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

The crowd takes in a performance at the Syracuse Jazz Fest in Clinton Square in 2022. The event now known as the National Grid Syracuse International Jazz Fest, which is set for late June, will include performances from Kenny G, The Mavericks, Gino Vanelli, and The O’Jays. (File photo credit: zoeyadvertising.com)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Saxophonist Kenny G, Canadian singer-songwriter Gino Vanelli, R&B group The OJays, and The Mavericks will headline this Junes 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 Northeasts 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.

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The headlining acts will perform on the Amazon outdoor stage in Clinton Square. The Mavericks will perform from 9:3011 p.m. on Thursdays Visit Syracuse night; Kenny G will take the stage from 9:2511 p.m. on Fridays Syracuse University night; and Gino Vanelli is set to perform from 7:158:45 p.m. Then, the OJays will entertain from 9:3011 p.m. on Saturdays National Grid night.

This years lineup also has performers that include James Carter, Bill OConnells 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.

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Malfitano always emphasizes that Jazz Fest doesnt happen without the support of several private sector corporate sponsors, along with major publicsector grantors that include Onondaga County and New York State.

 

Eric Reinhardt: