Jazz in the City visits historic south side
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CONTACT: Larry Luttinger
315-479-5299
Jazz in the City visits historic south side
Mayor will give proclamation to Blacklites band
Syracuse NY – The first of the final pair of August Jazz in the City public health concerts returns to the historic south side of Syracuse for a celebration that has become a long tradition. The Blacklites, a local powerhouse soul band formed over 50 years ago, will appear for the 20th time at Jazz in the City, at the same Dunk & Bright furniture location on South Salina Street.
Mayor Ben Walsh will be on hand along with other dignitaries to award the band with a proclamation recognizing their half century-plus as an urban cultural resource. Walsh said, “The Blacklites have been a staple in the Syracuse music scene for over 40 years. I’m thrilled that they continue to bring high-energy performances for listeners of all ages to Jazz in the City and look forward to recognizing them this year with a proclamation at what will be another can’t-miss event.”
1Accord Line Dance, a growing “dance for health” group founded by Kristle Lemmones in 2010, will open the show. All will be invited to dance with them until the Blacklites appear on the Leadsafe CNY stage at 7 p.m. to perform a two-hour concert.
The Jazz in the City “concert fair” events take place throughout the summer in neighborhoods across the city. As a mobile public health effort unique to American cities, they present America’s music surrounded by multiple healthcare and family service providers, plus food and craft vendors.
Title sponsor Syracuse Community Health provides a team of healthcare professionals as the centerpiece of a healthcare village. As an incentive to be screened and interviewed for individual and family health needs, those going through the SCH tent will receive $5 New York State Lottery scratch-off tickets. Additionally, everyone attending always receives free “goodie bags” filled with information provided by the attending healthcare village providers.
An audience of over 1,000 is expected at the concert, which has always been one of the biggest draws of the series. “Get there early and stake your claim at this one,” said Larry Luttinger, organizer and CNY Jazz leader. “The back lawn is big, and there’s lots of parking in and around this site. Bring your lawn chairs and make a party of this one. It’s become one of the biggest family-friendly social events of the summer, thanks to the generosity of the Bright family, and of course our many other sponsors, led by SCH and Community Bank.”
After this event, a final concert to close the series is scheduled for August 15th at Thornden Park. For more information about the entire series including its attending healthcare providers, visit http://www.cnyjazzinthecity.org/
Jazz in the City concerts are free and open to the public. No alcohol is served.
If You Go
What: Jazz in the City public health concert series
Where: Dunk & Bright, 2648 S. Salina St. Syracuse NY 13205
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday August 8
Who: The Blacklites with 1Accord Line Dance
Cost: free