Posts Tagged ‘Jazz’

Jazz Is…Negotiation

Wednesday, September 21st, 2016
Frank Malfitano and Joanie Mahoney: Building Consensus

Frank Malfitano and Joanie Mahoney: Building Consensus

This week we heard rumors that The Syracuse Jazz Fest may have to move to the Lakeview Amphitheater; we also heard if it did not move, funding may be withheld. Well, Jazz Fest Producer Frank Malfitano and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney appeared at a press conference this afternoon to set the record straight. Their mutual admiration was evident from the start, and if this kind of cooperation is wrong, none of us should wanna be right.

To hear a clip of the press conference, including Malfitano’s comments on why he chooses to keep Jazz Fest on Onondaga Hill (for now), and what the college means to him, click the sound file.

The event, which was held at the historic Second Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, was attended by politicians, local musicians, concerned concert goers, and members of the media.

Jazz Is…Nice & Easy (with Mr. Beasley)

Tuesday, September 6th, 2016
Walter Beasley

Walter Beasley

Jazz Is…IYBY (in your back yard)

Monday, September 5th, 2016


Veasley, Loeb & Beasley sounds like the name of a law firm or investment bank, but true fans of the jazz genre recognize that when on stage these names signal a crisply proficient combo. We’ve never been on a smooth jazz cruise before, but the event in Syracuse a few nights ago was just a little bit of water (or a Brian Culbertson sighting) away from the real thing.

Special shout out to Reggie Seigler for producing a great concert for the FunkFest 2k16 (New York State Fair). During the show J.A.M.S., along with Pastor Daren Jaime and People’s A.M.E. Zion, raised over $1100 for victims of a local tragedy.

Pastor Jaime

Pastor Jaime

NYS Fair (Day 1): Dance With Your Daddy

Friday, August 26th, 2016
A couple dances to the fiesty jazz sounds of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the opening day of the New York State Fair.

A couple danced to the feisty,horn-driven jazz of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the opening day of the New York State Fair yesterday. Despite the humidity, the band’s energy and musical antics won them new fans in Chevy Court. Trumpet player Glen The Kid Marhevka is shown on the video monitor playing a solo.

Jazz Is…Rapport

Saturday, August 13th, 2016
Utica-native and vocalist Laurie Dapice will perform with the Grammy Award winning Legendary Jazz Trumpet player  & respected Musician Wynton  Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln  Center Orchestra Friday August  26th 2016 8:15PM at The Chautauqua Institute &  Chautauqua Music &  Jazz Festival.

Utica-native and vocalist Laurie Dapice will perform with the Grammy-award winning Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln
Center Orchestra Friday August 26, 2016, 8:15PM at The
Chautauqua Institute & Chautauqua Music & Jazz Festival.

A Bugs Life (in Syracuse): The Sequel

Monday, August 1st, 2016
Scott Bugs Allen blasting the brass

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

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 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.

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

Jazz Is…Sassy

Saturday, July 30th, 2016
Vocalist Kat Wright, who performed at the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival last night, is a Rochester, NY-native.

Vocalist Kat Wright, who performed at the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival last night, is a Rochester, NY-native.

Kat Wright, that lady, that voice.

Kat Wright, that lady, that voice.

Jazz Is…Freedom of Expression

Sunday, July 3rd, 2016
Stars and Stripes

Stars and Stripes

Jazz Fest, Day 1: Mr. Leigh

Saturday, July 2nd, 2016
Ronnie Leigh,the smooth-dapper-crooner and local legend also participated in the tribute to Mark Murphy.

Ronnie Leigh,the smooth-dapper-crooner and local legend also participated in the tribute to Mark Murphy.

Jazz is…Respect

Saturday, July 2nd, 2016

There’s a top 10 list somewhere as to why Frank Malfitano, producer, director, talent cultivator, and cultural savant “gets it” when it comes to showing pride for Syracuse and Central New York. Bringing Chief Lyons, the statesman, onto the stage at Jazz Fest tonight is high on that list. Respect.