A live music and public health outreach event will return this summer at Syracuse City Parks. Jazz in the City features local and national music artists with food and craft vendors. It’s also a way to provide COVID-19 shots and boosters for city residents who aren’t up to date with their shots. Producer Larry Luttinger says the concerts are open to everyone.
“All of the entertainment is family friendly. Entire families come out, bring their lawn chairs and their umbrellas to enjoy these concerts, the fine food and drink… and get educated and free goodie bag materials about healthcare information and practices.”
Luttinger says following last years’ event, the vaccination rate in the 13204 ZIP code increased from 27 percent to 44 percent. 100 Black Men of Syracuse will partner, again with the COVID, "Don’t Bring it Home Campaign.” Syracuse Community Health Center is a partner. COO Keith Cuttler says the pandemic has impacted urban residents from getting health services.
“What we’ve seen are the silent effects, so to speak, that you don’t hear reported. Increases in uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes. We really need to address these issues and music and a little bit of healthcare, I think, is a really good combination for use to start to address these issues more publicly.”
Jazz in the City will happen on select Thursdays this summer from 6 to 9 PM. It kicks off June 9th with the Urban Jazz Coalition and runs through August 18th with a final concert featuring Paula Atherton at Thornden Park. Onondaga County is providing 5,000 COVID test kits to pass out. Find more at CNY Jazz In The City.org.