Funk Trombone, Good Voodoo, Guitar Noir, New Voice

The first day of the 32nd edition of the M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest was all that in the headline above plus a shining sun, silvery moon, cheering thousands and a damned good beef quesadilla. From night to day: Headliner Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue drew the big free-admission crowd forward and into the aisles and…

Two days of music, capped by Mr. B.B. King

I recall being pretty excited placing the call to a certain Riley King. Goes by the initials B.B. Stands for Blues Boy. And B.B. King comes on the phone, starts talking, and I knew why I liked that job writing about music for the big daily so damn much. In fact, the American blues legend…

How’d you like to see B.B. King play guitar for free?

Every time this gentleman walks to a stage to perform, he’s introduced the same way. He’s played a lot of shows and heard a lot of introductions. And, really, he’s a man whose recognizable face, ringing guitar sound and gritty vocals need no introduction. That’s “Mister B.B. King” to you and me. There’s been a…

Avery Sunshine to play free show at OCC

Avery Sunshine knows how to spread jazz love with her voice and keyboard work. And, in a show that pays tribute to Women’s History Month, the Avery Sunshine Duo will perform a free admission show at 7 p.m. March 29, in Storer Auditorium on the campus of Onondaga Community College. The native of Chester, Pa.,…

Getting my mental game ready for fore months

Golfing nomads wandered around the floor of SRC Arena in Syracuse. They were in search of a better golf game. There were plenty of exhibitors ready to lend a hand with new equipment available for purchase. Clubs, balls, shoes, carts, clothes … In other words, go home and think spring. Which I did without buying…