Syracuse’s urban neighborhoods continue to face public health challenges. Multiple indicators are chronically among the highest in the nation and communication with isolated residents is difficult.
In response to this acute need, Syracuse Community Health and CNY Jazz continue to pursue their innovative partnership to provide equity and access to family health services using the arts as a mobile platform, CNY Jazz in the City.
The series will feature six concerts in different parts of the city throughout June, July and August, along with a “Healthcare Village” connecting people with services.
Iconic regional funk and soul groups Atlas and The BlackLites appear perennially, Albany’s Alex Torres y su Orquesta will again serenade the Near West Side with salsa, Peter Lin’s AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Jazz Collective will serve the international North Side, Smooth Jazz Billboard chart-topper Double Bass Experience will perform at the new health center, and the contemporary jazz double bill of Art Sherrod Jr. and Lin Rountree conclude the series in Thornden Park.
Every three-hour concert features opening acts drawn from local urban music and dance organizations including 1Accord Line Dance, La Familia de la Salsa, C-Jack Run Showcase, and the Adanfo Ensemble, followed by main attractions featuring iconic regional groups and the best urban contemporary jazz artists in the nation.
All events are free and open to the public. No alcohol is served.
A robust family of health and human service agencies travels with the music series, led by SCH medical professionals providing access to mobile testing, screening, counseling, personal physicians, and more, incentivized with NYS Lottery scratch-offs. Many other agencies, volunteer health efforts, advocacy groups, minority crafts and ethnic food vendors provide a “concert fair” vibe to every event.
New this year is the inclusion of the LeadSafe CNY Coalition to the village, a major new partner adding their presence to provide face-to-face education and awareness information to children and families. Kinney Drugs comes aboard to emphasize their vaccination services, and On Point for College joins to provide counseling on making college, training, and careers possible.
“We are pleased to partner with CNY Jazz for the Jazz in the City 2024 Public Health Festival Concert Series,” said Syracuse Community Health COO Jessica Yoxall. “This partnership provides a platform for our community to access vital health information with a focus on eliminating health disparities, while enjoying local vendors and community talent. Through collaboration with CNY Jazz and other community-based organizations, we highlight the importance of preventative care and screenings to promote positive health outcomes. By increasing awareness and expanding health education, we together, can achieve health equity and enhance the quality of care in Onondaga County.”
Mayor Ben Walsh said: “Jazz in the City brings together the best of our neighborhoods, music and culture, all through the goal of creating healthy connections. I look forward to seeing our neighborhood parks and public spaces buzzing with friends, families and music throughout the summer, and I thank Syracuse Community Health and CNY Jazz for continuing to forge a healthy, happy Syracuse.”
“My thanks go out to the dedicated family of concerned stakeholders that come together to put this effort over the top, all of our sponsors, village members, and the Syracuse Police Department, over and over, for more than 20 years”, said Larry Luttinger, organizer of the series. “It’s an honor to lead this effort for Dr. Reid, his staff, and everyone else who contributes. This is Syracuse’s all-hands-on-deck, move the needle effort to provide public service equity to its residents in need. And need I say that at its core is an incredible concert series showcasing the best national, regional, and community talent?”
Other agencies and sponsors include Community Bank, Wegmans, Dunk & Bright, Syracuse Police Department, New York Offices of Mental Health and People with Developmental Disabilities, Onondaga County Health Department, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, YMCA Health, Vera House, Geddes Federal Savings & Loan, Circare, CSEA, Health Education Network, Health Foundation of Western and Central New York, Tops, AMR, Syracuse Housing Authority, CNY Arts, and Onondaga County. Important support at the state level is supplied by Senator Rachel May and Assemblymembers Al Stirpe and Pam Hunter.
Jazz in the City Concert Schedule
All events are Thursday 6 to 9 p.m.
- June 13 at Leavenworth Park: ATLAS with 1Accord Line Dance
- June 20 at Skiddy Park: Alex Torres y su Orquesta with La Familia de la Salsa
- July 11 at Syracuse Community Health: Double Bass Experience with C-Jack Run Showcase
- July 18 at Schiller Park: AAPI Jazz Collective with Adanfo Ensemble
- August 8 at Dunk & Bright: The BlackLites with 1Accord Line Dance
- August 15 at Thornden Park: Art Sherrod Jr. and Lin Rountree with 1Accord Line Dance
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