community folk art center

The Community Folk Art Center in Syracuse is celebrating Black History Month with a unique exhibit. WAER News caught up with Executive Director Tanisha Jackson at the gallery, and visual artist Lavett Ballard on a shaky phone line.  Ballard captures Black history by painting historical events in her series “Stories My Grandmother Told Me.” 

Rochester-based vocalist Danielle Ponder has an interesting story to tell.  The soulful singer whose touching lyrics often tell stories of pain and injustice was once a defense attorney who spent five years working as a public defender.  Her criminal justice experience inspires her work and she’ll bring her music and message to Syracuse on November 20th when she will perform a virtual concert for the Community Folk Art Center.

The Community Folk Art Center and Syracuse University will pay tribute to Aretha Franklin on Friday, November 30th, with a concert and panel discussion about the legendary singer’s life and career. Cedric Bolton is with Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and co-chair of the event. 

Just last month, bassist and composer Mimi Jones was the featured performer at the Community Folk Art Center in Syracuse as WAER in collaboration with National Grid and University College of Syracuse University presented An Evening Of Jazz And Wine to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month. Earlier in the day, Mimi dropped by the WAER studios and among other things took part in the latest installment of Take Ten.