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Hot Time, Jazz in the City!

John Smith/ WAER News

At least things seem to go together well when we approach these hot days of summer, a shady spot, cool drinks and music!  The line-up of Jazz in the City will return next month with four free concerts to cover all city neighborhoods with national and local jazz artists.  Organizers are offering more concerts this year after being awarded a $10,000 dollar “Challenge America” grant.  Larry Luttinger says the concerts are being delivered to residents who may not ever be able to travel downtown for the larger summer festivals.

“Jazz in the City is really unifying force. Of course, all musical and cultural celebrations are unifying, but Jazz in the City goes to the front lines and proves that our neighborhoods are safe and that they’re great places to live and they’re populated by very, very hard working people.”

Credit John Smith/ WAER News
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John Smith/ WAER News
Larry Luttinger (L) started Jazz in the City with his friend Steve Becker.

The concerts are every Thursday beginning August 6th through September 3rd. The first venue is Kirk Park with the Black-lites. And you might be surprised to learn the drummer heard in this audio clip is actually a 7th Grader, Evan Tennant from Lyncourt. How long has he been a drummer? Take a listen!

jazz_in_city_evan_web_mix.mp3
Listen to a brief interview and sample of budding drummer Evan Tennant of Lyncourt.

It’s not the first time Jazz in the City has shared the talents of young talent, according to the bands Saxophonist Dave Frateschi.

“We’ve had some young players come in and sit-in and help them on their journey on what it feels like to play in such a powerful band. And they get that kind of live energy, surge that they take back with them to their schools and they  are the future.”

Credit John Smith/ WAER News
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John Smith/ WAER News
Rising drummer Evan Tennant (L) and Blacklites saxophonist Dave Frateschi (R).

   

Jazz in the City is also seeking more small businesses to serve as vendors. If interested, contact the City of Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department at 473-4330.
 
Here is the Jazz in the City 2015 line-up (all concerts after August 6th are scheduled at 7PM. August 6th begins at 6:30):
 

  • August 6th Southisde – The BlackLites with Ricky Chisholm (6:30 - & Mr. Bus Driver & Elk Pride Step Team) at Kirk Park on Kirk Ave & Argle Terrace. Rain location: Kirk Park Pavillion.
  • August 13th Northside- Urban Jazz Colation with Elan Trotman – 700 North Salina Street.
  • August 20th  Westside – Latin Jazz Block Party featuring Alex Torres y su Orquesta at WARD Bakery Park, 700 Oswego Street. Rain location: St. Lucy’s Gym, 425 Gifford Street.

September 3rd  Eastside – Four80East from Toronto with Jeff Kashiwa - Le Moyne Plaza at 1419 Salt Springs Road.

For more information click here.  

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.