The acclaimed JAZZ IN THE CITY Neighborhood Outreach Concert Series will return in 2018 with a expanded schedule of five concerts featuring national and local jazz artists, plus talented community performers and students from the Syracuse City Schools. The goals of this program are to reconnect urban residents to their culture, bring diverse groups from the suburbs and the neighborhoods together, and provide educational, social and cultural benefits to youth and residents. Underutilized city parks, neighborhood centers, and commercial corridors gain meaningful use, urban artists gain meaningful employment, minority small businesses are invited to vend at no cost, and community service groups and businesses are present to distribute information and discount coupons. All five events will be managed by the La Liga Youth Volunteer Corps, a partnership with the Syracuse Housing Authority which gives summer employment, work experience and adult responsibilities to neighborhood youth at risk.

What they’re saying...

 “2017 is a very important year for this series”, said Larry Luttinger of CNY Jazz, presenter of the series.  “Jazz in the City plays an important role in proving to the public that city neighborhoods are populated by hard working families, helping to overcome fear barriers that keep the public away from urban events and businesses. These concerts are fun, safe, family friendly, and well policed. We sell no alcohol.   We welcome new sponsors KeyBank and Molina Healthcare.  Social service organizations like the Prevention Network, ACR Health and CNY Eye & Tissue Bank will populate the new 'Molina Healthcare Village' to distribute vital information at all events. And the Syracuse Community Health Center will be present to conduct hypertension and BMI screenings.   There is a huge positive ripple effect that emanates from these events. I’d like to thank Police Chief Frank Fowler for the cooperation and help his department is providing for us, as well as tireless supporters like Common Councilors Helen Hudson and Van Robinson, and former councilor Mike Atkins as well. A big thank you to Jim Bright for his return as a sponsor of our kickoff event, putting us over the top by fulfilling our federal matching grant, as well as all of our new and returning sponsors, especially our unions, whose members populate our city neighborhoods. If it weren’t for the understanding and generosity of urban stakeholders like these folks, we wouldn’t be here, period.”
 
“Jazz in the City is an important cultural program which enriches the lives of our citizens and provides a fun outdoor activity for those in our neighborhoods to enjoy,” said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner. “I am pleased this program will bring beautiful jazz music to a diverse array of City neighborhoods. I thank Larry Luttinger and CNY Jazz for their continued dedication to the City and their work on this program.”

Said Van Robinson, President of the Syracuse Common Council, “Jazz in the City is a prime example of how communities can benefit by experiencing talented artists in urban venues that are comfortable, surrounded by neighbors and visitors. I urge you to attend these fine events, that demonstrate to all Syracusans that Jazz in the City is a unique vehicle for peace and solidarity.”