY Jazz
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 Cabaret Series, JAZZ@SITRUS, Scholastic Jazz Jams and Nancy Kelly Vocal Jazz Jams and Cabarets, Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, Stage of Nations Blue Rain ECOfest, Jazz Vespers Series, SummerJazz Workshop, Jazz in the City, Jazz at the Plaza, Parties in the Plaza, Jazz On Tap, Syracuse Parks and Recreation “Stan Colella” All-Star Big Band, Jazz at the Cavalier, and more. www.cnyjazz.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

CNY Jazz Closes 22nd Season with Billboard Top 10 Singer

CNY Jazz concludes their 22nd Cabaret Series on Sunday, April 29th at the Sheraton Syracuse University with a first-ever local appearance by vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and educator Tony DeSare, who will appear with the 17-piece CNY Jazz Orchestra. The “Solvay Sound” High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform an opening set, and educator Dick Ford, founder of Signature Music, will receive the CNY Jazz Educator of the Year award. 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.

Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist by Downbeat magazine, DeSare has won critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout North America and abroad. DeSare has three top ten Billboard jazz albums to his credit and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NPR, A Prairie Home Companion, and the Today Show. In live performance, he has played Carnegie Hall, Las Vegas showrooms, countless jazz clubs, and festivals worldwide, and leads a busy schedule performing with major symphony orchestras across the country. A frequent front man for the viral YouTube sensation Postmodern Jukebox, he is also an accomplished, award-winning composer and songwriter, a past winner of the USA Songwriting Contest and writer of the theme to the movie “My Date with Drew”.

An added element of his stay in Syracuse will be a clinic and masterclass for city vocal students given at H.W. Smith School the day after his public performance, underwritten by a grant from the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association.

“There’s only one chance every year to experience a top flight big band cabaret show like this in Syracuse, and this is it,” according to Larry Luttinger, organizer of the event. “Why go to Vegas, when it’s right here in your backyard? This event also underscores the CNY Jazz commitment to education in all we do, with the Solvay Ensemble performing, and our tribute to a game-changing urban stakeholder, music educator Dick Ford. I’m extremely thankful to the folks at SSMA who awarded us the grant to be able to keep Tony here and spread some excitement and educational value to city youth.”

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, and holders of CNY Jazz Club Discount Cards will receive 10% off food and drink.

Who: Tony DeSare with the CNY Jazz Orchestra
When: Sunday, April 29th 2018 – 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 www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/ or 315-479-5299.
$10 w/student ID

For interviews with Mr. DeSare, call CNY Jazz at 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

Two Chances to Jam with CNY Jazz

The coming weekend will offer plenty of chances for aspiring jazz musicians to be coached by professionals and perform in public, with two opportunities offered by CNY Jazz Central.

The first, for singers, is the Nancy Kelly Vocal Jazz Jam and Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret, held at Jazz Central and hosted by Kelly, Syracuse’s most famous female jazz vocalist and dedicated educator. Saturday from 2 to 5 pm, she will individually coach vocalists of all ages and abilities in a friendly, supportive master-class setting, with piano accompaniment provided. Then on Sunday evening at 7 pm, all the singers return for a public cabaret performance, backed by the CNY Jazz Trio, with Nancy closing the show with a feature song and a scatting, vocalese blues jam with all participants.

To sign up, email info@cnyjazz.org or call 315-479-5299 to reserve a space. Enrollment is limited, on a first come, first served basis. The fee for vocalists is $30 for the weekend, and both events are open to the public for $10 admission, under eighteen $5.

For budding instrumentalists, the last Scholastic Jazz Jam of the season will be held Saturday from 2 to 5 pm at Le Moyne Plaza. Improvisers in all styles and on any instrument may sit in and play tunes of their choice with the CNY Jazz Quartet, a group of musician-educators from the CNY Jazz Orchestra, and will receive real-time coaching on the bandstand. These sessions are free and open to the public, sponsored by Le Moyne College. No advance registration is necessary.

More information on both programs can be found at www.cnyjazz.org at the “ALL EVENTS” tab.

What: Nancy Kelly Vocal Jazz Jam and Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret
Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY 13202
When: Coaching Sessions Saturday, April 7, 2-5 pm
Cost: vocalists $30, all others $10, under eighteen $5

When: Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret Sunday, April 8, 7pm
Cost: vocalists no charge, adults $10, under eighteen $5

What: Scholastic Jazz Jam
Where: Le Moyne Plaza, 1135 Salt Springs Rd, Syracuse NY 13224
When: Saturday April 7, 2-5 pm
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.

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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