Clinton Square
Cityview (Another Taste of Summer)
October 8th, 2016Buddy Love
October 7th, 2016
CBA athletic director and basketball coach Buddy Wleklinski will be inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame later this month. He is pictured here from a Peppino’s Tournament at Henninger High.
Realness Around the Collar
October 6th, 2016
Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou
Minister/activist Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou visited Syracuse University last night and was a speaker for a National Pan-Hellenic Council panel titled “Injustice for All 2: I Too Am America.”
Rev. Sekou said much of his personal activism is informed by his empathy as a Christian.
“So for me, Michael Brown’s body (laying on the street in Ferguson, Mo for four hours) is [like a] crucifixion at the hands of the state.”
He told students that we are living in the Age of Ferguson, which he described as:
- occupation of public spaces (including die-ins)
- rejection of traditional leadership
- rejection of modernity (starting urban farms, living off the grid, etc).
“The systems of those that came before us [and] fought so hard to become a part of, we don’t necessarily believe they have redeeming power,” he said.
Throwback Thursday
October 6th, 2016
Let the countdown begin for the return of Syracuse Snarl (Fashion Show). Next week the freaks and creative designers will come out at night. This year’s theme is “fractured fairy tales.”
Picking up the Pieces
October 6th, 2016
Timothy Noble Jennings-Bey talked about how to change attitudes and perceptions during Wednesday’s Conversations in Conflict Studies event.
During a lunchtime lecture at SU’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, Timothy Noble Jennings-Bey and Arnett Haygood-El described the workings of their organization, Street Addition Institute, Inc. The SAII could be described as a combination think tank/social service organization committed to bridging generational divides by rehabilitating individuals and families who suffer from trauma such as gun violence being confined to historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The presentation provided vital statistics and showed how violent trauma often breeds fear in those living within the affected areas and neglect from public institutions. One graph showed an interesting relationship between gun fire in neighborhoods and school disciplinary practices, and how a ADD diagnosis may actually be a form PTSD in some cases.
Jennings-Bey recognized these problems are not new (many like housing segregation are the result of public policy), but SAII’s goal is to identify those affected, and help provide solutions from a grass-roots perspective.
Solazzo Solo
October 5th, 2016Dave 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.
Extra Relevant
October 4th, 2016The current clown phenomenon has forced Syracuse University to issue a letter to the campus community.
Pas de deux
October 4th, 2016
Today is National Ballet Day (pictured: Members of Syracuse City Ballet in Thornden Park, circa 2014)
The Dance Theater of Syracuse/Brandon Ellis Dance Works performed The Black Swan at the NYS Fair last summer.
The Sunday Jazz Brunch (part 2)
October 3rd, 2016The Sunday Jazz Brunch
October 2nd, 2016
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, reads the sign-up list at Jazz Jam