Posts Tagged ‘Melissa Gardiner’

Week in Review

Sunday, May 14th, 2017
Will Gorman and Melissa Gardiner at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Syracuse

Will Gorman (with the funk face) and Melissa Gardiner (on the trombone) played a arts gig at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Syracuse on Saturday.

Make Mine Music

Wednesday, February 8th, 2017
This is a great way to spend you lunch hour. Melissa Gardiner will be the headliner for today's Jazz at the Plaza (Lemoyne College)

This is a great way to spend you lunch hour. MG3 featuring Melissa Gardiner will be the headliner for today’s Jazz at the Plaza (Le Moyne College)

SIF Scene (notable people, places and events)

Monday, November 28th, 2016
Melissa Gardiner & Larry Luttinger at the Sitrus Lounge (Sheraton Hotel)

Melissa Gardiner & Larry Luttinger at the Sitrus Lounge (Sheraton Hotel)

Leftovers with a Side of Eargasm

Saturday, November 26th, 2016
MG3 (aka Gardiner Dekaney and Gorman) provided the perfect Turkey Day detox at the Sitrus Lounge on Friday evening. According to CNY Jazz's Larry Luttinger, the Sitrus series will continue the post Thanksgiving shows each year.

MG3 (aka Gardiner, Dekaney and Gorman) provided the perfect Turkey Day detox at the Sitrus Lounge on Friday evening.  CNY Jazz’s Larry Luttinger said he hopes to continue the post Thanksgiving segment annually. Things started slow, but by the end of the first set the festive crowd had grown significantly and seemed to revel in the eclectic mix of standards and original compositions.

Jazz Is…Unity

Saturday, November 12th, 2016
Brassman Jeff Stockham (second from left) put together a fantastic quartet he called the Syracuse Horns to back Professor Louie and Cromatix last night at the Homer Arts Center.

Jeff Stockham (second from left) led the Syracuse Horns as they huffed and puffed, and nearly blew their faces off as a gusty adjunct to Professor Louie and Cromatix last night at the Homer Arts Center.

Week in Review

Sunday, November 6th, 2016

Week in Review

Sunday, October 23rd, 2016

Solazzo Solo

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Dave Solazzo will be the featured artist at the next Jazz at the Plaza (Le Moyne College). He played today as part of the MG3 (Melissa Gardiner) project.

The Sunday Jazz Brunch

Sunday, October 2nd, 2016
The bass player got busy for Sunday's Jazz Jam at Funk-n-Waffles today.

Joey Arcuri got busy on the bass for Sunday’s Jazz Jam at Funk-n-Waffles.

When we first experienced Melissa Gardiner’s skills at the Jazz @ Sitrus series a few years ago, we saw her as the hardest working lady in Syracuse show business. Then we considered her numerous titles: bandleader, teacher, vocalist, all-around molder of musical consensus, working mother, and noticed how she always exceeded expectations.  Now we are beginning think that maybe she is a superhero.

Today Gardiner played the role of host for the come as you are (especially with your instrument) event known as Jazz Jam at Funk-n-Waffles.

Jazz Jam may be the city music scene’s best kept weekend secret.  The event is in a great perfect (Downtown), during a great time slot (3pm-5pm) and at a great venue (casual bistro) for the enjoyment of a long-time resident or first-time tourist.  Imagine a music series that features the perfect blend of students, educators, and jazz aficionados, but where music is only half the story, because what goes better with hot jazz riffs than an abundant selection of sweet and savory waffles?

Today the house was packed, and the soiree featured horn players, singers, and at least one cajon drum.

The Jazz Jam/Funk-n-Waffles combo has a bright future.

Special shout-out to drummer Bryon Cage: Thanks for the invite and tip about the wonderful waffle fries.

Melissa Gardiner, host,, Jazz Jam

Melissa Gardiner, reads the sign-up list at Jazz Jam

Lineup Surprises

Tuesday, April 19th, 2016
Syracuse Jazz Fest Producer Frank Malfitano announced the lineup for this summer's shows at M+T Bank this morning.

Syracuse Jazz Fest Producer Frank Malfitano announced the lineup at M&T Bank this morning. Pictured to the right is Jazz Journalists Association’s Susan Brink, who presented Malfitano with a 2016 National Jazz Hero Award.

Sure we saw the lineup for this year’s Jazz Fest in the current issue of Downbeat already, but we still attended this mornings announcement at M&T Bank, because some things are better in person. Jazz Fest also puts together the best press kit for any music festival in the area.

This year’s stellar lineup include a former Doobie (Michael McDonald), a Shorty (Troy Andrews) a Missy (Melissa Gardiner and her band Second Line Syracuse) as well as a tribute to a Murphy (Mark) and an artist-in-residence named Randy (Brecker). In addition, Groove Legacy, the Maverick’s and Notefied promise to make this another must see event.

We also found out that the Mayor issued a proclamation naming today “Frank Malfitano Day” in Syracuse.