July 2nd, 2009
Kenny G JazzFest 2009
I had the opportunity to cover the 2009 Syracuse Jazz Fest at OCC last week and see Spyro Gyra and Kenny Gorelick (aka Kenny G.) I’m familiar with some of Gorelick’s work, and maybe my favorite cut is ”Hi! How Ya Doin,” which was produced by Kashif. If you check out the video, you can see Kenny G before he had the long curly hair and you can even see his dance moves.
What I didn’t know about Kenny G is that he has sold over 50 million albums, he started out playing with Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra and his wife is photographer Lyndie Benson.
Before Kenny G took the stage I had a wonderful conversation for the Jazz Fest’s piano tuner Kenneth Williams back stage. I know Williams from a previous job and we’ve had brief conversations about his vision (he’s legally blind) his hearing (he has what he calls “good relative pitch.”) and his love of music (he doesn’t own a piano but he is actually a trumpet player).
Kenneth Williams, piano tuner
Williams is a jovial personality who does some of the best impressions I’ve heard outside of Hollywood. He does a great John Wayne, Pearl Bailey and Jimmy Stewart. I asked him how long would he continue to work (he’s been a piano technician and tuner for longer than I’ve been alive). I’m never going to retire, he said. I’m having too much fun.
Tags: 2009 Syracuse Jazz Fest, Arista Records, Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra, Best-selling jazz artist of all time, Breathless, Duotones, Frank Malfitano, Kashif, Kenneth Williams, Kenny G, Kenny G Live, Kenny Gorelick, Louis H. Everding Main Stage, Lyndie Benson Photography, OCC, Onondaga Community College, Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, President Debbie Sydow, Smooth Jazz, Spyro Gyra, Syracuse Piano Tuner, The Moment, Y94 FM
Posted in Art, Media, Music, Photography | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2009
Author and marketer Seth Godin, who is a small guy, shows in a recent article that sometimes you have to take on the giant(s).
Tags: Malcolm Gladwell, Seth Godin, The New Yorker
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June 26th, 2009
Podcast mixologist EJ Flavors offers a great tribute to MJJ that features hits from the totality of his catalog. Listen here.
Tags: EJ Flavors, Jackson 5, King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, Thriller, Victory
Posted in Media, Music | 2 Comments »
June 22nd, 2009
Earlier this month I covered the Syracuse University VPA School of Design Senior Fashion show in New York City. The show was held at the JP Morgan Building on the 50th Floor above Park Avenue.
Following the show designer Henry Grethel was presented with the Icon of Style Award and he said orange has become the new black for Manhattanites with connections to Syracuse University and SU Athletics.
To see photographs click here.
Tags: Anthony J. Palmieri, Ayaka Matsui, ChanMi Park, Christa Johnson, Dean Ann Clarke, Dress My Nest, Elisha Beinart, Emme, Henry Grethel, Icon of Style Award, JP Morgan, Juried Senior Fashion Show, Kristin Hollins, Lacey Ryan Seltzer, Laura Zailac, Lindsey Scarlatelli, Meredith Banzhoff, NOLCHA Fashion Business Network, Randi Spoon, Sara Efron, School of Art and Design, Stephanie Latocha, Syracuse University VPA, Tara Strobach, Tom Filicia
Posted in Fashion, Photography, Travel | No Comments »
June 11th, 2009
“We take pictures because it makes us feel good to know that years later, when nostalgia for that moment comes around, we’ll be ready.”
-Seth Godin
Mateo Baker, Kindergarten Ceremony
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May 27th, 2009
John & Veronica
Congratulations to SIF Advisory Board member John Giles and his bride Veronica. They were married on Saturday at Eternal Hope Worship Church in Syracuse.
Tags: advisory board, Eternal Hope Worship Church, syracuse in focus, Syracuse University, Wedding
Posted in Business, Photography | 1 Comment »
May 12th, 2009
I recently read a manifesto by Chris Guillebeau. He has traveled the world and been chronically self-employed.
For a free copy of the e-book, click here.
Tags: Art of Nonconformity, chrisguillebeau, small army, unconventional strategies for life work and travel, world domination
Posted in Business, Travel | No Comments »
May 8th, 2009
Christian Howes
Jazz violinist Christian Howes talked about his early training with the Suzuki method, the state of jazz violin and his time in jail during an informative interview on the Speakeasy with Dorian on Monday.
Howes played last year’s Syracuse Jazz Fest with Bill Evans.
Tags: 2008 Syracuse Jazzfest, Bill Evans, Christian Howes, Columbus Ohio, composer, Dorian, educator, Frank Malfitano, Jazz Violin, Jersey City, Miles Stiebel, Onondaga County Community College, producer, Randy Sabien, Regina Carter, Soulgrass, Speakeasy, Suzuki method, violinist, WFMU
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May 6th, 2009
Athlete-turned artist Ernie Barnes passed away last week. One of the most influential artists of the past quarter century, he is remembered here on a Kanye West Blog. Growing up I’ve seen his work reading Ebony Magazine, watching Good Times, and even had the chance to see some of his work at North Carolina Central University.
For a more critrical appreciation of Ernie Barnes and techniques, check out this review.
Tags: African American Painters, Baltimore Colts, Denver Broncos, Ernie Barnes, Good Times, Hillsides Home for Children Pasedena, Jimmy Walker, JJ Evans, Kanye West, NFL, North Carolina Central University, San Diego Chargers, Sugar Shack, Washington Redskins
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May 4th, 2009
Grover in Philly
T. Grundy posted some wonderful items on his Jazz 101-An Intro to Jazz and Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) podcast epsiodes. His sax-appeal series included Pamela Williams (aka the Saxtress) who played last year’s Jazz In The Square. And in one post Grundy also featured one of my favorite’s Grover Washington, Jr. ( I have several of his albums), as well as Maceo Parker, who played in Syracuse a few months ago.
Tags: Charles Mingus, CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, Duke Ellington, Grover Washington Jr, Jazz 101, Jazz Appreciation Month, Jazz in the Square, John Coltrane, Joshua Redman, Kirk Wahlum, Louis Armstrong, Maceo Parker, Miles Davis, Najee, Pamela Williams, Philadelphia, Ramsey Lewis, RIBS, Sax Appeal, Smooth Jazz, Todd Grundy, Westcott Theater
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