Winter Jazzfest is Sunday at Mohegan Manor

BALDWINSVILLE – For the past dozen years, it was called the Seneca Savings January JazzFest. This year, it was moved to February and renamed the Winter Jazzfest.
A fixture on Central New York midwinter music scene since 2011, the fundraiser for CNY Jazz Central will be staged as usual from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Mohegan Manor, Baldwinsville’s multi-story venue at 58 Oswego St. CNY Jazz Central is the region’s primary provider of jazz in public performances and in schools since 1996.
“We’re going with a fun, dance party vibe this time around,” said CNY Jazz Executive Director Larry Luttinger. “Definitely come wearing your best dancing shoes. Bring some cash for our raffles, and everyone gets a wristband for reentry if you have to pop out for a bit. Consider this a ‘funraiser,’ not your average rubber chicken banquet for sure.”
The day-long musical lineup features the nine-piece Brass Inc. playing funk, R&B, blues and contemporary hits on the Manor’s second floor. That high-energy combo includes lead singers Walt Tanner and Dee Engelbrecht, trumpeter Brian Burke, trombonist Clayton Morgan, tenor saxophonist Dave Frateschi, keyboardist Vic Tumbiolo, bassist Mike Cieply, guitarist Pat Hodson and drummer Jason Schirripa.
Vocalist Vanessa Vacanti, an alumna of B’ville’s Baker High School, will be accompanied by the Jazz Mafia on the main floor, and Rick Montalbano and Julie Falatico will curate the performances in the downstairs bistro. The event traditionally concludes with a vibrant celebrity jam session there.
This year’s commercial radio sponsor is The Dinosaur, whose on-air personalities Bob Brown, John Carucci and Tony Fallico will serve as emcees.
Admission costs $25 in advance or $30 at the door; cnyjazz.org; 315-479-JAZZ.