PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

New music series coming to Baldwinsville

Persimmons Restaurant in Timber Banks to host weekly events

Syracuse NY – The growing Timber Banks community along the scenic Seneca River will soon offer more than fine residential, golf, and boating when the “Jazz at Timber Banks” music series begins in their brand-new Persimmons Restaurant. The 21-event lineup includes the finest that the area can offer in jazz, blues, funk, Rhythm and Blues, Americana, country swing, Latin crossover, contemporary pop, and Sinatra on a schedule that runs through early May.

The series is presented by CNY Jazz Central as their newest “CNY Jazz Club” offering. There is no cover charge, and CNY Jazz donor cardholders will receive 10% discounts on food and drink at all events scheduled on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Now the northern suburbs will have nearby access to great music of all kinds on a regular basis in a cabaret setting,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz leader and series curator. “This venue is breathtaking, the staff is wonderful, and the food and drink first class, perfect surroundings for an enjoyable midweek evening. Not that it’s too far afield for anyone; it’s only 22 minutes from downtown Syracuse, well worth the drive from anywhere. You have to see this place, it’s awesome.”

A party to kick off the series will feature area favorite Edgar Pagán and his “Grupo Pagán Lite” trio, playing pop and Latin pop selections. Free finger foods will be available that evening. After that, an diverse group of artists cycles through, including Scott Dennis, Joanna Jewett, Ronnie Leigh, Alex Becerra and Friends, Baldwinsville native Vanessa Vacanti and the Jazz Mafia, Mike Houston and Sam Wynn, Cherie Giraud, JoeZoe, ESP with Kirsten Tegtmeyer, Just Joe, Mark Nanni, Nancy Kelly, Rick Montalbano and Julie Falatico, Swing This, and Chuck Schiele’s TRIO.  The entire schedule is available at www.cnyjazz.org/jazz-at-timber-banks/

If You Go

What: Jazz at Timber Banks

Where: Persimmons, 3536 Timber Banks Pkwy, Baldwinsville, NY 13027

When: Wednesdays  6-9pm

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

TNT unveils next “Syracuse as Canvas” mural at Jazz Central

Live music at reception October 28^th

Syracuse NY – The second of eight murals planned for urban Syracuse by Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today will be unveiled with a free happy hour reception on Friday October 28^th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington Street.

Muralist Cecily Thomas will be on hand to talk about her inspiration for “THIS MUST BE THE PLACE” the 90-foot work that spans the entire length of the west wall of the building, which houses the CNY Jazz Offices, education hub, and Jazz Central theater. Live music will be provided by Mark Hoffmann’s” Swing This!” and finger foods and cash bar will be available.

According to Thomas, “I wanted to create something bold so that you can’t help but read it. My hope is that when people look at this mural, they immediately think of all the reasons why Syracuse is such a wonderful place. I think that whether you grew up here or are a transplant, it’s easy to take pride in the fact that this is your home. Syracuse must be the place!”

City officials will be in attendance at the event, including Common Councilor Jimmy Monto, tireless advocate and President of Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today (TNT), who continues to lead the citywide project. From his point of view, he sees that “Syracuse is experiencing an art Renaissance of sorts, and it’s beautiful to see. These projects scream civic pride; and the support from the community has been utterly astonishing. We have to keep investing our time and resources in artists, they do what they do out of pride and love for this city of ours.” 

CNY Jazz leader and founder Larry Luttinger added, “This mural is so visually arresting, it demands your attention, with a strong, positive declaration. Many thanks to Jimmy and the folks at TNT who voted for our building as one of the eight mural locations. As the first arts center collaborating with a TNT visual artist, this amplifies our place in the cultural firmament of downtown. Soon, we’ll be serving the city’s newest neighborhood, when I-81 comes down. When that happens, we’ll be ready to serve the new “Downtown East” with cultural services, in a beautiful setting.”

Mural number 3 is currently underway on the side of the Palace Theater in Eastwood at the corner of James Street and Stafford Avenue. 

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Skaneateles CNY Jazz Club series runs through Fall

Jazz On Tap continues successful Sunday concerts

Syracuse NY – Jazz On Tap, the first series of the CNY Jazz 2022-2023 season begins at the unique “theme brewpub” Finger Lakes on Tap on Friday September 9^th with a performance by Melissa Gardiner’s MG3 organ trio. Following that series kickoff concert, a regular Sunday afternoon schedule runs through the fall into the holiday season. This is the 8^th year of the series at the Skaneateles location.

The best jazz and jazz-inflected musical groups from across the extended region including the Finger Lakes and Ithaca are represented as well as Syracuse-based artists. The lineup includes Ronnie Leigh, Nancy Kelly, Edgar Pagán, Julie Howard, Alex Becerra, Steve Brown, Drew Serafini, John Spillett, Carol Bryant, Angelo Candela, and E.S.P.

There is no cover charge. Early arrival is recommended at the cozy two-story venue, with balcony seating available overlooking the stage.

“Aside from education, a major part of our mission at CNY Jazz is providing showcase performance opportunities for regional artists, not just presenting touring ensembles,” said Larry Luttinger of CNY Jazz. “These club series that we present around town are also important introductions to America’ music for many uninitiated music lovers. These afternoon sessions are exciting, and eye opening, for many new to the genre.”

CNY Jazz Club discount cards for the 2021-2022 season will be honored for 10% off food and drink.

More information and a complete schedule are available at www.cnyjazz.org.

If You Go

What: Jazz on Tap

Where: Finger Lakes on Tap, 35 Fennell Street, Skaneateles NY

When: Kickoff party 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday September 9with Melissa Gardiner’s MG3

Fall Schedule Sundays 2 to 5 p.m.

September 18 John Spillett Trio

September 25 Ronnie Leigh

October 2 Edgar Pagán’s GPL

October 9 Nancy Kelly

October 16 Julie Howard and the Jazz Mafia

October 23 E.S.P.

October 30 Alex Becerra & Friends

November 6 Steve Brown Duo

November 13 Drew Serafini Trio

November 20 Carol Bryant Quartet

November 27 Angelo Candela & Friends

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Health outreach concerts conclude at Thornden Park

National artist centerpiece of final event

Syracuse NY – In the midst of a late summer resurgence of the virus and back-to-school health concerns, the Jazz in the City public health outreach concert series wraps up its summer tour of city parks with a final concert in Thornden Park this Thursday at 6 p.m. with smooth jazz saxophonist, flutist, and singer Paula Atherton. The concerts travel with food and craft vendors and a healthcare village. Central to the village is the presence of Syracuse Community Health, scheduling appointments for vaccinations and boosters, answering questions about shots for tots, back-to-school vaccinations and many more current health concerns, referring those unable to find personal physicians, and giving free health screenings. As incentives, scratch-off lottery tickets will be given to all who travel through the health center tents. All in attendance will receive goodie bags filled with health information and test kits.

The Billboard chart-topping Paula Atherton brings her New York City band to the occasion for a three-hour performance with local “dance for health” troupe 1Accord Line Dance as their opening act. Atherton is adept at both smooth jazz and mainstream styles, having worked with artists as diverse as The Rippingtons, Chieli Minucci, Hank Jones, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. She is a regular on the international festival and jazz cruise circuit. This will be her first performance in Syracuse.

“Paula is the perfect closer for our series, and the concert location is perfect, in my humble opinion,” said Larry Luttinger CNY Jazz leader and series organizer. “We’re setting up on the Westcott Nation side of the park near the pool, playing to the huge lawn area next to it. There’s plenty of parking along the park road. Everyone is welcome to bring chairs, tents, and make the evening a family party. You can even get come exercise in by joining the line dancers for some fun. It’s more than a concert, it’s a festival, and I’m asking everyone who can attend to bring a family member to visit the health center tent and all the healthcare providers there.”

The healthcare village providers on hand include Hope Connections Recovery, a program of Catholic Charities; Molina Healthcare, ACR Health, Excellus, the New York State Department of Mental Health, Fidelis Care, YMCA, and Humana. The Prevention Center will give out NARCAN kits and training in their use.

All Jazz in the City concerts are free and open to the public.

If You Go

What: Syracuse Community Health JAZZ IN THE CITY public health concert

When: Thursday August 18^th, 6 to 9:00 p.m.

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

Who: Paul Atherton with 1Accord Line Dance opening act

Cost: free

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Jazz in the City visits West Side with public health concert

Free concerts spread current public health information

Syracuse NY – The “Jazz in the City” public health concert series shifts emphasis to the West Side this Thursday, with a free concert by legendary funk and soul band Atlas at Leavenworth Park, near Middle Ages Brewery.  Food vendors will be available, urban arts and craft vendors will show their creations, and a “healthcare village” of family service providers including a mobile unit from Syracuse Community Health will be present to give screenings and consultations to all, with NYS Lottery scratch-off prizes as incentives.

The current iteration of Atlas, the funky horn group nearing 50 years of existence as an in-demand all-star group, includes the new addition of Berklee grad Lisa Denise on vocals, a veteran of groups led by Roy Ayers, Lucy Pearl, and Dawn Robinson of En Vogue. 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.

Syracuse Community Health will continue to reward those lining up to receive health screenings, seek primary physicians, and make appointments for adult boosters and child vaccinations.  “Last time at Skiddy Park we ran out of scratch-offs in the first hour. This time we’ll be stocking up with more, hopefully enough to last through the entire event,” observed Larry Luttinger, series organizer. “Our goal is to convince everyone to bring a reluctant or just isolated family member, friend, or neighbor to these events to be counseled and screened. It’s that simple. We just have to hang together to beat the many negative effects of this public health gap in our city.”

The Prevention Network will continue to give out free NARCAN kits and the short training course needed to administer them. Healthcare Village members on hand to answer questions include Hope Connections Recovery, a program of Catholic Charities, Molina Healthcare, ACR Health, Excellus, the New York State Department of Mental Health, Fidelis Care, YMCA, and Humana.

All Jazz in the City concerts are free and open to the public.

IF You Go

What: Syracuse Community Health JAZZ IN THE CITY public health concert

When: Thursday July 7th, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Leavenworth Park, 120 Wilkinson Street, Syracuse NY 13204

Who: Atlas with Lisa Denise

Cost: free #

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 third decade of downtown jazz

Syracuse NY – CNY Jazz will celebrate the start of its third decade of serving Syracuse with a top-flight 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 29^th and 30th.

The two-day event provides the performing arts anchor for the post-pandemic return of Syracuse Artsweek, the “festival of festivals” that stretches from Clinton Square to the Everson Museum, attracting over 66,000 festivalgoers to downtown Syracuse every summer.

The festival re-emerges with a powerful talent lineup, thanks to title sponsor Berkshire Bank and an injection of ARPA funding from the City of Syracuse, as well as strong new support from Assemblyman Al Stirpe 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, 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 19^th jazz festival we’ve presented downtown in 21 years, and we’re glad to be back to start our third decade of service to downtown Syracuse, given the huge impact the pandemic has had on the arts,” according to organizer and founder of CNY Jazz, Larry Luttinger. “Syracuse doesn’t have to worry about losing any 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.”

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, “Welcome back to the Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest! After two years off we are excited to continue the tradition of celebrating all that Central New York does best. Thanks to CNY Jazz for providing premier jazz programming in Clinton Square since 2002, bringing the finest musicians to multiple stages. As the Chair of the NYS Small Business committee, it’s great to see the focus on our vibrant wine industry and our local food vendors. This is a tradition for everyone to enjoy.”

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 the Ricky Alexander Quintet, New York’s finest traditional swing group, followed by Camille Thurman, Wynton Marsalis protegee and powerhouse singer, saxophonist, and flutist, finishing with a closing set by legendary drummer Jerry Marotta and his ”Reelin’ in the Years” Steely Dan tribute. After student and community ensembles play Saturday afternoon, the Lamb, Mack & Sorgen Trio performs from their debut album, then Raul Midon, the musical genius blind from birth, now an international sensation, takes the stage. The festival concludes with a closing dance party led by Syracuse’s most well- known jazz expatriate, Jackiem Joyner. The twin party tent stages in Clinton Square will host a CNY Jazz Alumni Jazz Reunion curated by Nicholas DiMaria; Mike Houston, Sam Wynn and Friends; Sophistafunk, and Grupo Pagan with a special guest appearance by longtime Atlas saxophone alum Jerry More.

Additional corporate sponsors make this year’s festival possible, including Mack Studios, Costello Cooney Fearon PLLC, WAER 88.3, National Grid, Baldwin, Sutphen & Frateschi PLLC, Lockheed Martin Employees Federated Fund, Bond Schoeneck & King, Critical Link, Ra-Lin, Sunny 102, Soul of Syracuse, Cabot Cheese, and DUMAC, as well as annual operating funds from CNY Arts.

The festival’s wide selection of world class wines are 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’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato, Oak Zero Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir. Lunetta Prosecco is this year’s chosen festival sparkling wine, and boutique selections Mon Frere Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and Vanderpump Rose complete the offerings. 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 Countryside Federal Credit Union “Salt City Summerfest”, which will bring live strolling entertainment to all sidewalk and patio dining locations across downtown, the Downtown Committee’s Arts and Crafts Festival, a resurgent Street Painting festival curated by Tommy Lincoln, and many other supporting downtown 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.

TALENT SCHEDULE

2022 Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival Schedule

Friday July 29

Main Stage

6:30 pm               Ricky Alexander Quintet

8:15 pm               Camille Thurman

10:00 pm             Jerry Marotta’s Reelin’ in the Years

WAER Mardi Gras Pavilion

5:00 pm               Nick Di Maria’s CNY Jazz Alumni Reunion

7:30 pm               Nick Di Maria’s CNY Jazz Alumni Reunion

9:15 pm               Nick Di Maria’s CNY Jazz Alumni Reunion

WAER World Beat Pavilion

5:00 pm               Mike Houston, Sam Wynn & Friends

7:30 pm               Mike Houston, Sam Wynn & Friends

9:15 pm               Mike Houston, Sam Wynn & Friends

Saturday July 30

Main Stage

Noon                   CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra

1:30 pm               Mike Passarelli Trio with Ally Rexine

3:00 pm               Brig Juice Mini-Corps

4:00 pm               Easy Money Big Band

Main Stage

6:30 pm                Lamb, Mack & Sorgen Trio

8:15 pm               Raul Midon

10:00 pm             Jackiem Joyner

WAER Mardi Gras Pavilion

5:00 pm               Grupo Pagan with Jerry More

7:30 pm               Grupo Pagan with Jerry More

9:15 pm               Grupo Pagan with Jerry More

WAER World Beat Pavilion

5:00 pm               Sophistafunk

7:30 pm               Sophistafunk

9:15 pm               Sophistafunk

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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 CNY Jazz Cabaret Series, Scholastic Jazz Jams, Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, Jazz Vespers Series, Nancy Kelly Vocal Jazz Jams and Stars of Tomorrow Cabarets, SummerJazz Workshop, Jazz in the City, Jazz On Tap, Jazz at the Cavalier, Black History Month Cabaret, 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

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Jazz in the City travels to Near West Side

Free concerts spread current public health information

Syracuse NY – The Federally-recognized Syracuse Community Health “Jazz in the City” public health concert series moves to the Near West Side this Thursday, with a free concert by New York City’s acclaimed pop salsa phenomenon “3D Rhythm of Life” in the street at Skiddy Park and Blodgett school. Caribbean cuisine will be available, urban arts and craft vendors will show their wares, and a “healthcare village” of family service providers including a mobile unit from Syracuse Community Health will be present to give screenings and consultations to all, with NYS Lottery scratch-off prizes as incentives.

Syracuse Community Health is focusing its energies in the areas of health that suffered the most during the pandemic in the communities that they serve across the city. According to Keith Cuttler, the center’s Chief Operating Officer, “People having these preventative measures fell off during the worst of the pandemic, and we see many patients coming back to us with uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure.” At all events, they will have staff on hand to take blood pressures, discuss the importance of prevention, perform risk assessments, and make appointments on the spot for much overlooked preventive screenings including colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers, which are all at abnormally high levels in the urban community. They will also impart information about how to become a new patient at the center or at their school-based clinics, a new partnership with the Syracuse City School District.

Said Larry Luttinger, organizer of the series, “100 Black Men of Syracuse will be giving out fistfuls of New York State Lottery tickets as incentives for anyone choosing to be screened or interviewed by the health center’s staff. It’s easy to just not get tested, screened or boosted, and these prizes will play a part in getting some folks to be proactive about their health. We ask everyone to bring a loved one who they feel may be neglecting their health to talk to the friendly experts on hand at all these events.”

The Prevention Network will also have personnel there to give out free NARCAN kits and the short training course needed to administer them correctly. New sponsor Hope Connections Recovery, a program of Catholic Charities, comes on board along with others to be present at all the concerts for consultation, including Molina Healthcare, ACR Health, Excellus, the New York State Department of Mental Health, Fidelis Care, YMCA, and Humana.

“It’s easy to take that first step and just have a chat with a health and wellness expert at these concerts,” mentioned Luttinger. “Come for the music and fun and do yourself and your loved ones what could be a life-extending favor. It’s the right thing to do.”

All Jazz in the City concerts are free and open to the public.

IF You Go

What: Syracuse Community Health JAZZ IN THE CITY public health concert

When: Thursday June 23^rd, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 300 Oswego Street, Syracuse NY 13204

Who: 3D Rhythm of Life Orchestra

Cost: free

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PRESS RLEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

larry@cnyjazz.org

315-479-5299

Jazz in the City opens concert series in Kirk Park

Events provide public health platform for urban neighborhoods

Syracuse NY – The Syracuse Community Health Jazz in the City public health summer concert series commences on Thursday June 9 in Kirk Park at Argyle Terrace and West Borden Avenue at 6 p.m. The acclaimed funk and smooth jazz sextet Urban Jazz Coalition will provide a three-hour performance, surrounded by a festive background of arts and crafts and soul food vendors. A healthcare village and the health center’s mobile unit will offer counseling, testing, vaccinations and screenings, awarding lottery scratch-off tickets as incentives. The first batch of free goodie bags full of health care information and test kits will be distributed to all in attendance. The event is free and open to the public.

Urban Jazz Coalition is one of the Midwest’s most prolific contemporary jazz groups, having appeared at the Capital Jazz Festival, Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Berks Jazz Festival, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, and many more throughout their nearly three decades of existence. Regularly charting on jazz radio, the group has been featured on network television programming and film soundtracks. A sought-after backup group as well, they last appeared in Syracuse for CNY Jazz in 2015 with Elan Trotman, and at the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival in 2012 backing Jessy J.

“This kickoff event will set the bar for the rest of the summer, and Kirk Park near the Seals Community Center is the perfect place to do it,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder and director. “We’ve been presenting this series since 2003, and we’re achieving somewhat of a record as an urban outreach concert series. This is an extraordinary civic and corporate partnership for American cities, and we’re proud to carry this banner. We have to get ahead of the curve and control this virus, as well as continue to address current health needs caused by the pandemic. These are the only neighborhood festival concerts our city will see this summer, so let’s all come out and party with a purpose!”

For more information visit cnyjazzinthecity.org.

If You Go

What: Jazz in the City

Where: Kirk Park at the Seals Community Center, Argyle Terrace and W. Borden Ave.

Who: Urban Jazz Coalition

When: Thursday June 9 @ 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost: free

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Larry Luttinger

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Jazz in the City public health concerts expand services

Syracuse Community Health fights the virus in Syracuse

Syracuse NY – May 2022 to date. Over 70 daily hospitalizations, over 200 daily reported infections, and 3 deaths. These current numbers tell the tale of a virus that continues to produce deadly results in Central New York, with a surge to 100 million new infections projected nationally by year’s end. Syracuse’s urban ZIP codes still trail the region in all pandemic indicators. Other health needs have gone undetected during the pandemic, causing serious residual effects to the urban community at large.

In response, Syracuse Community Health is again leading an aggressive public health outreach effort to fight back, using the arts as a mobile platform to broadcast this message across the city to bring people together, provide them with the joy of congregating to enjoy music, food, and fun, receive health service information and tools, offer consultation and screening to those without the resources for regular healthcare appointments, and incentivize the vaccine-reluctant to step up and help push back against the numbers: the Jazz in the City Public Health Concert Series.

The concerts will feature national artists, the best local bands, and neighborhood-based opening acts by community groups. Each concert features food and arts and crafts vendors, and an extensive “healthcare village” of local health and human service organizations. Guest speakers will take the stage during intermissions. New this year is the donation of 5,000 test kits by Onondaga County, distributed in  goodie bags stuffed with health services information. New York Lottery scratch-off tickets will be awarded as incentives for those getting vaccinated, boosted, or screened.

Most importantly, the health center is expanding its array of event services to include consultations and screenings including body mass index, hypertension, plus vaccinations and boosters. The Prevention Network is donating 50 NARCAN kits and mandatory training in their use.

Said Keith Cuttler, COO of the health center, “Syracuse Community Health is proud to continue its partnership with CNY Jazz Central to offer the Jazz in the City Public Health Festival Concert Series this summer. This series connects the communities we serve with outstanding jazz musicians and vital health information and providers. By rotating through our city’s beautiful parks, these events bring music and health directly to the people of the city, right in their own neighborhoods.”

Mayor Ben Walsh added, “Jazz in the City played a key role last summer in helping fight misinformation and overcoming fear related to COVID-19. CNY Jazz uses music to bring people together to get outdoors, enjoy our parks and focus on living healthier lives,” said Mayor Walsh. “Plus, Jazz in the City goes beyond music; it brings art and entertainment from many artists into our neighborhoods. Come for the music and food, stay for the healthy connections.” 

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Onondaga County is proud to once again partner for another season of “Jazz in the City”. It is especially appropriate that the focus of the series this year remains on public health as we learn to live with COVID-19 while addressing the many other consequences that this pandemic has caused.” McMahon continued, “Thank you to the team at CNY Jazz for their efforts and the Syracuse Community Health Center for their partnership.”

The live concerts will be matched by a high visibility and highly targeted media campaign. Media personality George Kilpatrick, who lost his mother in the pandemic, will again lead a summer-long messaging campaign, and 100 Black Men of Syracuse will serve as the series volunteer corps. Larry Luttinger, leader of CNY Jazz, observed, “We’re not claiming we did this on our own, but last year, the vaccination rate in our most vulnerable ZIP code, 13204, from 27% to 44% during this awareness and outreach campaign. We all worked together to move the needle toward controlling this virus, keeping it in check, and minimizing it. I urge every city resident to become part of the solution this summer by doing their part and being smart about family health practices.”

The talent lineup for the series is prodigious, and includes chart-topping smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, classic soul, and RnB acts. The funky Urban Jazz Coalition returns from the Midwest for the kickoff concert in Kirk Park, New York City’s finest modern salsa outfit 3D Rhythm of Life provides a dance party at Skiddy Park, horn-driven regional legend Atlas performs in Leavenworth Park, the Billboard #1 breakout team of Deepak Thettu and Judah Sealy concertize in Schiller Park,  a legacy double bill of U.A.D. Kings of the Fall and The Blacklites will hold court at Dunk & Bright, and female flutist, saxophonist and singer Paula Atherton, up from New York City, closes the series in Thornden Park.

“The arts are a powerful platform for change and community awareness, as well as being a positive social and economic engine, and we’re leveraging all that and more with this unique mobile cultural platform,” said Larry Luttinger, leader of CNY Jazz. “I don’t know of any other effort like this in the country. Come to these concerts to enjoy high energy family-friendly entertainment, food, crafts, and more, and take advantage of the health center’s onsite services and healthcare village information booths while there. This series has been a model of civic and corporate leadership every summer since 2003. We can’t wait to get started.”

All concerts are free and open to the public, and no alcohol is served. For more information visit www.cnyjazzinthecity.org.  

Concert Series Schedule (all events Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

June 9 – Urban Jazz Coalition at Kirk Park, Argyle Terrace and W. Borden Ave.

June 23 – 3D Rhythm of Life at Skiddy Park, 300 Oswego St.

July 7 – Atlas at Leavenworth Park 120 Wilkinson St.

July 21 – Deepak Thettu & Judah Sealy at Schiller Park, Farmer Street and Whitwell Dr.

August 4 – U.A.D. Kings of the Fall & The Blacklites at Dunk & Bright, 2648 S. Salina St.

August 18 – Paula Atherton at Thornden Park, Thornden Park Drive and Greenwood Pl.

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

larry@cnyjazz.org

315-479-5299

Cast of CATS benefit raises jazz money with cabaret

In keeping with the longstanding Broadway tradition of giving back to community while on tour, cast members of the upcoming Landmark Theater production of CATS have chosen to support CNY Jazz with an exclusive cabaret performance. The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday April 25^th in the ballroom of Baldwinsville’s historic Mohegan Manor. Tickets are $35 for VIP ringside seating including a post-show meet and greet, $20 in advance, and $25 at the door, available by calling the Manor at 315-935-6866.

The show features twenty performers, virtually the entire cast of the show, and includes Dominic Fortunato, a native Syracusan and graduate of Westhill High School who studied at Syracuse City Ballet. Music Director Jonathan Gorst will accompany on piano.

The cast promises “an evening of song spanning styles from Broadway’s Golden Age to present day.” According to Gorst, “We feel that it’s extremely important to take any opportunity to help other arts organizations by presenting cabaret concerts and donating the proceeds. This is only the second opportunity we’ve had to do this kind of outreach, due to our demanding tour schedule. We hope that it will bring tangible benefit to CNY Jazz by providing a wonderful evening for all who attend.”

The cast includes Kellyann DeCarlo, Lauren Louis, Carolyn Bacon, Brianna Kim, Megan Arseneau, Indalecio De Jesus Valentin, Kayli Jamison, Christopher Salvaggio, Elana Valastro, Tony Mowatt, Sean McManus, Jose Raul Mangual, Dominic Fortunato, Tayler Harris, Brian Craig Nelson, Gracie Anderson, Lexy Bittner, Zach Bravo, Michelle Carter, and Vinny Andaloro.

“We’re ever so thankful that CATS chose our organization by presenting what will be a powerhouse show by some of the best and brightest young performers in the world,” said Larry Luttinger, leader of CNY Jazz. “This will help shine a light on our programs for urban youth, our inner-city public health concert series, and shows of all kinds at our Jazz Central theater, among others.”

If You Go

Who: Members of the cast of the National Tour of CATS

Where: Mohegan Manor, 58 Oswego St, Baldwinsville NY 13207

When: 7 p.m. Monday April 25^th  

Reservations: Mohegan Manor 315-935-6866

Cost: $35 VIP ringside with meet and greet, $20 advance, $25 at the door.