Jackie Warren-Moore (left) and her daughter Andrea Moore perform together at Metro Lounge
Archive for the ‘Music’ Category
All in the family
Saturday, October 17th, 2009Yes to Education
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
Hammer on stage with Mary Nelson
During his performance at the New York State Fair on Sunday night, Hammer recognized education activist Mary Nelson. Hammer and the crowd applauded Nelson for giving away thousands of school supplies to city children.
City v. Country: A Power Struggle (part 2)
Saturday, August 29th, 2009The format may have changed, but I found images of the some of the great programming that went on at the former Power 106.9 (WPHR-FM)…
Diva du Jour
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
Vocalist Nicole Henry at the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival
Power of Cool
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Donald Harrison, cookin
The King of Nouveau Swing Donald Harrison, Jr. brought his bold sax (plus dance moves) to Syracuse last week and spiced up the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival like a plate of red beans and rice. His band members, average age about 19, were the perfect compliment and despite the rain, they belted out enough flavor to make Clinton Square sound more like Congo Square…at least for an hour or so.
Roll Call
Thursday, July 30th, 2009The entire list is too long, but here are some of my all-time favorite radio personalities then and now: Frank Ski (Baltimore), Donnie Simpson (Washington, DC), Red Alert (New York), Lady B and Georgie Woods (Philadelphia), DJ Showcase and Rick Wright (Syracuse).
I must add Texas Fred aka the Zydeco Cowboy (Washington, DC) to my list. I’ve checked out his show on the internet for the past few years and he delivers a unique experience over the airwaves.
A Tribute
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
Leonard Stephens, Jr.
Jonathan Stephens III sent us a tribute to his cousin Leonard Stephens, Jr., who passed away last week. Leonard was a talented song-writer, producer and a master on the steel pedal guitar.
Age Aint Nothing But a Number
Monday, July 27th, 2009
Young Cats
Props to the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet (pictured are members Nick Frenay and Chad Leftkowitz Brown) the young cats who served as the defacto house band for the Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest late night jam sessions at Jazz Central over the weekend.
Tear the Roof off tha Sucker
Saturday, July 25th, 2009Sax man Marion Meadows said he’s wanted to perform in Syracuse for a long time, sick especially since his sister lives here. He finally got his chance last night during a sizzling performance for the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival (formerly Jazz in the Square). During the set Meadows did a roll call of musicians that have influenced his band, people such as Grover, Ella, Miles, Coltrane, James Brown and some others. Then before bringing the house down, he asked a simple question: “What happens when some Funk falls into your cereal?”
The crowd in Clinton Square for the festival concert got the answer, but Meadows added a cresendo later when his band brought their steady rhythms to Jazz Central for an intimate late night jam session (which typically follow the festival performances).
In addition to his quartet, Meadows vibed with musicians such as Eudy Ferdandez and The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet, featuring Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Noah Kellman, Nick Frenay, Zach Brown, and Corey Fonville.
Joe Magnarelli also joined the session, which funked up the house til well past midnight.
What Happens to a Dream Deferred
Thursday, July 16th, 2009I met designer Pamela Williams last week during her first annual “Elegance from the Soul” Fashion Extravaganza. She explained that about 3 years ago she was diagnosed with stage-4 colon cancer and put her dreams of fashion and design on hold. During the recovery she was encouraged by video producer and friend Jay Dunmore to rekindle her dreams and career aspirations. So with faith and the strong support of her family, including husband Steven and son Melvin Eisland (aka M. Island), and a cadre of friends, she organized the show.
1st Annual Elegance from the Soul Fashion Extravaganza
Williams hopes that in addition to highlighting fashion and designers from around the region, the show will also be a catalyst to raise awareness of cancer.
The show featured a typical runway scheme along with live music. “It was amazing,” Williams said of her son M. Island’s performance. She particularly enjoys his song You Can Make It.
Syracuse’s the Blacklites also performed.
At the close of the show Williams shared her experience and brought many people in the audience to tears. Williams recommended early detection to detect and manage cancer. (She says a portion of the proceeds from the show will be made to the American Cancer Society)
You are truly Friends of God for helping me make this happen, she said.
For a first show the execution was great. I asked Williams how she could top this performance: “Come to next year’s show,” she said.
The dream continues.