Some people think symphony musicians are elitist stuffed shirts.
No way! They’re regular guys and gals like the rest of us, and every now and then they let their long hair down and knock back a few cocktails.
For instance, the day before award-winning pianist Ilya Yakushev performed Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor” with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra here Oct. 1 and 2, he spoke informally at “Rachmaninoff on the Rocks,” at Al’s Wine and Whiskey Lounge, downtown.
Four SSO musicians, trombonist Matt Wright, violinist Stephanie Koppeis, oboist Monica Fosnaugh and principal percussionist Michael Bull also discussed their craft, as a few of Al’s regulars and some curious SSO supporters listened to anecdotes about the composers and compositions for that week’s concert
“Try saying Rachmaninoff after a few hours at Al’s!” quipped Fred Klemperer, SSO first violin.
Klemperer, who also golfs, gardens and plays softball and racquetball, extended his sincere thanks to audience members who’ve supported the orchestra.
“Our Central New York audiences have supported the musicians through thick and thin over the years,” Klemperer said. “At times, when the lights seemed to be dimming for the orchestra, the audience made sure they stayed on and that we knew we were valued.”
The next night, Yakushev – filling in for Olga Kern who’d been sidelined by strep throat – earned two curtain calls from a thoroughly impressed SSO audience at the Civic Center’s Crouse Hinds Concert Theater.
Fabio dons ‘Three-Cornered Hat’Another handful of musicians will gather at Al’s (Awful no longer) Wine & Whiskey Lounge, 321 S. Clinton St., at 5 p.m. Thursday Oct. 28 to chat about the Oct. 29-30 performance of music from “The Three-Cornered Hat,” a Spanish ballet by Manuel de Falla.
Fabio Mechetti, the Brazilian-born music director of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, will return to conduct next weekend’s concerts here. He was associate conductor of the SS from 1989 to 1993. For concert tickets, call 424-8200, or visit syracusesymphony.org.
Guest violinist Augustin Hadelich will lead the Oct. 28 discussion at Al’s focusing on de Falla’s music based on traditional Spanish dance styles. The ballet tells the story of a hard-working miller and his young wife. Her beauty attracts the unwelcome attentions of the local magistrate whose badge of class is his black three-cornered hat.
Symphony musicians return to Al’s on Jan. 6 to talk about Schumann, Beethoven and Strauss with guest cellist Julie Albers. Al’s bartenders better stock up on Wild Turkey that Thursday. Albers’ husband is named Bourbon.
Blues and jazz too! Al’s (Awful no longer) Wine & Whiskey Lounge hosts jazz and blues musicians on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Los Blancos will perform at 9:30 p.m. Sunday Oct. 24 and
The Delinquents, with lovely Liz Strodel on the trap set, take the stage at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 27. Admission is always free at Al’s; alswineandwhiskey.com; 703-4773.
Mickey sings on Radio LPL Syracuse bandleader Mickey Vendetti will mark his golden anniversary in the music biz on. Saturday Oct. 23, at Le Moyne Manor, 629 Old Liverpool Road. The celebration of rock’n’roll through the decades begins at 7 p.m. with an opening performance by TimeLine.
Tickets cost $10 and are available at Gilligan’s Pub, 3601 James St. in Eastwood, or call Mickey directly at 345-1002.
But you can hear Mickey sing a few tunes on Liverpool Public Library’s “Local Artist Spotlight” program streaming online daily at 1 and 7 p.m. On the show, I interview Mick about his five decades as an entertainer, and we play tracks from his two recent discs, “The Best of the Goodtime Band Live” and “Sentimental Journey,” also featuring the late guitarist Barry Fairbanks.
Atlas drummer dies Nick Russo, a longtime member of Atlas, died Oct. 1 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was 69.
The talented drummer and hair dresser had previously played with The Seven.
“Nick made a lifetime contribution to the Syracuse music scene and deserves major props,” said his friend, Frank Malfitano. “Anyone who ever saw Nick perform knew that he was one of the hardest working men ever in Syracuse showbiz. In the jazz funk genre regionally, Nick was one of the greats and someone who’ll be dearly missed.”
