Syracuse residents will have the opportunity to enjoy free music at a neighborhood park this summer. The “Jazz in the City” free concert series runs from June through August. CNY Jazz executive director Larry Luttinger said some of the residents don’t have their own transportation and usually don’t travel more than five to ten blocks from home.
“That is real economic and physical isolation. It’s very gratifying for me to see people coming out of surrounding homes when we’re going to these neighborhoods with their lawn chairs, with their coolers," he said. And some of them set-up tents just to have a good time on a Thursday evening.”
Luttinger also said every concert has a “healthcare village” including free screenings in partnership with the Syracuse Community Health Center and the county.
The center’s chief operating officer Jessica Yoxall said the event brings together jazz and culture.
“Jazz in the City is more than a concert, it is a public health platform, it’s a space where we can engage in the city, increase access to care and address the health disparities that continue to affect the health and well-being of our neighbors.”
It is the 21st edition of the summer event and will feature a total of six concerts. Luttinger with CNY Jazz said this year’s events is in memory of former Syracuse Common Council president Van Robinson who died earlier this month at age 87.
“Without Van, Jazz in the City” never would have happened. He convened all the city departments. They were reluctant to program in our inner-city neighborhoods," he said. "So, we settled on a safe family-friendly environment, always in the evening, always over by dark, well patrolled by SPD.”
“Jazz In the City” kicks off June 5th at Jubilee Park on a new concert stage with the funky sounds of Atlas. All concerts are held from 6 to 9 pm. Click here for the complete line-up of artists and concert schedule.