To Our CNY Jazz Family,

The health and well-being of all Central New Yorkers is our common goal through this difficult period. We at CNY Jazz want all our patrons and their families to be safe. We are postponing events on a rolling basis and will be making announcements regularly.

For now, our CNY Jazz Club series – Jazz at the Cavalier, Jazz On Tap, and Syracuse Stage Opening Night After Parties – are indefinitely postponed through the end of their spring schedules, due to the closing of bars and restaurants.

Our April 19th cabaret with Kim Nazarian, Jay Ashby, and the CNY Jazz Orchestra will be rescheduled next season. We will be asking our subscribers and ticketholders to consider the option of considering their tickets donations, to help us survive through the coming months.

Rental events already contracted at Jazz Central will be given the option of postponing or going on with audiences restricted to half our capacity.

We are working toward converting our SummerJazz Workshop and CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra to online educational experiences and streaming performances.

Be safe!
We appreciate your support!
CNY Jazz

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Larry Luttinger

441 E. Washington St.

Syracuse NY 13202

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

CNY Jazz artists pay it forward while in Syracuse

CNY Jazz always gets the most out of the world-renowned artists that they bring to Syracuse to perform. The case in point will happen the day after their Sunday February 23^rd Black History Month Cabaret in the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown.

To extend the cultural impact and reach of their time here, cabaret headliners Gerald Veasley and Jazmin Ghent will provide educational services for area students at two free events on Monday February 24^th, sponsored by the Syracuse University Humanities Center and a wide network of academic departments, the Community Folk Arts Center, and the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association.

First, they will speak at a free event at noon on the Syracuse University campus in Bird Library’s Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, where they will reflect on their paths to success in the music industry and the challenges presented by leading careers in music performance, presentation, and education. Their talk will be moderated by Tanisha Jackson, Executive Director of the Community Folk Art Center, and Theo Cateforis, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Fine Arts at S.U.

Monday evening, they will coach a free 7:00 pm music master class and jam session for young musicians of all ages at the Community Folk Art Center, 805 E. Genesee St. All are encouraged to bring their instruments. Attendees for this session must register in advance at cfac@syr.edu or by calling CFAC at 315-442-2230.

For those not yet in the know, Gerald Veasley, musical polymath, is a world-renowned bassist, founder of the international Bass Boot Camp program, musical host of the Berks Jazz Fest, and curator of Philadelphia’s “Unscripted” Jazz Series. He began his international career as bassist for the legendary Joe Zawinul, playing in The Zawinul Syndicate from 1988 to 1995. A successful recording and touring career as leader followed. Among his many musical associations are projects with Odean Pope and Grover Washington, Jr.

Fast-rising female ingenue, saxophonist, vocalist, and educator Jazmin Ghent is a 2019 NAACP Image Award winner for Outstanding Jazz Album who was voted “2017’s Best New Smooth Jazz Artist.” Still in her 20’s, Jazmin already has three Billboard #1 singles to her credit: “Work Wit It,” “Heat,” and “Compared to What.” She has performed at major festivals and venues throughout the country, in Europe, and Australia.  Jazmin received a bachelor’s degree (Mus.Ed.) from Florida State University and a Masters degree from Tennessee State University. 

“I’m especially excited about the community master class at CFAC Monday evening,” said Larry Luttinger, organizer of CNY Jazz. “This is all about paying something forward to aspiring urban youth who don’t get opportunities like this elsewhere. These mentoring sessions may be relatively brief, but they can provide inspiration and excitement that last forever in a young kid’s mind, watershed events that can keep them motivated to continue learning for a lifetime.”

Both events are free and open to the public.

For more information on attending the Sunday February 23^rd Black History Month Cabaret, visit https://www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

CNY Jazz Cabaret Features Gerald Veasley and Jazmin Ghent
Linda Ervin to Receive Pioneer Public Service Award
S.U. Sponsors Artist Residency

Syracuse NY – On Sunday February 23rd, the CNY Jazz Black History Month Cabaret will again enliven the posh surroundings of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown’s Finger Lakes Ballroom. National artists Gerald Veasley and Jazmin Ghent will perform. At intermission, Onondaga County Legislator Linda Ervin will be honored with the 2020 Pioneer Public Service Award. A CNY Jazz youth combo will entertain in the Cavalier Room prior to the show. $35 advance sale tickets are now available at www.cnyjazz.org.

Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC sponsors the event for the 12th year, with additional support from National Grid, Wegmans, Visions Federal Credit Union, Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, and the Syracuse University Humanities Center. CNY Jazz supporters Bill and Nancy Byrne have again graciously underwritten a full buffet for the event, offered at no extra cost to all attendees.

Additional events will extend the cultural impact and reach of the gala concert. On Monday February 25th, Veasley and Ghent will provide educational services for area students at events sponsored by the Syracuse University Humanities Center, a wide network of academic departments, and the Community Folk Arts Center. Gerald Veasley, musical polymath – world renowned bassist, founder of the international “Bass Boot Camp” program, musical host of the Berks Jazz Fest, and curator of Philadelphia’s “Unscripted” Jazz Series; and fast-rising female ingenue, saxophonist/vocalist/educator Jazmin Ghent – a Veasley protégé and 2019 NAACP award winner – will speak at a free event at noon in Bird Library’s Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, where they will reflect on their paths to success in the music industry. Monday evening, they will coach a free 7:00 pm music master class at the Community Folk Art Center, 805 E. Genesee St, for young musicians, who are encouraged to bring their instruments. Attendees must register at cfac@syr.edu or by calling 315-442-2230.

Gerald Veasley played in West Philly RnB bands in his teens. He entered the international marketplace as bassist for the legendary Joe Zawinul, playing in The Zawinul Syndicate from 1988 to 1995. A successful recording and touring career as leader followed. Among his many musical associations are projects with Odean Pope and Grover Washington, Jr.

The young Jazmin Ghent was voted “2017’s Best New Smooth Jazz Artist” and was awarded the prestigious 2019 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, “The Story of Jaz.” Jazmin has three Billboard #1 singles to her credit: “Work Wit It,” “Heat” and “Compared to What”. Jazmin has performed at major festivals and venues throughout the country, in Europe, and Australia. In addition to performing, she teaches music in Polk County Florida. Jazmin received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University and a Masters degree from Tennessee State University.

“These two bring a massive arsenal of talent to bear when they take the stage, and have a lot to pay forward to the next generation. When CNY Jazz brings artists to Syracuse, our policy is to capitalize on that presence to make their stay more than the sum of its parts,” according to Larry Luttinger, organizer of the cabaret series. “Jazz is the centerpiece of America’s culture, with great unifying power. Our incredible collection of sponsors deserves copious thanks for their important contributions to this celebration of the diversity of our culture, especially Vicki Brackens, without whose help this event would not have grown to the signature February event that it’s become.”

Linda Ervin, long-time Onondaga County Legislator, deeply committed community leader and winner of a long list of awards including the NAACP Image Award, will be honored for her many years of dedicated public service with the 2020 Pioneer Public Service Award, given by Vicki Brackens and Mike Atkins, founder of H.E.I.Y.P, the Helping Empower Incarcerated Youth Program.

The CNY Jazz Cabarets always feature fine national talent in a club atmosphere, with cash bar and food available. Paid garage parking is available in the garage directly to the southeast of the hotel. Patrons are cautioned that the former Hotel Syracuse garage no longer connects to the hotel via the overhead walkway.

What: Black History Month Cabaret with Gerald Veasley and Jazmin Ghent
Where: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202
When: Sunday February 23rd, 4 pm Doors; 5 pm SHOWTIME

How Much: Admission $40 door, $35 advance at cnyjazz.org/subscribe or 315-479-5299. Door $10 w/student ID. Cash Bar & Free Buffet

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About CNY Jazz
CNY Jazz Central, upstate New York’s largest year-round provider of jazz and American music in public and in schools, presents over 300 events to an annual audience of over 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, music series held at Le Moyne College’s Le Moyne Plaza, the Jazz at the Cavalier Series at the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown, and other series of all kinds throughout the extended region.

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Larry Luttinger
Jazz Central
441 E. Washington St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
315.479.5299
larry@cnyjazz.org

Seneca Savings Jazzfest Slated Sunday January 26th
Australian Singing Sensation Headlines
S.U. Donates Men’s Basketball Tickets

Syracuse NY – CNY Jazz Central’s annual fundraiser, The Seneca Savings January JAZZfest, will again be held at Mohegan Manor, Baldwinsville’s historic, multi-story event center, on Sunday January 26th with expanded hours from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. This year’s national guest artist is Olivia Chindamo, Australian native and new resident of New York City. The festival offers continuous music on all floors of the venue in a multiplicity of styles – from bebop, cabaret, funk, Latin, and soul to acoustic swing. A pair of S.U. Men’s Basketball tickets will again be raffled as the grand prize in an event-long auction. Advance tickets are available for $25 at www.cnyjazz.org. Admission at the door is $30, $15 with valid student I.D. Preceding the festival, Jazz Brunch is back at Mohegan from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, and holders of festival tickets (wristbands distributed at the front entrance) will receive $10.00 off that additional $29.00 cost.

Still in her mid-twenties, festival headliner Olivia Chindamo has been hitting the American and European jazz scene like a hammer since emigrating to New York from Down Under. After winning Australia’s Jazz Grammy, the 2016 Bell Award for “Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year,” she was one of the five finalists of the 2018 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. She is renowned as a “musician’s singer” whose uncanny ability to scat like a jazz soloist is unique in her craft. She is also a master of the Great American Songbook, capable of hard-hitting swing and haunting ballads. Other acts performing throughout the day include area stalwarts The Longwood Jazz Project, bringing funky dance sounds to the second floor of the venue; Mike Passarelli, playing for the brunch; the return of Edgar Pagan’s GPL with special guest and alumni of CNY Jazz programs Dunham Hall, now ascendant on the national scene; the cabaret vocals of Julie Falatico, now Mrs. Rick Montalbano, appearing with Rick in the lower lounge; The Mike Passarelli Trio, holding court over a jam session of star grads from CNY Jazz training programs in a celebrity jam; and an event-closing professional jam session that runs until 9:00 pm, led by saxophonist Joe Carello. Mohegan Manor’s fine food and drink will be available at all times throughout the festival. A complete hour-by-hour performance schedule is available at http://www.cnyjazz.org/january-jazzfest.

A large family of corporate sponsors makes the event possible, led by Seneca Savings and Mohegan Manor, including S.U. Sports, Reeves, Farms, Ricelli Trucking, OneGroup, Hearth Cabinets And More, Scott Northrup State Farm Agency, J.R. Clancy, Onondaga Beverage, new sponsor Griffin Insulation Company, Eastwood Litho, media sponsors WAER-FM, CNY Latino, Power 620 and News Radio WSYR, Table Hopping, and Eagle News.

Raffle items will also be available, including the centerpiece prizes of two tickets to the S.U. vs Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball game in the Dome. “We call this festival our annual ‘fun-raiser’, because you’d never know it was a charity event,” according to Larry Luttinger, founder of CNY Jazz and creator of the event, now in its ninth year. “We couldn’t make this happen without the loyalty of Seneca Savings, Mohegan Manor, and all of our other fine sponsors. I am continually humbled by the support we get from the area’s finest musicians as well, who make this shindig a sampler of America’s music from soup to nuts. There’s a room with a style of music catering to every taste at this festival.” He added, “With your entry wristband, you can come and go as you please throughout the day. Pop out to feed the dog and return to the party – we’ll be there for you!”

All proceeds from the event will support the many programs of CNY Jazz Central, upstate New York’s largest year-round provider of jazz and American music in public and in schools, presenting over 300 events to an annual audience of over 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, Scholastic Jazz Jams and Nancy Kelly Vocal Jams and Cabarets; the Jazz at the Cavalier Series at the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown, Jazz Vespers Series at Pebble Hill Presbyterian, Jazz On Tap in Skaneateles, and other series and educational programs of all kinds throughout the extended region. They operate the CNY Jazz Youth Orchestra, a paying summer apprenticeship program for urban youth.

To arrange interviews with Olivia Chindamo, call Larry Luttinger at 315-479-5299

Festival Schedule

Club Room (Lower Level)
1:00 Rick Montalbano
2:15 Julie Falatico
3:30 Rick, Julie, & Friends
6:30 Joe Carello’s All Star Jam

Lounge/Bar (First Level)
2:15 Edgar Pagan’s GPL with Dunham Hall
3:15 Edgar Pagan’s GPL with Dunham Hall

Grey Room (Second Level)
11:00 Jazz Brunch with Mike Passarelli
2:15 Longwood Jazz Project
3:30 Longwood Jazz Project
6:00 CNY Jazz Alumni Jam with Mike Passarelli

W.F. Morris Ballroom (Third Level)
4:30 Olivia Chindamo with The Micro Big Band
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PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Larry Luttinger

441 E. Washington St.

Syracuse NY 13202

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Russian Émigré Svetlana Launches CNY Jazz Cabarets

Russian by birth, American by music, jazz singer Svetlana grew up listening to American records on a hissing “Made in USSR” Melodia turntable as a child in the Soviet Union. Twenty years ago, her dreams brought her to New York City, without family or friends, drawn by our promise of freedom and a burning desire to sing America’s music.

She has achieved the American Dream in a big way.

Now a seasoned, critically acclaimed jazz artist and a mainstay on the New York jazz scene, Svetlana and her Delancey Five will visit Syracuse to open the CNY Jazz Cabaret Series on Sunday November 10^th at 4:00 pm at the Sheraton Syracuse University Ballroom. Tickets are on sale now at www.cnyjazz.org. Advance admission is $30.00, $35.00 at the door, and $10.00 for students. Affordable food stations and bar will be available, and parking is free in the Sheraton garage.

She and her band, named the Delancey Five as an homage to Artie Shaw’s Gramercy Five, focus on classic jazz and swing. The group has headlined sold-out shows in premier venues and festivals internationally, as well as the Big Apple’s Blue Note, BB Kings, Yoshi’s, Iridium, Joe’s Pub, Regatta Bar, Nighttown, Twins, and others. Her tour stop here celebrates the release of her latest recording, “Night at the Movies,” produced by Grammy Award winner Matt Pierson and featuring Wycliffe Gordon.

Said Larry Luttinger of CNY Jazz, “In the depths of the Cold War, what did we send to the Soviets? Tours by Dave Brubeck, Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, that’s what. Svetlana will return this gift in kind, with interest, when she hits town. Her uncanny vocal stylings and unerring sense of swing are as American as Mark Twain, Norman Rockwell, and apple pie. She and her band will pay it forward big time when she hits the bandstand.”

Information about the entire CNY Jazz 2019-2020 Cabaret Series may be found at www.cnyjazz.org or by calling 315-479-5299.

What: CNY Jazz Cabaret Series

Who: Svetlana & The Delancey Five

When: Sunday, Nov. 10^th: 4:00 p.m. Doors; 5:00 p.m. Showtime

Where: Sheraton Syracuse University

Cost: $30.00 Advance, $35.00 Door, $10.00 Student

Tickets: www.cnyjazz.org, 315-479-5299

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Larry Luttinger

441 E Washington St.

Syracuse NY 13202

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Nancy Kelly mentors aspiring vocalists at Jazz Central

Coaching session and cabaret scheduled

Syracuse NY – Nancy Kelly, Upstate New York’s jazz vocal treasure, will pay it forward for young and aspiring vocalists at her Vocal Jazz Jam and Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret events, scheduled for Saturday October 26^th and Sunday October 27^th at downtown’s Jazz Central theater. Her unique program has been providing singers with valuable coaching in a master class setting and an opportunity to perform in public with a professional trio since 2005.

Kelly will be at Jazz Central on Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm to work with vocalists in a friendly, supportive master-class environment, accompanied by Rick Montalbano, former Music Director for Lou Rawls, on piano. Singers of all ages are encouraged to prepare any song from the Great American Songbook, the jazz and blues lexicon, or pop titles. They must bring sheet music. Admission to the Saturday workshop is $30 for participants and $10 for observers.

Then at 7:00 pm the next evening, every singer from the Saturday workshop is invited back to perform their song with the CNY Jazz Trio at the “Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret”, a public event. Nancy Kelly will close the show with a selection of her own, and all the participants close the show with a marathon blues scat session. Sunday admission is $10 for adults, $5 for those under eighteen. Bar service is available and snacks will be served in the lobby.

“These sessions have been under the radar as exciting public events for fifteen years now,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder. “They’re extremely entertaining and fun. Professionals including Scott Dennis, Will Gorman, and Anna Vogel have come from the ranks of this program, and the public is sure to see more emerging talent at every year’s event. I especially recommend the cabaret. We set up the theater with ringside tables and do it up right, just like a New York City supper club. The crowd is incredibly supportive, the atmosphere electric, and Nancy always tops off the event with a song or two of her own.”

To sign up for coaching, singers must call 315-479-5299, or email info@cnyjazz.org. Detailed information can be found at https://www.cnyjazz.org/nancy-kelly-vocal-jazz-jams-stars-of-tomorrow/.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Larry Luttinger

441 E. Washington St.

Syracuse NY 13202

315-479-5299

larry@cnyjazz.org

Chicago jazz group brings new approach to Syracuse

Policastro Trio plays Rock, Pop, Soul, Show titles

Syracuse NY – The Chicago-based Joe Policastro Trio will bring a new direction in jazz to Syracuse when they celebrate the release of their latest effort, “Nothing Here Belongs,” at downtown Syracuse’s Jazz Central theater on Monday October 14^th at 7:00 pm. The group has made their mark with refreshing new takes on a wild variety of songs by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Santo & Johnny, Leonard Bernstein, and others. Admission is $15.00 in advance, $18.00 at the door, and $5.00 with valid student I.D., available at https://www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/ or by calling 315-479-5299.

A regular in clubs and festivals nationwide, Policastro’s “alt-jazz” approach creates a musical hybrid with wide appeal to all audiences. Their uber-eclectic approach was forged in an extensive residency at the sleek Pops for Champagne jazz restaurant in Chicago that has blossomed into a busy full-time touring unit with four unique and popular recordings to their credit. The trio’s members were all in-demand players at the time of the group’s creation, having played with the best, including Phil Woods, Diane Schuur, and Patricia Barber. The trio now tours extensively in the US and Canada and has performed for President Barack Obama. Their first-time appearance in Syracuse marks the easternmost stop on their current tour.

“This group’s approach to source material is fearless, to say the least, and their originals are deeply entertaining and rooted in the jazz tradition. Whoever said there’s no future in jazz for the next generation hasn’t heard this group,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz director and concert host. “Their guitarist, Dave Miller, is the most exciting and original new voice on the new jazz scene, IMHO. His sound can range from Barney Kessel to Chet Atkins to James Burton to Link Wray in one evening, and his harmonic interpretations of Joe’s arrangements interweave throughout their killer originals as well. They play an absolutely schizophrenic array of songs and put their personal stamp on all of them. If you want a guided tour through songwriting by folks like Prince, Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder, The Pixies, Sondheim, Nilsson, Bacharach, and much more, in one concert, this evening is one not to be missed. You’ll leave dizzied by the talent and the reach of the Policastro Trio’s approach to the art form.”

Who: The Joe Policastro Trio

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

Cost: $15.00 advance, $18.00 door, $5.00 valid student I.D.

Buy: https://www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/ or 315-479-5299

Syracuse NY – Jazz guitar powerhouse Joshua Breakstone swings through Syracuse for a tour stop in support of his latest album celebrating the 100th birthday of jazz legend Art Blakey. His trio will perform at Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington Street in downtown Syracuse on Saturday October 12th at 7:30 pm. Admission is $22.00 in advance, $24.00 at the door, and tickets are on sale now at https://www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/, www.brownpapertickets.com, or by calling 315-479-5299.

A student of the great Sal Salvador and product of the Berklee School of Music, Breakstone made his recording debut in 1979 with A-listers Joanne Brackeen, Cecil McMee and Billy Hart. He hasn’t looked back since, logging more than 22 recordings as sideman and leader on French, American, and Japanese labels, and countless appearances across the globe since then.
His show in Syracuse will focus on his latest recording, “Children of Art”, a tribute to the impact that drummer and bandleader Art Blakey has had on our culture. The CD features titles made famous by Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, arguably the most well-known and durable small combo in post-war bebop jazz history.

“A future Hall of Famer giving props to an affirmed cultural legend in 20th century American music, that’s how I’d describe this event,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz director. “Swinging, inspiring, informative, educational and cross-generational. There are so many layers of meaning, excitement and satisfaction underlying this musical happening. Run, don’t walk, to this one.”

A CD signing will take place after the concert.

What: Joshua Breakstone Trio – “Children of Art”
Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY 13202
When: Saturday, October 12th at 7:30 pm
Cost: $22.00 advance, $24.00 door
Purchase: https://www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/, www.brownpapertickets.com, or 315-479-5299.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

CNY Jazz 24th season presents America’s music in all its forms

Syracuse, NY – The many faceted, all-inclusive world of jazz will be on display in all its forms throughout the 2019-2020 CNY Jazz season. Over 300 events of all kinds will be presented in a myriad of settings, including a Cabaret Series, Vespers Series, Nancy Kelly’s Vocal Jazz Jams and Stars of Tomorrow Cabarets, January JAZZfest, opening night post-show cabarets in the Syracuse Stage Sutton Pavilion, the Jazz at the Cavalier series in the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the Jazz on Tap series at Finger Lakes on Tap in Skaneateles, multiple educational programs, and an eclectic season of offerings in the downtown Jazz Central venue, offering theater, improv comedy, film, burlesque, and touring jazz acts.

The CNY Jazz Cabaret subscription series will present three shows with maximum variety, ranging from the retro-swing of Svetlana and the Delancey Five to the contemporary jazz of Gerald Veasley with rising star Jazmin Ghent to the big band vocal stylings of the New York Voices’ Kim Nazarian with trombonist Jay Ashby.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.cnyjazz.org or by calling 315-479-5299. Individual tickets, group tables, and corporate tables are also available.

At all Cabaret Series events, a cash bar and affordable buffet stations are offered. All CNY Jazz annual donors at the $50 level and above will be given a “CNY Jazz Club Card” to receive 10% discounts on food and drink at all cabarets, all CNY Jazz Club Series, other event discounts, and validated parking garage privileges at the Sheraton Syracuse University.
“This season was fun to put together; we’ve capitalized on mixing up artists in unique settings like never before,” according to Larry Lutttinger, CNY Jazz Executive Director. Svetlana and her rhythm section will mix it up with the CNY Jazz Horns. Our old friend Gerald Veasley, veteran of several of our jazz fests, is bringing a new protege to Syracuse who is taking the jazz world by storm at a tender age, the sassy Jazmin Ghent on vocals and tenor sax. And Kim Nazarian will sing with our entire jazz orchestra, led by husband, trombonist and music director Jay Ashby. You’ll see a high-octane double-trombone feature with our MD, Bret Zvacek, at this one, for sure. Expect the unexpected this season. That’s where the magic happens.”

Describing other CNY Jazz series, Luttinger added “Our CNY Jazz Club offerings, all free, are designed to bring in new faces and build our donor base by giving audiences lots of added value. We’ve spiced up the gumbo for Jazz at the Cavalier, putting together exciting new combinations of artists, drink specials, and New Year’s Eve package raffles; and Jazz on Tap is going weekly in the spring. Anyone making an annual donation of $50 or more will get a card good for discounts at all our club dates and cabarets, over 80 events. Donors will be supporting us, supporting local artists, and these cards will pay for themselves in no time.”

2019-2020 CNY Jazz Central Cabaret Series

Sunday, Nov. 10th 2019, Sheraton Syracuse University
Svetlana & The Delancey Five
4:00 p.m. Doors; 5:00 p.m. Showtime
$30.00 Advance, $35.00 Door

Russian-by-birth American-by-Music Svetlana grew up listening to American records on her hissing “made in USSR” Melodia turntable before moving to the East Village in the late 90s, without family or friends, drawn by the freedom of personal and artistic expression that New York City had to offer. Twenty years later, she is a critically acclaimed jazz artist and a mainstay on the New York jazz scene with her Delancey Five, focusing on classic jazz and swing. She and her band have headlined sold-out shows in premier venues and festivals internationally, as well as the Big Apple’s Blue Note, BB Kings, Yoshi’s, Iridium, Joe’s Pub, Regatta Bar, Nighttown, Twins, and others. Her tour stop here celebrates the release of her latest recording, “Night at the Movies,” produced by Grammy Award winner Matt Pierson, and featuring Wycliffe Gordon.

Sunday, Feb. 23rd, 2020, Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Black History Month Cabaret with Gerald Veasley & Jazmin Ghent
Sponsored by Brackens Financial Solutions Network
4:00 p.m. Doors; 5:00 p.m. Showtime
$35.00 Advance, $40.00 Door

Gerald Veasley, world-renowned bassist, founder of the international “Bass Boot Camp” program, host of the Berks Jazz Fest, and curator of Philadelphia’s “Unscripted” Jazz Series; and fast-rising female ingenue, saxophonist/vocalist/educator from Florida, Jazmin Ghent, a Veasley protégé and 2019 NAACP award winner, will team up for an evening of funk and contemporary jazz in the Finger Lakes Ballroom of the historic Hotel Syracuse.

Sunday, April 19th 2020, Drumlins
An evening with Kim Nazarian, Jay Ashby & the CNY Jazz Orchestra
4:00 p.m. Doors; 5:00 p.m. Showtime
$30.00 Advance, $35.00 Door

For the past 25 years, singer, lyricist, and educator Kim Nazarian has performed all over the world as a member of the New York Voices, as well as singing with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra, Boston Pops, and countless others, in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Montreal Jazz Fest. She and music director/trombonist Jay Ashby will perform with the entire CNY Jazz Orchestra under the baton of Bret Zvacek.

Tickets are on sale now at www.cnyjazz.org or by calling 315-479-JAZZ (5299)

For detailed information about all CNY Jazz 2019-2020 series and special events, including shows in Jazz Central, visit www.cnyjazz.org/all-events

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PRESS RELEASE

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

Downbeat Award winner performs at Jazz Central

Syracuse NY – The 2019-2020 “Live at Jazz Central” concerts continue with an appearance by Ryan Keberle and Catharsis on Saturday September 21st at 7:30 p.m. Keberle has been named #1 Rising Star trombonist in the Downbeat International Critics Poll, and his group has appeared in jazz festivals worldwide.

Catharsis comprises some of the leading up-and-coming voices in jazz. Trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, bassist Jorge Roeder, vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles, and drummer Eric Doob have played roles in many of the world’s top jazz and Latin jazz ensembles including Charlie Haden, Gary Burton, Julian Lage, Christian Scott, Paquito D’Rivera, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Ryan Keberle has been called an artist “of vision and composure” according to The New York Times. A major new trombonist, leader, and composer on the international scene, his music integrates the jazz tradition and draws heavily on world music, rock, and other influences as well.

“Our last show with Chico Freeman was a sellout, attracting an audience that came out in tribute to an old master,” according to Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz Executive Director. “Ryan and his group have achieved similar accolades as their career arc ascends. We’ve celebrated the historic, now let’s celebrate the new generation of mastery when Catharsis comes to town. They are, literally, the future.”

Jazz Central, downtown Syracuse’s “busiest little theater” at 441 E. Washington Street, can accommodate up to 75 patrons in an intimate cabaret setting.

Tickets are $20.00, $10.00 with current student I.D. and are on sale now at www.cnyjazz.org or by calling 315-479-5299.

Who: Ryan Keberle and Catharsis
When: Saturday September 21st, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St. Syracuse NY 13202
Cost: $20.00, $10.00 with valid student I.D.
Tickets: https://www.cnyjazz.org/cny-jazz-store/ or 315-479-5299