Dave Mann, Will Lee and Chris Parker
The 28th Annual Syracuse Jazz Fest took place again at Onondaga Community College last weekend. I got cover the final day, which featured Natalie Cole, Toph-E, Sheryl Bailey, and Michael Kaeshammer. One fan I spoke with said the Friday night Jam Session was the best set he’d seen at this particular event (he’s been attending for over 20 years).
Michael Kaeshammer and Marc Roberts
Other artists who performed on days one and two of the festival (who I missed) included Gil Scott Heron, Boz Scaggs and Jeff Lorber.
It was also good to see, photograph and talk with piano tuner Kenneth Williams. According to Jazz Fest Producer Festival Frank Malfitano: “[Williams] is the best in the business and a very dear friend of the festival, he’s indispensable.”
Natalie Cole
Outdoor Yoga, Forman Park
Assault City Roller Derby (pre-game)
I last talked with members of Assault City Roller Derby (ACRD) a few years ago.
I saw the current version of the team last week during a home bout against the Ithaca Bluestockings at the Baldwinsville Ice Arena. The faces and names may have changed, but the ACRD game and strategy–hit first ask questions later– remains pretty much the same.
LadyThug
The match was filled with rough play and amazing agility, but unfortunately, the Ithaca team prevailed 202-90.
Thanks to B. Firman, E. Cherchio and J. Bolos for bringing me up to speed with this year’s team.
Roller Derby: A Family Affair
Downstate Fan
About 100 high school seniors participated in the Inaugural New York State High School Football Classic on Sunday. Despite a distinct home field advantage in the Syracuse University Carrier Dome, the Upstate Team couldn’t overcome the athletic ability and strong play of the Downstate team. The final score was 36-7.
Downstate’s Dave Thomas (RB) of Roosevelt High
The game featured Syracuse University recruit (QB) John Kinder, who played for Downstate.
John Kinder (Downstate QB and future SU player) meets the fans
Upstate and Corcoran High School’s Travon Burke of Syracuse was voted Most Valuable Defensive lineman of the game.
Upstate’s Travon Burke, Most Valuable Defensive Lineman
Midtown East