SYRACUSE --
The lineup for the M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest 2011 brings a cross section of musical stars, legends and young talent to the campus of Onondaga Community College on Friday. June 24th and Saturday, June 25th. The headliners of the two day festival include the Average White Band, Robert Cray Band, Return to Forever IV with Chick Corea and Stanely Clarke, and the Brothers of Funk Big Band featuring David Letterman Trumpeter Al Chez.
Jazz Fest Executive Director Frank Malfitano made the announcement this morning at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Syracuse. In a difficult economic year Malfitano was able to raise enough sponsorship to continue the festival in its 29th year. In addition the all-star musical line up the Saturday night Price Chopper Fireworks return along with the Constellation Brands Wine Court.
Young students musicians from Central New York will have an opportunity to play the festival's main stage. On Friday night All-County and City of Syracuse All-Star bands will open Jazz Fest. Saturday night the OCC Jazz Band starts off the afternoon.
Syracuse-area music legend Felix Caveliere's Rascals will also perform Friday night. Caveliere and the Rascals had major hits in the late 1960's: "Good Lovin'", It's a "Beautiful Morning" and "People Got to be Free".
The Syracuse Jazz Fest bills itself as the largest free jazz festival in the northeast. NBC 3, CBS 5, CW 6 and CNYcentral.com are media sponsors of the M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest 2011.
Friday, June 24, 2011
3:00 pm ~ Gates open
5:00 pm to 5:30 pm ~ City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation Stan Colella All Star Band, under the direction of Joe Carello
5:45 pm to 6:15 pm ~ All-County H.S. All Star Jazz Band under the direction of Steve Frank
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm ~ Rock & Roll Hall of Famer & Songwriters Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
8:00 pm ~ Scottish Soul & Funk Legends & Multi-Platinum & Gold Recording Artists Average White Band (AWB)
9:30 pm to Closing ~ 5-time Grammy winners the Robert Cray Band
Saturday, June 25, 2011
3:00 pm ~ Gates open
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ~ The OCC Jazz Band Meets The Steelheads under the Co-direction of Steve Frank & Jim Coviak
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm ~ Jazz Guitars Meet Hendrix featuring Sheryl Bailey and Vic Juris
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm ~ The Brothers of Funk Big Band featuring David Letterman Late Show Trumpeter Al Chez
9:30 pm to Closing ~ Return To Forever IV: with 15-time Grammy winner and 51-time Grammy Nominee Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Frank Gambale and Jean-Luc Ponty
11:00 pm ~ Annual Price Chopper Fireworks Display
