SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse Jazz Fest is returning in 2010, and has announced the headlining acts for its 28th incarnation this summer.
At a news conference Friday morning, officials from the Jazz Fest announced that the festival will return to a three day event this year, after contracting to two days for the past two years due to the economic recession. It was also announced that Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole and platinum-selling artist Boz Scaggs will be the star attractions of this year’s concert series, which will take place from June 25-27 at Onondaga Community College.
“Thanks to a host of sponsors and supporters, we’re expanding Jazz Fest back to three days this June at OCC,” said festival Artistic Director Frank Malfitano. “And we think this is a major story line for a lot of reasons,” he continued. “It shows growth, not stagnation, and it also shows forward movement. We aren’t just treading water, we’re swimming, and vigorously! A lot of arts organizations are just hanging on, trying to stay level, and trying to avoid cuts, but we’ve decided this is the time to grow.”
The festival features two stages, offering constant music during the three-day event. Admission is free. Cole will headline the final day on Sunday, June 27 while Scaggs performs Saturday night. Jazz fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber will wrap up the opening day on Friday.
“Natalie Cole is a Superstar,” Malfitano said. “It has to be something in the Cole family DNA, because this incredible acorn didn’t fall far from the family tree. She’s extraordinary, a phenomenal performer, classy and elegant, And just like her legendary dad, Natalie does everything superbly and makes it seem effortless. Unforgettable in every way, she and her 25 piece orchestra are going to blow people away.”
Cole has won nine Grammy awards, and is the daughter of legendary singer Nat “King” Cole. Scaggs is an original member of the 70s rock group The Steve Miller Band.
Previous Jazz Fest headlining acts include Kenny G, Chaka Kahn, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and Ray Charles.
