PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Jazz in the City brings international program to Schiller Park

World Music lineup features music of three continents

Syracuse NY – CNY Jazz turns its attention to Syracuse’s North Side, the international district where over 30 languages are spoken, to present its next Jazz in the City urban outreach public health concert this Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Schiller Park. The world music-themed program opens with Etse Nyadedzor’s “Adanfo” Ghanian drummers as opening act for “Slavic Soul Party!”, the uniquely multicultural 9-piece band that combines New Orleans-style brass, funk grooves, gypsy accordion, and jazz chops, a style self-described as Balkan Soul Gypsy Funk.  Over the past 15 years this band has released 7 albums, including their take on Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite, and toured in the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Turkey, and Zimbabwe.

According to NPR’s All Things Considered, “These guys start out in overdrive and never let up…Slavic Soul Party! offers a gut punch to preconceptions about traditional music, world music, pop music, and dance music.”

“We always take a world music approach when programming on the north side of the city,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz leader. “There are just so many constituencies to play to, and so many common world pop and traditional styles. We’re casting as wide a net as possible. This music, international food and crafts vendors, and healthcare village, taken together, are as close as Syracuse gets to an international festival.” 

The event is free, presented in Schiller Park at the Farmer Road entrance near Riley’s Restaurant located on Park Street near its end at Dewitt Street in Sedgewick. Ample parking is available along the entrance road leading to the concert. Syracuse Community Health professionals will be on hand to give screenings with NY Lottery scratch-off tickets as incentives, and many other local healthcare service providers will be on hand to answer questions and give out free items.

If You Go

What: Jazz in the City

Where: Schiller Park, Farmer Street and Schiller Park Road

Who: Adanfo Ghanian Drummers and Slavic Soul Party!

When: Thursday July 20^th, 6 to 9 p.m. rain or shine

Cost: FREE

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Jazz in the City celebrates new Syracuse Community Health facility

Healthcare Education Project sponsors Aretha Franklin tribute

Syracuse NY – Jazz in the City, the visionary public health concert series delivering great music, food, and health services to Syracuse’s underserved neighborhoods, will celebrate the new Syracuse Community Health facility at 930 South Salina Street on Thursday July 13^th. The concert is sponsored by the Healthcare Education Project and is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on the grounds of the center, adjacent to the new JMA facility in Syracuse’s resurgent “Downtown South” near the site of the future STEAM High School.

The first hour of the program is dedicated to the city’s emerging urban talent, presented by Chuck Jackson’s “C-Jack Run” production company, well known for its annual showcases at the New York State Fair.

From 7 to 9 p.m. the main attraction is Sherma Andrews, who brings her Tribute to Aretha Franklin show up from New York City for a two-hour intermission concert. CNY Jazz has presented Sherma in Syracuse multiple times in festival, concert, and cabaret settings. Food and ice cream vendors will be on hand to augment the Healthcare Village and arts and crafts providers set up in the ample lot surrounding the new center adjacent to the new JMA facility.

“We couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate the strong community mission of Syracuse Community Health and the Healthcare Education Project than by bringing Sherma’s dynamite tribute to the Queen of Soul to the occasion,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder. “No one sings and plays America’s urban music like Sherma. I wouldn’t trust anyone but her to deliver this show, and I’ve worked in Aretha’s orchestra as her percussionist, so I know firsthand. Take it from me, Sherma will deliver a powerful punch of funk and soul to this shindig.”

At every Jazz in the City event, attendees will be able to take advantage of health service information, consulting, and materials provided by an army of the area’s healthcare providers. New York Lottery scratch-off tickets and free COVID test kits will be given as incentives for everyone screened for their health needs by the SCH professional medical staff, including consultations and screenings for body mass index and hypertension, scheduling appointments for vaccinations and boosters, and providing those without a primary care physician with referrals.

“We’re proud to be able to provide the underwriting for this special concert celebrating our common commitment to equitable access to health care for Syracuse’s underserved,” said LaToya Jones, leader of the 1199 SEIU Healthcare Education Project. “It’s an exciting time to be working shoulder to shoulder with so many of our colleagues and celebrating our city’s brand-new state of the art health center.”

Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and make an evening of the free, three-hour family-friendly show. Ample free parking is available behind the original health center at 819 South Salina Street.

If You Go

What: Jazz in the City

Where: Syracuse Community Health, 930 S. Salina Street

Who: Sherma Andrews Tribute to Aretha Franklin

When: Thursday July 13^th, 6 to 9 p.m. rain or shine

Cost: FREE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Larry Luttinger CNY Jazz Arts Foundation T: (315) 479-5299 C: (315) 436-9082 www.nejazzwinefest.org CNY Jazz presents Jazz at the Sherwood Fabled Skaneateles inn hosts new outdoor dining concert series Skaneateles NY – The village of Skaneateles will soon get its first jazz cabaret. The historic Sherwood Inn, established in 1807, will ring with the sounds of America’s music this summer with the launch of “Jazz at the Sherwood”, a Wednesday dining series on select dates in July, August, and September. The concerts will take place on the Hannum House lawn next to the inn. The series is the newest regional music offering of CNY Jazz, following the success of Jazz at Timber Banks, Jazz at the Cavalier, Jazz at SITRUS, and many others. The outdoor cabaret setting features a $50 four-course price fixe menu served under covered umbrella table seating in full view of the entertainment on the porch of the Hannum House. The region’s best vocalists and instrumentalists will perform from 6 to 8:30 p.m. during peak dining hours. Said Larry Luttinger of the partnership, “We were honored that the Sherwood reached out to us to co-design this series, especially after the sad departure of our long-running ‘Jazz on Tap’ series in the village at the former Finger Lakes on Tap. A town like Skaneateles deserves a quality dining-and-entertainment option, and we’re glad to be able to help provide it. Many thanks to the inn’s ownership and staff for their collaboration and commitment to quality.” The lineup represents a cross-section of the most well-known vocal-heavy jazz trios and quartets in the area, with a twist or two thrown in. “There’s great variety here,” according to Luttinger. “Jazz standards, pop tunes, Latin influences, Broadway belting, smooth crooning, and a twist provided by QUATRO, the finest progressive Americana group ever to locate in Central New York.” Call the Sherwood at 315-685-3405 for reservations, which are strongly suggested. As a benefit to their annual donors, holders of CNY Jazz Club Discount Cards will receive 10% off food and drink at these events. Talent Schedule July 12               Alex Becerra & Friends July 26               Edgar Pagan’s GPL with Adam Fisher August 9            Rick & Julie’s Jazz Asylum August 23          Cherie Giraud Sept 6                 QUATRO Sept 20               ESP with Kristen Tegtmeyer #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Larry Luttinger

CNY Jazz Arts Foundation

T: (315) 479-5299

C: (315) 436-9082

www.nejazzwinefest.org

Berkshire Bank Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival returns

CNY Jazz celebrates Artsweek with major music event

Syracuse NY – CNY Jazz will continue to serve Syracuse and Central New York with an international jazz festival accompanied by fine wines, food, and fun when the Berkshire Bank Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival holds court in Clinton Square, the heart of downtown Syracuse, on July 28^th and 29^th.

The two-day event provides the performing arts anchor of Artsweek in Downtown Syracuse, the “festival of festivals” that stretches from Clinton Square to the Everson Museum, with a history of attracting over 66,000 festivalgoers to downtown Syracuse every summer. Make it a staycation and prowl all of our activities for a long weekend. You won’t be disappointed.”

The festival again boasts a powerful talent lineup, thanks to title sponsor Berkshire Bank, a loyal host of returning sponsors, and public sector support from Assemblyman Al Stirpe, Assemblymember Pam Hunter, and Senator Rachel May. It will again present jazz and a wide array of American music styles on three stages in Clinton Square, as well as new and exciting group of wines provided by sponsor Palm Bay International. Along with acclaimed international and regional acts plus local bands in their twin party tents, the event will also serve as a showcase for the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra, whose members hail from city and county school districts and area colleges.

“This is the 20^th jazz festival we’ve presented downtown in 22 years, and we’re glad to be well into our third decade of service to downtown Syracuse,” according to the organizer and founder of CNY Jazz, Larry Luttinger. “Syracuse doesn’t have to worry about losing any year-round jazz capacity while we’re on watch. We’re here for the long haul, to ensure year-round support for the jazz art form and to help Artsweek continue to grow as a regional cultural tourism magnet. Jazz, and the arts as a whole, are a huge, largely untapped economic driver for our region. We’ve worked hard to fulfill that promise by building an even bigger and better total experience for residents and visitors alike.”

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh added, “The Jazz & Wine Festival is one of the many great events happening downtown during Artsweek that brings together a diverse group of incredibly talented national and local artists. This festival in July and the Jazz in the City concert series have become staples of the arts scene in our community.”

Assemblyman Al Stirpe commented, “Thanks to CNY Jazz for all the things they do for our Central NY community, especially their work with students in their CNY Jazz Scholastic pipeline, Jazz in the City and CNY Jazz Club series. You know it’s summer with the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival in Clinton Square!”

Assemblymember Pam Hunter said of the event, “The Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival stands tall among the remarkable lineup of events taking place downtown during Artsweek, uniting an array of immensely talented national and local artists. Come July, this festival, alongside the Jazz in the City concert series, will once again cement their status as integral parts of our community’s thriving arts scene.”

Senator Rachel May said, “I am thrilled to be part of making the comeback of the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival happen here in Clinton Square. It’s been a great start to summer in Syracuse and having this incredible festival occurring will continue the fun and energy. Thanks to CNY Jazz for bringing another great event downtown!”

Jim Morris, New York State President of Berkshire Bank, added “Berkshire Bank is once again thrilled to sponsor the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival. This Syracuse tradition brings our community together to celebrate and appreciate the music of so many talented artists over two days. We look forward to enjoying this family friendly festival with members of our Central New York community.”

This year’s lineup of artists is proof of the many faces that jazz can take. The main stage opens with a quartet led by the young Texas wunderkind Ryan Peterson, a product of the prestigious North Texas State University, followed by the unique mainstream sounds of New York City-based S.O.A.R., finishing with a closing contemporary jazz set by Jeff Kashiwa, formerly of The Rippingtons and founder of the Sax Pack.  Student and community ensembles including the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra and Alumni Trio, Brig Juice, and Utica’s Easy Money Big Band play Saturday afternoon starting at noon, CNY Jazz alumnus Luke Hart plays on the main stage with his quartet, then the evening’s lineup commences with Lindsey Holland, a new singer on the national scene from Western New York; New York City’s rising tenor sax sensation Lucas Pino with the Lamb, Mack & Sorgen Trio, and Michael Buble protégé Jumaane Smith, trumpeter and vocalist, taking the stage with his band to finish the night. The twin party tent stages in Clinton Square will again host a CNY Jazz Alumni Jazz Reunion curated by Nicholas DiMaria; Syracuse expatriate organist Will Gorman’s “WG3” trio, Mike Serafim’s hard-hitting Funky Blu Roots, and area soul legend Trumptight 315 return after a multi-year hiatus.

“As you can see, our lineup reflects the best of the art form in all its many styles, and shows off our CNY Jazz legacy performers as well, many out there touring with the best in the business,” said Larry Luttinger, organizer and founder of CNY Jazz. “This is the jazz of the present and future, not the past. It’s all new, fresh, and fun. We’re a lifestyle festival for sure.

Additional corporate sponsors make this year’s festival possible, including major new sponsor A-Verdi, as well as returnees Mack Studios, C & S Companies, Costello Cooney Fearon PLLC, National Grid, Baldwin, Sutphen & Frateschi PLLC, FustCharles, Lockheed Martin Employees Federated Fund, Brown & Brown, Bond Schoeneck & King, Critical Link, Ra-Lin, Galaxy Media Partners, WAER 88.3, Cabot Cheese, and generous support from Bill and Nancy Byrne. New media sponsor WOLF Radio via The Dinosaur and The Beat comes on board with a major presence.

New lodging sponsor Collegian Hotel and Suites offers a flexible package including one-to-three night stays, complimentary festival wine, up front VIP seating at the festival, and breakfast, offered for $150 to $185 per night.

The festival’s evolving selection of world class wines is again provided by major sponsor Palm Bay International and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Back by popular demand, outstanding wines from Northern Italy are represented by The Cavit Collection. Their line of crisp flavored Roscatos will be featured. Lunetta Prosecco and Prosecco Rose is again included, and boutique selections by Yealands, Portillo, Bottega Vania, Vanderpump and Au Contraire complete the wine list, offered at accessible prices from $7 to $14. Premium and craft beers and hard selzers will also be sold. “The jazz and wine lifestyles are the perfect match and make for the coolest festival of our hot summer,” said Luttinger. “We’ll see you all in Clinton Square for a dynamite jazz festival and a super Artsweek.”

Artsweek in Downtown Syracuse is the city’s “festival of festivals”, designed as a major cultural tourism vehicle showcasing our many downtown cultural assets. Other activities throughout that week include the behemoth Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival, a resurgent Street Painting festival curated by Tommy Lincoln, and many other supporting downtown cultural events.

Full information about the festival, complete wine list, links to artist videos and printable schedules are available at www.nejazzwinefest.org.

To schedule phone interviews with artists, call CNY Jazz at 315-479-5299.

2023 Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival Talent Schedule

Friday July 28

Main Stage

6-7 p.m.               Ryan Peterson Quartet

7:45-9 p.m.         S.O.A.R.

9:45-11 p.m.      Jeff Kashiwa

WAER Mardi Gras Pavilion

5 p.m.                   Will Gorman Trio

7 p.m.                   Will Gorman Trio

9 p.m.                   Will Gorman Trio

WAER World Beat Pavilion

5 p.m.                   Funky Blu Roots

7 p.m.                   Funky Blu Roots

9 p.m.                   Funky Blu Roots

Saturday July 29

Main Stage Youth and Community Groups

12 to 1 p.m.        CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra

1 to 2 p.m.          CNY Jazz Alumni Trio

2 to 3 p.m.          Luke Hart Quartet

3 to 4 p.m.          Brig Juice

4 to 5 p.m.          Easy Money Big Band

Main Stage

6 to 7 p.m.          Lindsey Holland

7:45 to 9 p.m.    Lucas Pino with Lamb, Mack & Sorgen

9:45 to 11 p.m. Jumaane Smith

WAER Mardi Gras Pavilion

5 p.m.                  Nicholas Maria’s CNY Jazz Jam

7 p.m.                   Nicholas Maria’s CNY Jazz Jam

9 p.m.                   Nicholas Maria’s CNY Jazz Jam

WAER World Beat Pavilion

5 p.m.                   Trumptight 315

7 p.m.                   Trumptight 315

9 p.m.                   Trumptight 315

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About CNY Jazz – The CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, established in 1996, is the largest 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 Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, Nancy Kelly Vocal Jazz Jams and Stars of Tomorrow Cabarets, SummerJazz Workshop, Sharkey’s Interscholastic Jazz Festival, Jazz in the City, Jazz at Timber Banks, Jazz at the Sherwood, Syracuse Stage Opening Night Cabarets Black History Month Cabaret, a busy arts-in-education service, the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra, and shows of all kinds at the Jazz Central theater. Learn more at www.cnyjazz.org

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

larry@cnyjazz.org

315-479-5299

Jazz in the City concert delivers quality of life at Kirk Park

Syracuse NY – Dr. Martin Luther King spoke powerfully when he said “Of all forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” Syracuse Community Health and a host of other community stakeholders launch their summer-long effort to correct this injustice when the Jazz in the City concert series kicks off at 6 p.m. in Kirk Park on Thursday June 8^th with a concert by Syracuse’s neo-soul powerhouse, The Brownskin Band, with special guest Joe Driscoll.

Held under the pavilion on the Borden Street side of the park, the concert and health fair will take place rain or shine. Preceding the band’s 2-hour show will be a performance by the Community Gospel Choir led by Cora Thomas.

In addition to enjoying the music, food, and craft vendors, those attending will be able to take advantage of multiple informational and hands-on health services at the concert. New York Lottery scratch-off tickets and free COVID test kits will be given as incentives for everyone screened for their health needs by the SCH professional medical staff. including consultations and screenings for body mass index and hypertension, scheduling appointments for vaccinations and boosters, and providing those without a primary care physician with referrals. Over a dozen other local health providers will be on hand, including new addition Aetna Medicare Solutions, to advise and consult about their services.

“All this under one roof, and a dance floor in the bargain, makes for quite a party scene,” opined Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz leader and organizer. “The more folks get up and out to this event, the more energy we can pump into this neighborhood. Kirk Park and its great pool and community center are a gem undiscovered by many Central New Yorkers. Come see for yourself.”

Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and make an evening of the three-hour family-friendly show, which is free. No alcohol is served.

For more information on all seven Jazz in the City public health outreach concerts, visit www.cnyjazzinthecity.org.

If You Go

What: Syracuse Community Health Jazz in the City, presented by Community Bank

When: Thursday June 8, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Kirk Park Pavilion, 300 W. Borden Ave.

Who: Brownskin with Joe Driscoll, opening act Community Gospel Choir

Cost: free

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz collaborates on Snarky Puppy concert

Syracuse NY – The extended “CNY Jazz Family” will enjoy special treatment and privileges surrounding the upcoming Syracuse concert by Snarky Puppy, the world’s premier jazz, funk, and world music band, five-time Grammy winner and staple of the international festival circuit. The nearly 20-strong ensemble will appear at Sharkey’s Event Center on June 25^th as a stop on their 2023 world tour.

CNY Jazz donors holding “CNY Jazz Club” cards will receive $10.00 to $15.00 off advance tickets to the show for the cardholder and one companion only, and all students showing a current college or High School I.D. will gain entry to an exclusive pre-concert clinic and pre-show educational event with members of the band. All cards must be shown at the entry gate.

“We were overjoyed, stunned, actually, when the band’s promoters reached out to us to collaborate on this event,” said Larry Luttinger CNY Jazz founder and director. “To have our regional mission and our year-round programs noticed like this is a real honor, and the kids in our scholastic programs will be super excited. This is one of the highest value, unique benefits that any arts organization could hope to offer their core supporters.”

Led by bassist Michael League, Snarky Puppy has blazed a unique trail through the music world, known for their unique, totally live recording sessions with no overdubs in front of a live audience and recordings with an eclectic list of guest artists ranging from Jacob Collier to David Crosby. A musical collective, it predominantly performs with an army of musicians, from 20 to 30, including multiple brass, reeds, guitars, drummers and percussionists.

Advance tickets to the show are on sale now, and student tickets are offered at $30.00. For information on how to get a CNY Jazz Club donor card for privileges at this and other events, visit https://www.cnyjazz.org/general-donations/

If You Go

Who: Snarky Puppy

Where: Sharkey’s Event Center, 7240 Oswego Rd. Liverpool NY

When: Sunday June 25^th, doors at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets: $45 to $85 Advance, $55 to $100 Door, students $30 at https://syracusetix.com/event/snarky-puppy/

Discounts: current CNY Jazz Club cards and student I.D. must be shown at entry

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

New CNY Jazz club series extended through summer

Syracuse NY – The first season of the successful “Jazz at Timber Banks” music series presented by CNY Jazz has been extended through the summer months at Persimmons restaurant in the riverside golf community’s event facility. The series moves to Tuesdays from June 6th through September 12th with a break for the July 4th week, to coincide with the expansion of the dining schedule at the Carlton Holmes-designed lodge near their marina on the Seneca river.

“Rarely have I seen such a complete success like this in any location,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder and curator of the series. “Before this, Central New York north of the Thruway had no appreciable dinner-and-music options offering a wide variety of entertainment and quality dining in a spacious, beautiful environment. Customer feedback has been totally positive, and there’s no way to go but up with this; it brings a fun, family-friendly cultural experience to this part of the county. Many thanks to the Alberici family and their great staff for their enthusiasm for this partnership with our arts organization.”

As originally conceived, the lineup will continue as an eclectic sampler of all that the region’s finest artists can muster, in jazz, cabaret, funk and RnB, Latin pop, country swing, and progressive Americana styles. There is no cover charge, and individuals with CNY Jazz Club discount cards shown before ordering will enjoy 10% discounts on food and drink. All music occurs from 6 to 9 p.m. The schedule and more information is available by visiting https://www.cnyjazz.org/jazz-at-timber-banks/ and CNY Jazz Club discount cards are available at https://www.cnyjazz.org/general-donations/

Concert Schedule

June 6 Chuck Schiele’s Quatro

June 13 Stringdom

June 20 Bob Piorun Quartet with Julie Howard and Luis Molina

June 27 Julie & Rick’s Jazz Asylum

July 11 Kirsten Tegtmeyer & ESP

July 18 Drew Serafini Trio

July 25 Swing This!

August 1 Nancy Kelly

August 8 Cherie Giraud

August 15 Scott Dennis, Donna Pacini & Aaron Ruiz

August 22 Nick Fields Trio

August 29 Marianne Solivan

September 5 Vanessa Vacanti & The Jazz Mafia

September 12 Cherie Giraud

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz scholastic pipeline returns full force

Syracuse NY – Despite the hard hit by the pandemic and its negative impact on schools and families, CNY Jazz continued to present its youth programs in virtual and hybrid settings. This year, the organization’s “pipeline” of enrichment programs that follow students through grade school and into college returns full force, with the goal of full enrollment in live settings across the area.

The first to occur is the 3^rd annual “Berkshire Bank Interscholastic Jazz Festival,” to take place Sundays May 7^th and 21^st at the newly renovated and covered Sharkey’s Event Center in Liverpool. From 3 to 8 p.m. each day, the public and band parents can enjoy free admission, Sharkey’s food, drink, and the region’s finest school jazz ensembles of all kinds: combos, big bands, even a jazz string group, accompanied by nationally renowned guest soloists who will double as master class clinicians with each group. This year’s guest teaching artists are Claire Daly, baritone saxophonist with the seminal DIVA jazz orchestra and founding member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center education faculty, and Mike Carbone, jazz studies leader at Binghamton University. “This program was born because kids everywhere were forced to rehearse 12 feet apart in school with masks and were not able to perform in school,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz leader. “Morale was non-existent, and programs were in jeopardy. When I heard this, we put this outdoor event together quickly. As it turned out, educators, students, and parents alike loved the format and setting. Now it’s a permanent fixture on the enrichment scene for the extended region.”

For over 20 years in Central New York, the last day of school in June is always closely followed by the CNY Jazz SummerJazz Workshop, where kids get to explore the arts of improvisation. Newly moved to the W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts at Le Moyne College, the 2023 workshop will be topped off with a visit by internationally recognized jazz educator John Piazza, Jr., who will coach the program’s four combos and solo with them. Scheduled for June 26 to 29, registration is now open at https://www.cnyjazz.org/summerjazz-workshop-2023/. All those interested may visit this site for full details on the program. “We’ve turned out scores of professionals in all walks of life from this workshop, over a thousand graduates and counting,” according to Luttinger. “Every year, almost all students selected for All-County jazz groups are grads. That says something.”

The ultimate CNY Jazz pipeline program is the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra, accessible by audition to all as a pre-professional apprenticeship program, a paying summer job for area youth, who join the American Federation of Musicians and receive prevailing rates for performing free public concerts throughout the summer. This season’s venues include Cazenovia Counterpoint, Le Moyne College, the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, and the Manlius Amphitheater. “We prepare and follow these kids and others by helping record their college audition videos and offering letters of recommendation, a kind of ‘On Point for College’ for music,” said Luttinger. We’re proud to say that we’ve been a small part of their success in life in many fields, as professional teachers, doctors, lawyers, and more. Back in the day, even Syracuse’s famous expatriate and former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe was in this program.”

The programs are supported by a large family of supporters, including Senator John Mannion, Berkshire Bank, the John Ben Snow Foundation, Mackenzie Hughes, Bousquet Holstein, Music & Arts, The Golub Foundation, Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, the American Federation of Musicians MPTF Fund (Musicians Protective Trust Fund), CNY Arts and Onondaga County, and corporate and individual scholarship donors for underserved and urban kids.

For more information on all programs and how to donate or create a named scholarship, contact CNY Jazz at 315-479-5299 or info@cnyjazz.org. Detailed program information is available at https://www.cnyjazz.org . CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra dates and times will be announced at a later date.

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

441 E. Washington St.

Syracuse NY 13202

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Saxophone phenom Chico Freeman returns to Jazz Central

Syracuse NY – Jazz Appreciation Month just got a lot jazzier in Central New York. The touring performance schedule continues at Jazz Cenral with a return engagement by Chico Freeman and his quartet, performing at 7:30 pm on Saturday April 8th.  The saxophonist, composer, and producer is a veteran of the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Charles Mingus, Wynton Marsalis, and countless others and is recognized as one of the most important jazz musicians of our time. He is back in the states after more than a decade working in Europe. Advance sale tickets are on sale now at www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/ for $20.00.

This date marks Freeman’s second appearance in Syracuse and the first since his 2019 debut appearance here before the pandemic. Freeman will lead a new group consisting of the Brubeck Brothers’ Chuck Lamb, Peter Mack on bass, and drummer Harvey Sorgen, veteran of groups ranging from Hot Tuna to Paul Simon to Santana to Ahmad Jamal.

Freeman is the product of an influential Chicago musical dynasty led by his father, legendary saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Von Freeman, and uncles, guitarist George Freeman and drummer Bruz Freeman. A master of many styles ranging from R&B to blues, hard bop to avant-garde, Chico made his bones with Memphis Slim and Lucky Carmichael, then pop and R & B greats The Temptations, Michael Jackson, The Four Tops, Jackie Wilson, The Dells, The Isley Brothers, and The Eurythmics. He has performed with such jazz greats as Elvin Jones, Sun Ra, and Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Hank Jones, Freddie Cole, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Roy Haynes, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Sting, plus Latin greats Tito Puente, Machito, Irakere, Arturo Sandoval, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, and many others.

“Chico’s depth of talent and experience is among the heaviest on the planet ,” according to Larry Luttinger, founder of CNY Jazz and presenter of the event, which is underwritten by Mack Studios. “If you’re serious about witnessing jazz history in action, this should be a bucket list event for you. I know it’s an overused term, but this one is a must-see. Thanks so much to Peter Mack for making this happen for CNY Jazz.”

Only 75 tickets will be sold to this exclusive performance.

Who: Chico Freeman in Concert

Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY

When: Saturday April 8^th, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $20 Advance, $25 Door, $10 Door with valid student I.D. www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Larry Luttinger

441 E. Washington St.

Syracuse, NY 13202

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz Black History Cabaret presents female double bill

George Kilpatrick to receive Pioneer Public Service Award

Syracuse NY – On Sunday February 26th, this year’s CNY Jazz Black History Month Cabaret will raise the roof of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown’s Finger Lakes Ballroom with a 5:00 p.m. concert performance by Althea Rene and Jeanette Harris. George Kilpatrick, media pioneer and community affairs activist will be honored with the 2023 Pioneer Public Service Award. $35 advance sale tickets include a free buffet and are now available at https://www.cnyjazz.org/tickets/

Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC sponsors the event for the 15^th year, with additional support from National Grid, Wegmans, WAER, UAW Region 9-NY, Visions Federal Credit Union, and others. CNY Jazz supporters Bill and Nancy Byrne have again graciously underwritten the buffet for the event, offered at no extra cost to all attendees.

The concert is a return engagement for Althea Rene, Detroit-born flutist, paired with saxophonist Jeanette Harris, dubbed the “Queens of Soul Jazz” in a rare all-female smooth jazz double bill. Rene is well-known to area jazz fans as a Motown music legacy, daughter of Dezie McCullers of the original Funk Brothers, the group that played for many Motown groups from the late 1950s through the 1970s. Harris, a native of Fresno California, is an instrumentalist and songwriter, having co-written hits with Norman Brown and Gerald Albright, with international touring experience with the legendary Teena Marie. Both artists log many thousands of miles annually, appearing in festivals and clubs worldwide.

“This by far the most groundbreaking duo we’ve ever presented to honor Black History Month and the powerful legacy of Black America’s music,” offered Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder and leader. “Rene and Harris are pioneers in every way as jazz instrumentalists, singers, and songwriters, inspiring a new generation who thought it couldn’t be done. They’re already stars, and will become superstars in soul jazz for the 21^st century. Come see history in the making for yourself.”

This year’s Pioneer Public Service Award will be given to radio and television host for iHeart Radio and WCNY George Kilpatrick, widely known across Upstate New York as the “progressive voice” of regional media, tireless community advocate, spokesperson for Syracuse Community Health Jazz in the City public health concert series, and founder of Syracuse’s Juneteenth celebration.

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 Althea Rene and Jeanette Harris

Where: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202

When: Sunday February 26^th, 4:00 p.m. doors, 5:00 p.m. show

Tickets: Admission including free buffet $35 in advance, $40 at the door at cnyjazz.org/tickets or 315-479-5299.

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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 more than 150 events to a total annual audience of 50,000. They include a summer season of festivals and concerts 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, the Jazz at Timber Banks and Jazz On Tap Series, and other events of all kinds 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