Syracuse International Jazz Fest headliners include Kenny G, The O’Jays

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Saxophonist Kenny G, Canadian singer-songwriter Gino Vanelli, R&B group The O’Jays, and The Mavericks will headline this June’s National Grid Syracuse International Jazz Fest.

The 38th edition begins June 26 at establishments in downtown Syracuse and will continue in the days that follow in Clinton Square, per the Syracuse Jazz Fest Facebook page. The event describes itself as the Northeast’s largest free jazz festival.

Jazz Fest founder Frank Malfitano announced the lineup during a Friday morning event at the National Grid auditorium in downtown Syracuse.

The headlining acts will perform on the Amazon outdoor stage in Clinton Square. The Mavericks will perform from 9:30–11 p.m. on Thursday’s “Visit Syracuse” night; Kenny G will take the stage from 9:25–11 p.m. on Friday’s “Syracuse University” night; and Gino Vanelli is set to perform from 7:15–8:45 p.m. Then, the O’Jays will entertain from 9:30–11 p.m. on Saturday’s “National Grid” night.

This year’s lineup also has performers that include James Carter, Bill O’Connell’s Latin Jazz All Stars, Catherine Russell, Freda Payne, Gunhild Carling, Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, Marissa Mulder, Joe Magnarelli, McKinley James, Akiko Tsuruga, Syracuse University faculty jazz ensemble, and Wayne Tucker.

Freda Payne, who is known for her 1970 hit single “Band of Gold,” is set to take the stage on Friday evening between 6:35 and 7:35 p.m. with the Freda Payne Big Band as she performs “Freda Celebrates Ella.” On Feb. 16, Freda performed a “Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” in San Rafael, California, per her personal website.

Malfitano always emphasizes that Jazz Fest doesn’t happen without the support of several private sector corporate sponsors, along with major public–sector grantors that include Onondaga County and New York State.