The beat goes on as POMCO Presents Jazz in the City 2009 continues bringing the music to the neighborhoods. This week Eastside, then on to the Northside of Syracuse with Thursday evening concerts. In existence since 2001, this inner city outreach series features the finest in local talent, local students and great national guest artists.
Where and when?
The first of the three Jazz in the City events was on the South side at Dunk & Bright.
The concerts are scheduled for 7 p.m. Jazz in the City concert series will be in Eastwood Aug. 6 at the POMCO parking lot across from Cummings Field, featuring world famous Latin jazz flutist Dave Valentin.
He was featured at Jazz in the City back in 2007 and 2005. Evan Knight, the local Sax Phenom, will be a featured guest.
Jazz in the City concert series will wrap up on the Northside Thursday Aug. 13 at the North Salina Street’s 400 block. Featured will be the Hammond B-3 organ burner, Vince “The Prince” Seneri. This is a return for Vince as well, as he received rave reviews for his Northside concert back in 2007.
Since then, Vince has released an award winning CD “The Prince’s Groove.”
Also performing will be special guest saxophonist Bill Easley. 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Bill’s outstanding career as a musician.
All POMCO Presents Jazz in the City concerts are free and open to the public. They are scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m. Patrons should bring lawn chairs and umbrellas. They are encouraged to patronize vendors who will be present and to patronize nearby establishments who will set up sidewalk dining for the events. No coolers or pets will be allowed, and the organizers will serve no alcohol.
The City of Syracuse is a major supporter with the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation for this cultural event.
This year, Jazz in the City honored Mayor Matt Driscoll at the first concert on July 30 for all his support.
In 2005, Mayor Driscoll helped bring back the Jazz in the City concert series with the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation after a two-year hiatus. The concert series since than has had 10 concerts in the neighborhoods of Syracuse, attracting more than 8,000 people.
