Central New Yorker’s turned New York City comics Moody McCarthy and Dan Frigolette came home to the Jazz Central stage last night for two shows.
McCarthy took a satirical view of his alma mater’s mascot (Moody’s a Corcoran alum) and family gift giving, while Frigolette (an SU grad) engaged the crowd about the chances of a Jersey guy picking up women from Manhattan and a comedian’s limitations in hierarchy of show business.
Syracuse City Court Judge Langston McKinney (pictured above) will retire in a few weeks after more than two decades on the bench and almost 40 years in the legal profession. Here is an interview he did earlier this year with political scientist Grant Reeher.
Syracuse in many ways is a city of churches. I recently caught up with on-air personality Lula Townsend, who has a radio show on 1540 WSIV-AM. Her show brings the church experience to the shut-ins, retirees and those unable to make it to Sunday services.
At one time Townsend’s Classic and Traditional Gospel Hour was on three times a week, but now she’s cut back to once. Each Monday she is in the studio shuffling vinyl records, reading Bible verses to her listeners, and answering phone calls.
Mrs. Townsend, DJ WSIV radio
I’ve always enjoyed Mrs. Townsend’s show, because in addition to providing informal history lessons about Syracuse, her voice is a true echo of our city’s Southern roots.
Mrs. Townsend, DJ WSIV radio (playlist)
When did you come to Syracuse: I came from Miami, FL in 1953.
Who inspired you: I credit Rev. Walter C. Blue who was on WSOQ radio in the 1960s.
What is your favorite song: Bless me now Blessed Savior.
What is your motto: Pray without ceasing.
What does Syracuse mean to you: Syracuse has always been [for me] the center of hospitality and home of brotherly love.
Keith Herring Muhammad and Brenda Muhammad, along with Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment (F.O.R.C.E.) held a tribute for (Sensei) Vinson Grace on Saturday. The program included family tales, a short film, story-telling, and various martial arts demonstrations. SIF Advisory Board Member John Giles (left), a 2nd degree brown belt and Robert McGriff, a black belt, began martial arts training with Grace when they were children.
The Syracuse University School of Architecture (SoA) celebrated city life this week at the Formerly Urban (Projecting Rust Belt Futures) Symposium. Speakers from Syracuse, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Toronto and Paris discussed depopulation, prairie urbanism, redefining district identities, and new structures to activate urban life.
SoA Dean Mark Robbins said architects should harness the drive of commerce for the betterment of our cities and create incentives to do better (design, planning) work.
Former President Bill Clinton stumps for Dan Maffei (left) in Syracuse
Former President Bill Clinton finished his multi-state campaign tour in Syracuse last night to stump for Congressman Dan Maffei. Clinton urged the crowd to get out and vote. He also warned against falling into the politics of frustration.
Syracuse City School District (Fowler) alum and smooth jazz star Jackiem Joyner returned to Syracuse this week to play two concerts for the Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation’s Jazz in the City.
