FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Larry Luttinger
CNY Jazz Arts Foundation
T: (315) 479-5299
C: (315) 436-9082
larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz Orchestra charts with album on Middle East theme

“If a White Horse from Jerusalem” explores conflict and resolution

August 24, 2024, Syracuse NY – Syracuse’s Central New York Jazz Orchestra has released an ambitious, long-awaited recording that is making a splash in the music world. Garnering critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, “If a White Horse from Jerusalem” is climbing the three major jazz charts, currently at #31 on the RMR listings.

From concept to recording, the effort has spanned almost 13 years. Originally commissioned by the Syracuse University Humanities Center as an offering of their annual symposium, themed that year as “Conflict: Peace and War,” with additional funding from Syracuse University Hillel and the Jewish Federation of Central New York, “If a White Horse from Jerusalem,” featuring David Liebman and composed by CNYJO Music Director Bret Zvacek was world-premiered April 16th 2011 in celebration of the orchestra’s 15th Anniversary season.

After the concert, Mr. Liebman suggested they record it – high praise coming from an NEA Jazz Master (he was inducted that year.) That promise was not forgotten.

The arts grant establishment didn’t offer a funding source for such things until an opportunity came along in the form of ARPA recovery funding for programming administered by CNY Arts. With that funding and new funding from the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Foundation, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, Bousquet Holstein PLLC, and individuals, the four-movement suite was performed again and subsequently recorded in Temple Adath Yeshurun in Syracuse in November of 2022.

The title of the suite is taken from opening line of Egyptian-born Israeli poet Ada Aharoni’s peace poem of the same name. It explores ancient and traditional melodies from Jewish and Arabic history, intertwining and resolving them through four movements: Ahava Raba, Allahu Allahu/Maqam Awj Ara, Ki Lo Noeh/Maqam Saba, and Present Tense.
In addition to the 30-minute suite, the album includes additional pieces composed or arranged by members of the CNYJO, a regional composers’ orchestra serving the region since 1996.

Critical acclaim for the album to date includes glowing reviews.

Thierry De Clemensat of PARIS-MOVE wrote, “Dave Liebman, luminous and resplendent, a witness to an era that clearly breaks his heart, brings intelligence and beauty here. This work should be saluted both artistically and intellectually—it is simply grandiose.”

George Harris of Jazz Weekly opined, “Liebman’s soprano takes the part of shofar at times, and other moments that of a cantor, then creating crescent moons of glowing late-night atmosphere. The mix of Semitic and swing is as delicious as za’atar on bread.”

“This project could have faded away long ago, but my strong belief in its quality and relevance, not to mention Dave Liebman’s offer, kept me looking for grant support until it materialized over a decade later,” said Larry Luttinger CNY Jazz founder and CNYJO member. “We had no idea how relevant this piece would be in light of current world events when we world premiered it here. We hope that in some way it increases understanding, promotes unity, and fosters peace.”

The album is available on all streaming platforms and may be sampled and downloaded at bandcamp.com. CDs may be purchased at https://www.cnyjazz.org/merchandise/

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

 315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Jazz in the City finale visits Thornden Park

National double bill closes public health-themed concert series

SYRACUSE NY – Jazz in the City, Syracuse Community Health’s visionary public health outreach platform in partnership with CNY Jazz, will close its 2024 season with a concert in Thornden Park with national guests Art Sherrod Jr and Lin Rountree.

The mobile concert series, fashioned after Dr. Billy Taylor’s groundbreaking Harlem Jazzmobile, has been visiting Syracuse’s underserved urban neighborhoods since 2001. Thursday’s “concert fair” event is the last of the 2024 series, which spans each summer from June through August.

Guest artists Sherrod and Rountree are on the vanguard of the smooth jazz/contemporary jazz movement, both influential individual artists and leaders, in a double bill combining their chart-busting talents on saxophone and trumpet, respectively.

Sherrod, a native Texan, turned to the arts full-time after his four years attending the Naval Academy, and since 2009 has been signed to Pacific Coast Records. Rountree attended the Duke Ellington School for the Arts before making Detroit his base of operations. Between them they have over 20 chart-topping singles and 4 number one Billboard hits.

They’ve dubbed their newest collaboration “3 Alarm Fire” and promise to fulfill what the name implies. “Expect a real hot time from ‘3 Alarm Fire’, a perfectly apropos name for this sizzling duo,” offered Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz leader and series organizer. “Bring your lawn chairs and some soul food and set up shop on the huge Thornden Park lawn by the pool to enjoy our season finale.”

Opening the show will once again be the series’ most popular community group, “1Accord Line Dance”. All are invited to join in. Jazz in the City concerts are always surrounded by a healthcare village with Syracuse Community Health team at its center, offering screenings, testing, counseling, physician referrals, and books from a children’s library to any that visit their tent. New York State Lottery scratch-offs are distributed as incentives for going through this process, and free goodie bags are given to all in attendance.

All concerts are free. No alcohol is served.

If You Go

What: Jazz in the City public health concert series

Where: Thornden Park, Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse NY 13210

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday August 15

Who: Art Sherrod Jr. and Lin Rountree with 1Accord Line Dance

Cost: free

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger

larry@cnyjazz.org

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 20^th 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 15^th 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

LeadSafe CNY Stage features ATLAS

SYRACUSE NY – The innovative Jazz in the City public health concert series begins its annual journey through urban Syracuse at 6 p.m. on Thursday June 13^th at Leavenworth Park, near Middle Ages Brewery. The series, founded in 2001 and now in its 20^th year of programming, travels with a robust healthcare village led by Syracuse Community Health, over a dozen health and human service agencies, providers, and charities, and craft vendors, with food provided at this Thursday’s location by Limp Lizard and Skippy’s Ice Cream.

The LeadSafe CNY main stage will present Atlas, the funky 9-piece horn funk and soul group founded in 1981 that has become an icon of the upstate NY music scene, fronted by dual vocalists Tyler Owens and Lisa Denise. Opening act 1Accord Line Dance will perform in front of the stage to open the show at 6:00 p.m. and all are invited to join in to “dance for exercise” to start the three-hour show.

The “concert fair” events present America’s music in a family friendly atmosphere as the centerpiece of a mobile public health effort unique to American cities. As an incentive to be screened for individual health needs, all those going through the Syracuse Community Health tent will receive $5 New York State Lottery scratch-off tickets. Everyone attending receives free “goodie bags” filled with information provided by the attending healthcare providers.

“This grand opening concert is only the kickoff of our summer long celebration,” said Larry Luttinger, founder of CNY Jazz and series organizer. “I’m so proud that we can surround jazz and American music with public health access and education, highlighting our wonderful parks system as well.”

All events are free and open to the public. No alcohol is served. A complete series schedule may be found at www.cnyjazzinthecity.org

If You Go

What: Jazz in the City urban outreach public health concert series

Where: Leavenworth Park, 120 Wilkinson St.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday June 13^th

Who: ATLAS with 1Accord Line Dance

Summer concert fairs offer testing, screenings, services, information, and education

Syracuse NY – Syracuse’s urban neighborhoods continue to face public health challenges. Multiple indicators are chronically among the highest in the nation and communication with isolated residents is difficult.

In response to this acute need, Syracuse Community Health and CNY Jazz continue to pursue their innovative partnership to provide equity and access to family health services using the arts as a mobile platform, CNY Jazz in the City.

A robust family of health and human service agencies travels with the music series as a “Healthcare Village” led by SCH medical professions providing access to mobile testing, screening, counseling, personal physicians, and more, incentivized with NYS Lottery scratch-offs. Many other agencies, volunteer health efforts, advocacy groups, minority crafts and ethnic food vendors provide a “concert fair” vibe to every event.

New this year is the inclusion of the LeadSafe CNY Coalition to the village, a major new partner adding their presence to provide face-to-face education and awareness information to children and families. Kinney Drugs comes aboard to emphasize their vaccination services, and On Point for College joins to provide counseling on making college, training, and careers possible. Other agencies and sponsors include Community Bank, Wegmans, Dunk & Bright, Syracuse Police Department, New York Offices of Mental Health and People with Developmental Disabilities, Onondaga County Health Department, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, YMCA Health, Vera House, Geddes Federal Savings & Loan, Circare, CSEA, Health Education Network, Health Foundation of Western and Central New York, Tops, AMR, Syracuse Housing Authority, CNY Arts, and Onondaga County. Important support at the state level is supplied by Senator Rachel May and Assemblymembers Al Stirpe and Pam Hunter.

Syracuse Community Health COO Jessica Yoxall mentioned, “We are pleased to partner with CNY Jazz for the Jazz in the City 2024 Public Health Festival Concert Series. This partnership provides a platform for our community to access vital health information with a focus on eliminating health disparities, while enjoying local vendors and community talent. Through collaboration with CNY Jazz and other community-based organizations, we highlight the importance of preventative care and screenings to promote positive health outcomes. By increasing awareness and expanding health education, we together, can achieve health equity and enhance the quality of care in Onondaga County.”

Mayor Ben Walsh said, “Jazz in the City brings together the best of our neighborhoods, music and culture, all through the goal of creating healthy connections. I look forward to seeing our neighborhood parks and public spaces buzzing with friends, families and music throughout the summer, and I thank Syracuse Community Health and CNY Jazz for continuing to forge a healthy, happy Syracuse.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Onondaga County is proud to once again partner for another season of Jazz in the City. This 20th season will undoubtedly be the best yet!” McMahon continued, “Not only does this family, friendly event bring the best jazz, R&B, Funk, soul and Latin music to neighborhoods throughout the city, it also offers valuable health, information, tools, consults and screenings thanks to our partners at Syracuse community health. I encourage everyone this summer to enjoy the Jazz in the City series!”

Senator Rachel May, a major supporter of the series, said “Jazz in the City has become a cherished tradition, uniting our community with fantastic music for two decades. This event brings lively entertainment to our neighborhoods and, through its Healthcare Village, offers residents essential health and wellness resources. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz while accessing support for your well-being. Congratulations to Jazz in the City on 20 remarkable years, and here’s to many more to come.”

Assemblymember Pam Hunter commented, “Celebrating its 20th year of programing, Jazz in the City 2024, sponsored in part by the New York State Assembly, will feature six exciting events this summer, bringing Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul, and Latin music to neighborhoods across Syracuse and Onondaga County. Alongside exceptional music, attendees can enjoy great food, family-friendly fun, and access to valuable health information and screenings provided by a growing Healthcare Village. Don’t miss these free, community-centered events that have become a staple of summer in Syracuse.”

According to Assemblyman Al Stirpe, “As a Central New Yorker, I am thrilled to celebrate the 20th season of Jazz in the City 2024. This series, which our Assembly proudly sponsors, will host six fantastic events throughout the summer, showcasing the best in Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul, and Latin music in the neighborhoods of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Beyond music, the event offers health information, tools, consultations, and screenings, thanks to Syracuse Community Health and local providers. Jazz in the City remains a beloved community series, open to the public with free admission, bringing together families for music, food, and fun.”

United Way LeadSafe CNY Director Latoya Jones said, “In 2022, the percentage of children with elevated blood levels in Syracuse was 11.18%. Lead poisoning severely affects the brain’s learning systems and is connected to low literacy rates. This is an urban crisis of astounding proportions. We’re excited to be providing education, awareness, and safety strategies at Jazz in the City events,  right in the neighborhoods that need it most.”

 “Community Bank is proud to sponsor the 20th season of the Jazz in the City festival concert series,” Regional Retail Banking Manager Robert Liedka said. “Public health is the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving community. We’re honored to help support our local public health initiatives to ensure that everyone in the Syracuse community has the tools and opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.”

“My thanks go out to the dedicated family of concerned stakeholders that come together to put this effort over the top, all of our sponsors, village members, and the Syracuse Police Department, over and over, for more than twenty years”, said Larry Luttinger, organizer of the series. “It’s an honor to lead this effort for Dr. Reid, his staff, and everyone else who contributes. This is Syracuse’s all-hands-on-deck, move the needle effort to provide public service equity to its residents in need. And need I say that at its core is an incredible concert series showcasing the best national, regional, and community talent?”

Every three-hour concert features opening acts drawn from local urban music and dance organizations including 1Accord Line Dance, La Familia de la Salsa, C-Jack Run Showcase, and the Adanfo Ensemble, followed by main attractions featuring iconic regional groups and the best urban contemporary jazz artists in the nation.

Iconic regional funk and soul groups Atlas and The BlackLites appear perennially, Albany’s Alex Torres y su Orquesta will again serenade the Near West Side with salsa, Peter Lin’s AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Jazz Collective will serve the international North Side, Smooth Jazz Billboard chart-topper Double Bass Experience will perform at the new health center, and the contemporary jazz double bill of Art Sherrod Jr. and Lin Rountree conclude the series in Thornden Park.

All events are free and open to the public. No alcohol is served.

Jazz in the City Concert Schedule

All events are Thursday 6 to 9 p.m.

June 13 at Leavenworth Park: ATLAS with 1Accord Line Dance

June 20 at Skiddy Park: Alex Torres y su Orquesta with La Familia de la Salsa

July 11 at Syracuse Community Health: Double Bass Experience with C-Jack Run Showcase

July 18 at Schiller Park: AAPI Jazz Collective with Adanfo Ensemble

August 8 at Dunk & Bright: The BlackLites with 1Accord Line Dance

August 15 at Thornden Park: Art Sherrod Jr. and Lin Rountree with 1Accord Line Dance

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PRESS ELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz throws Mardi Gras bash

Free admission party at Timber Banks

Syracuse NY – Seekers of New Orleans-themed Mardi Gras festivities need look no farther than the first-ever CNY Jazz Mardi Gras celebration at Persimmons Restaurant in Baldwinsville’s Timber Banks community on Fat Tuesday, February 13^th.

The Persimmons staff has created food and drink offerings that includes Cajun Andouille Gumbo, Jambalaya, stuffed Poblanos,  Oyster Po’Boys, Blackened Chicken, and classic New Orleans drink specials. Party beads will be distributed to everyone at entry. The centerpiece of the evening is an appearance by the entire 6-piece Soda Ash Six, Syracuse’s premier Dixieland Band, performing from 6 to 9 p.m.

“The Soda Ash Six carries the torch for authentic Dixieland music in Central New York, thanks to the tireless efforts of Bobby Morris and his cohorts from J.A.S.S., our trad jazz appreciation society,” offered Larry Luttinger, organizer.  “They’ll be trotting out all the great tunes for this party, Saint Louis Blues, Hold That Tiger, Royal Garden Blues, Bourbon Street Parade, and of course The Saints Go Marching In. This will be the only event of its kind in the area celebrating the Fat Tuesday tradition. Bring your parasols and be ready for the big ending to this fun party night. From the point of view of our community mission, this will be the most enjoyable night of historical jazz education we will ever present. Let the good times roll!”

Reservations are strongly recommended. There is no cover charge.

If You Go

What: CNY Jazz Mardi Gras Party

Where: Persimmons Restaurant, 3536 Timber Banks Pkwy, Baldwinsville

Who: Soda Ash Six Dixieland Band

When: Tuesday February 13^th, music 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: No cover charge. Reservations at 315-635-8812

Soda Ash Six

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Black History Month cabaret presents rising star, fetes Senate leader

Andrea Stewart-Cousins to receive Pioneer Public Service Award

Syracuse NY – CNY Jazz will celebrate Black History Month at their annual cabaret by bringing not one but two pioneers to the occasion. Rising superstar Endea Owens will perform with “The Cookout”, her six-piece band, and New York State Senate President and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will receive the Pioneer Public Service Award, presented by Mike Atkins of H.E.I.Y.P. (Helping Empower Incarcerated Youth Program). Mike Houston and Sam Wynn will entertain in the Cavalier Room before and after the cabaret.

Brackens Financial Solutions Network sponsors the event for the 16^th year, with additional support from National Grid, Wegmans, Oneida Nation/Turning Stone Enterprises, WAER, Visions Federal Credit Union, and others. CNY Jazz supporters Bill and Nancy Byrne provide the complimentary buffet for the event. Endea Owens appearance is also supported by a grant from The Audience Building Project of the New York State Council on the Arts.

Only five years out of Juilliard, Endea Owens visits millions of households every weeknight as a member of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Band. She is already the winner of an Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody Award. Her work has appeared on Jon Batiste’s Grammy-winning album “We Are” and Oscar-nominated film Judas and the Black Messiah. As a philanthropist, Endea founded the Community Cookout, a non-profit that provides meals and music to underserved neighborhoods in New York City. She has composed for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Cincinnati Orchestra and is a “Jazz is Now!” fellow of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem as a presenter, curator, and performer.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins is a groundbreaking pioneer in the public sector. In just her first year as Senate Majority Leader, she led the most productive legislative session in state history. In 2012, she became the first woman and African American woman to lead a New York State legislative conference. In 2019, she shattered the glass ceiling when her peers elected her as President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. 

“This event continues to anchor the cultural aspect of Black History for Syracuse, and I’m eternally grateful to all of our supporters”, said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder. “Our guest artist and award recipient exemplify the courage and determination it takes to achieve ultimate success. I’m humbled to even be in their presence at this exciting musical and social event.”

If You Go

What: CNY Jazz Black History Month Cabaret

Where: Finger Lakes Ballroom, Marriott Syracuse Downtown

When: 4 p.m.

Cost: $35 advance, $40 door at https://www.cnyjazz.org/

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Endea Owens

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

About CNY Jazz

CNY Jazz Central, upstate New York’s largest year-round provider of jazz and American music in public and in schools, annually presents more than 150 events to a total annual audience of 50,000. They include festivals, concerts, and shows including the Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest 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, Interscholastic Jazz Festival, the CNY Jazz Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, the Jazz at Timber Banks and Jazz at the Sherwood dining series, Syracuse Stage Opening Night Cabarets, and other events throughout the extended region, including shows of all kinds at their Jazz Central theater in downtown Syracuse. More information at www.cnyjazz.org, www.cnyjazzinthecity.org, and www.nejazzwinefest.org

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

January JazzFest 2024 brings new faces to the scene

Syracuse NY – The Seneca Savings January JazzFest will bring iconic veterans of the regional music scene together with young and emerging talent at Mohegan Manor, Baldwinsville’s historic multi-story event venue, on Sunday January 21^st.

The festivities start at 1 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. with continuous music of all kinds on every level of the iconic Seneca River destination. Each floor sports a distinct style and theme.

The lower level will feature the jazz guitar as a solo instrument and an ensemble concept as demonstrated by Drew Serafini, Theo Curtin, and Jeff Martin, along with bassist August Bish, who will finish their segment as Tres Guitars, their new and unique ensemble.

The main floor bar showcases a sampler of the finest jazz singers working in Central New York, all together in the same room for the first time. Scott Dennis, Kirsten Tegtmeyer, Julie Howard, and Aaron Ruiz will share the mike, backed by Joe Cortini’s aptly named Jazz Mafia.

The second level banquet room and bar will be home base for Cheri Giraud, the powerhouse cabaret belter now finishing her first full-length live album at Hobin Studios. She’ll be playing selections from that release with the Dan Pugh Trio in support.

For the first time at this annual event, the top floor Morris Ballroom will be set up with room for dancing to the horn-driven sounds of Brass Inc, led by Walter Tanner with Dee Engelbrecht providing lead vocals.

The evening will conclude with living proof of the lasting CNY Jazz scholastic legacy, when prize former students of the organization’s many educational programs mix it up in an alumni jam session to finish the night. CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra lead tenorman Luke Hart, now studying at SUNY Purchase, will organize the session.

Throughout the day, prizes and raffles will be held, and food is available at extra charge. All proceeds support the educational programs of CNY Jazz, which develops top young talent from the city schools and the surrounding region, including the SummerJazz Workshop, CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra, and Interscholastic Jazz Fest.

“This day of music always represents a wide cross-section of styles and a mix of intergenerational talent, a showcase for all music lovers,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder and director. “You’ll see the past, present, and future of regional music at this event. Patrons get a wristband to come and go as they please, parking is ample and free, and as I always say, if the the flavor in one room isn’t for you, you can wander this huge facility for something completely different just yards away. There’s literally something for everyone, young and old, at this, our annual fun-raiser.”

Tickets are now on sale at https://www.cnyjazz.org/tickets/ .

If You Go

What: January Jazzfest

When: 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday January 21

Where: Mohegan Manor, 58 Oswego St, Baldwinsville NY

Cost: $25 advance at www.cnyjazz.org, $30 door

Brass Inc

Cheri Giraud

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

larry@cnyjazz.org

315-479-5299

Opening Night CNY Jazz Cabarets return to Syracuse Stage

Syracuse NY – For the first time since the pandemic shutdown, the Syracuse Stage after-show scene in the Sutton Pavilion will be enlivened by a new season of CNY Jazz “Opening Night Cabarets”, to take place immediately after the Friday night opening of every show of the 2023-2024 season. Starting at closing curtain, the 90-minute shows feature a different vocalist entertaining in the pavilion with grand piano accompaniment, with an occasional twist.

The artists selected to perform represent the finest in cabaret entertainment from across the region. “We’re excited to be restarting this series in partnership with the Stage,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz director and founder. “It was a blow when the shutdown forced this closure. This new lineup says that we’re back in a big way.”

This time around, the cabarets will bow to the various show themes. Cheri Giraud will work in titles of national significance after What the Constitution Means to Me. Singer and actress Mary Nickson will provide a bluesy set after Lady Day at the Emerson Bar & Grill. Soprano Cathleen O’Brien and S.U. Musical Theater faculty Richard Koons team up to sing holiday favorites for A Christmas Carol. The RnB duo of Mike Houston and Sam Wynn will get funky at the Clyde’s opening after-party. Jeff Stockham will croon tunes from the 20’s and 30’s and play trumpet to match the Murder on the Orient Express time period, and Fiddler Joe Davoli accompanied by Harvey Nusbaum will provide a Gaelic taste of the Old Country after the opening of Once.

Syracuse Stage Artistic Director Robert Hupp said “We’re thrilled to see the return of our partnership with CNY Jazz. It’s an incredible complement to our opening nights; it gives Stage patrons the opportunity to savor the experience and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere long after the actors take their bows.”

CNY Jazz Club cardholders buying show tickets on these nights will receive 10% off their tabs at the Sutton Pavilion bar at each cabaret.

CNY Jazz Opening Night Cabaret Schedule

Cheri Giraud September 15^th

Mary Nickson October 20^th

Cathleen O’Brien and Richard Koons December 1^st

Mike Houston and Sam Wynn February 2^nd

Jeff Stockham March 15^th

Joe Davoli and Harvey Nusbaum May 3^rd

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Public health series visits university district

Syracuse NY – Jazz in the City, the model urban concert series bringing quality music, dance, and public health services to Syracuse’s neighborhoods, concludes with a national double bill by the Thornden Park pool in the University district’s Westcott Nation. Scheduled for Thursday August 17 starting at 6 p.m., the free event opens with local dance troupe 1Accord Line Dance, followed by a two-hour show by Rebecca Jade with special guest Judah Sealy.

Singer/songwriter Rebecca Jade’s career is growing as a solo artist after her years touring with Sheila E, garnering cameo performances with Sir Elton John and the GRAMMY Salute to Prince along the way. The San Diegan has logged several years of guest solo dates with Will Downing, Boney James, Jeffery Osborne, Eric Darius, and Dave Koz. She is a perennial San Diego Music Award winner and performed on Aubrey Logan’s Billboard #1 album.

Rochester native Judah Sealy topped the 2022 Billboard Smooth Jazz charts with his single “Stylish”, launching a career playing in jazz clubs across the country. He has appeared with Kirk Franklin and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and has been a featured guest on recordings by Jacob Webb and Greg Manning.

“What a way to end the biggest mobile summer concert series ever produced for Syracuse,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz Executive Director. “Seven concerts, hundreds screened by Syracuse Community Health medical staff, thousands visiting healthcare vendors and getting free goodie bags of health service information, urban food and craft vendors attending at no charge, and of course the best of America’s urban music as the centerpiece. This is why we’re in the arts business, folks. We’re moving the needle for our city, making it more health conscious, and giving it more pride of place. Let’s all celebrate Syracuse big time on the 17^th.”

Jazz in the City concerts are free of charge. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and tents to the event on the spacious East Lawn of Thornden Park.

If You Go

What: Jazz in the City

Where: Thornden Park, 610 S. Beech St. Syracuse 13210

Who: Rebecca Jade with Judah Sealy

When: Thursday August 17^th, 6 to 9 p.m. rain or shine

Cost: FREE