SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Jazz in the City concert series has announced its lineup for this year, serving as a source of public entertainment and as a public-health initiative.
Organizers describe this season as the “largest” in the series’ 20-year history. Seven concerts are scheduled, including a celebration of the opening of the new Syracuse Community Health (SCH) building at 930 South Salina St. in Syracuse.
The series seeks to provide great music, food, and fun, but it also offers health information, tools, consultations, and screenings by Syracuse Community Health and a “still-growing health-care village of local and regional providers.”
All concerts are free and open to the public, and no alcohol is served, organizers say.
The concerts will feature national artists, local bands, and neighborhood-based opening acts by community groups. Guest speakers will take the stage during intermissions.
“Central New York has largely emerged from the coronavirus and its effects, yet Syracuse’s neighborhoods still trail the region in major public health indicators. These health needs continue to be felt most acutely by urban residents,” the announcement begins.
Syracuse Community Health continues an “aggressive,” citywide outreach effort to push back on these conditions, using the arts as a mobile platform to bring the news of their many services to city residents and regional visitors, per the announcement.
“Syracuse Community Health is proud to continue our partnership with CNY Jazz Central as the Jazz in the City Public Health Festival Concert Series continues to bring jazz to the community we serve with outstanding local and national jazz musicians and vocalists,” Mark Hall, president & CEO of the health center, said. This series allows SCH the opportunity to continue to provide vital health information, providers, and services at such events. By rotating through our city’s beautiful parks, these events bring music and health directly to all who attend and to the neighborhoods we serve.”
“Show me a city that comes together for a model program like this; I can’t find one anywhere,” Larry Luttinger, leader of CNY Jazz, said in the news release. “This series has been a model of civic and corporate cooperation since it was founded in 2003. The music, the food, and the vibe is absolutely awesome and welcoming. We can’t wait to get started.”
The lineup
Concert series schedule (all events Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
June 8 —- Kirk Park with Brownskin and Joe Driscoll
June 22 — Skiddy Park with Sonido Isleño
July 6 —– Leavenworth Park with ATLAS
July 13 — Syracuse Community Health grand opening with Sherma Andrews
July 20 — Schiller Park with Slavic Soul Party
Aug 3 —– Dunk & Bright with The BlackLites
Aug 17 —-Thornden Park with Rebecca Jade