Joey & John at Castaways
Vocalist Joey Nigro and keyboardist John Nilsen return to The Castaways, 916 County Route 37, in Brewerton at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11.
The duo covers classic rock, pop standards, oldies, torch tunes, 1950s rock’n’roll, country, contemporary pop, jazz, blues and Broadway showstoppers.
“We strive to entertain with our authentic re-creations and fun facts about each song,” Nigro said. “We want to turn the audience into raving fans!”
Joey & John play The Castaways on the second Saturday of each month and are also booked there New Year’s Eve; 668-3434.
Klezmercuse concert Saturday
Spotlighting songs from its new disc, “Lily’s Hora,” Jonathan Dinkin & Klezmercuse performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave., at the corner of Westcott Street, on the city’s East Side.
The Syracuse-based octet features clever compositions by keyboardist Jonathan Dinkin with sprightly vocals by Aveeya Dinkin. Klezmercuse also includes guitarist Art Bronstein, clarinetist Mike Fixler, accordionist Judy Schmid, fiddler Judy Cohen Stanton, drummer Mark Wolfe and euphonium player Sam Young.
Admission to Saturday’s concert costs $10, $8 for WCC members, or $5 students with ID; 478-8634.
Brass Ensemble celebrates yuletide
Central New York’s brassiest band, the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble, performs a festive concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at The United Church of Fayetteville’s St. Nicholas Fest, at 310 E. Genesee St., in Fayetteville.
“Brass music is virtually synonymous with the holidays,” says musical director James Spencer. “Each concert features light classics and holiday chestnuts, designed to appeal to listeners of all ages.”
Suggested donations are $8 for adults and $6 for children; 786-2458.
Sing along with Goodtime Band
Whenever there’s a party in Syracuse, good chance you’ll find Mickey Vendetti & The Goodtime Band on stage as couples fill the dance floor. This year, the Goodtime Band hosts its own holiday party “Up Close & Personal” from 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Shhots Pub, 2026 Teall Ave., in Lyncourt.
The band, which will showcase songs from its new CD, Christmas Party Sing-A-Long, features Vendetti on keyboards, Mickey Vendetti Jr. on drums, Josh Vendetti on vocals and percussion, Tom Crosier on guitar, Biff Cooper on bass and Charlie Curtis on saxophone.
Tickets cost $7 at the door, or $5 in advance; 345-1002.
JASS holiday jam Tuesday
The Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse will host its annual holiday jam session from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at McNamara’s Pub in Camillus. Admission is free and the public is welcome.
JASS was founded 38 years ago to promote New Orleans-style jazz in Central New York. Its jam sessions traditionally conclude with “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.”
Area musicians are invited to bring their instruments and sit in with the JASS rhythm section. An electric piano will be provided, and vocalists are encouraged to participate.
McNamara’s Pub is located at 5600 Newport Road between Route 5 and Route 695. Food and beverages will be available; 672-8872.
For JASS information, call 652-0547.
– Russ Tarby
