VILLAGE OF BALDWINSVILLE – One of the most welcome additions to the Central New York jazz scene has been the opening of Persimmons Restaurant, at 3536 Timber Banks Parkway in Baldwinsville.
The classy new bistro has made a weekly commitment to jazz, showcasing a wide variety of area entertainers every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Starting on Aug. 29, the Persimmons will present three different female vocalists on three Tuesdays in a row.
The performers are singer Marianne Solivan on Aug. 29, Vanessa Vacanti and The Jazz Mafia on Sept. 5 and cabaret veteran Cherie Giraud on Sept. 12.
Solivan, who is now an assistant professor of jazz voice at Syracuse University, made her musical bones in New York City.
There she performed at prestigious jazz clubs such as Smalls, Smoke Supper Club, Dizzy’s, the Blue Note and Birdland. Along the way, she found herself being accompanied by stars such as Christian McBride and Gene Bertoncini.
The Berklee Conservatory alumna has released two promising albums, “Prisoner of Love” and “Spark.”
On Sept. 5, one of B’ville’s brightest young singers – Vanessa Vacanti – will front the combo that calls itself The Jazz Mafia.
The musical mob features Vacanti’s talented father, Matt Vacanti on upright bass, along with pianist Mike Passarelli and drummer Joe Cortini.
Vacanti has headlined at local clubs such as the Fitz in downtown Syracuse, and Franca’s Wine Room in Rome. She often sings tunes made famous by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Shirley Horn and the great Ella Fitzgerald.
On Sept. 12, cabaret veteran Cherie Ciciarelli Giraud will front a gifted trio including pianist Dan Pugh, bassist Brian Miller and drummer Larry Luttinger, as she entertains the Persimmons crowd with her notably varied repertoire.
Her years of experience include wedding work in Saugerties and annual New Year’s Eve cabaret shows at the Hillside Manor in Kingston, New York. She has performed the National Anthem at many sporting events and at the Hudson Valley’s famous Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
Having been raised in nearby Liverpool, Giraud’s earliest sold-out shows were staged at Grimaldi’s Chop House on Carrier Circle.
Giraud specializes in material by artists such as Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Shirley Bassey, Ms. Ella, Liza, Linda Eder and Frank Sinatra.
She also covers modern-day songs from Adele, Chaka Khan and Stacy Kent.
The free Tuesday-night sessions at Persimmons will continue through December; cnyjazz.org/jazz-at-timber-banks/; 315-635-8800.
Cabaret singer Cherie Giraud will appear at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Timber Banks Persimmons Restaurant in Baldwinsville.
Submitted photo
