Syracuse in focus (SIF)

Scott Bugs Allen blasting the brass

Scott “Bugs” Allen is a one-man band of sorts. If you include vocals, he played about eight instruments during his evening set at Saturday’s Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival. He may be categorized as a jazz man, but at times his on-stage energy nearly reached Fishbone levels. He goes quickly, but seamlessly from horn to drums to bass, and despite some technical difficulties during the finale, he was able to send soulful shock waves thru Clinton Square with tributes to Prince and Stevie Wonder.

Allen wears many hats(literally had at least three buckets with him), but his sartorial splendor (fuchsia shirt, fuchsia loafers and patterned bow tie) never outshines his wonderful musicianship.

The vibes were the perfect precursor to the upcoming Jazz in the City series (Aug-Sept).

Allen told the crowd that Larry Luttinger and Joe Lee took care of his 3rd Scenario collective so well in 2014 that his return was imminent.

For the sake of our burgeoning music scene, we hope he comes back to the ‘Cuse again. And again. And again.

Bugs banged the drums during a tribute to Stevie Wonder

Allen really got the crowd involved when he did a Prince tribute during his set.

Allen and his wife posed for a photo with WAER FM-88 GM Joe Lee and his wife after the Saturday evening set.