Beat keeper, Loosely Rooted (Downtown Syracuse)
Means of Production: Change is inevitable. What was once a work field has become a mixed-use business, arts and residential district. We wonder if they sang work songs back when they took salt production literally on the Near West Side.
Second Line Syracuse, an interactive, roving community jazz band is the brainchild of musician & composer Melissa Gardiner. Sunday afternoon the group marched thru the streets of the Near Westside to the delight of neighbors and passersby.
Competition obviously makes for plenty of invention.
We finally got to see the Second Line Syracuse project (winner of the Salt City Dishes prize) up close yesterday, and we were impressed. We hope their dedication to the craft (they marched in the rain) is a reflection of the shape of jazz to come here in the city. Maybe they will show up at the Downtown Syracuse Arts Festival or a street party near you soon.
Jam session in the streets.
Second Line Syracuse: Strollin’ on Tioga Street.