Crows near Washington Street
Northern Migration
November 6th, 2013Romancing the Stage
November 5th, 2013
Singer Gregory Porter returned to Syracuse last week.
A Gregory Porter concert is a little like the Matrix: We could tell you what it’s like, but you really have to experience it for yourself.
We wrote in a previous post that it’s difficult to classify Porter, but in his vocals one can hear Nat Cole, Ray Charles, Joe Williams and even Donny Hathaway. He effortlessly blends ballads, shout blues and the sacred sounds of the church.
The superstar jazz singer returned to Central New York Friday for the first time since his appearance at the 2012 Syracuse Jazz Festival. Earlier in the day he did a clinic for students and also talked about his life’s story.
But the real treat was the show.
From the time they hit the stage at about 7:30 p.m. Porter and his band (Chip Crawford, Emmanuel Harrold, Aaron James and Yosuke Sato) nearly blew the doors off Storer Auditorium.
Porter kicked things off with the ballad Be Good, and from the first note, a wave of goosebumps washed over the theater. He sprinkled in Liquid Spirit and No Love Dying from his new album, as well as the crowd favorite On My Way to Harlem.
For an encore they poured it on with the bass-driven cut, 1960 What? which featured Aaron James slapping and literally dancing with his upright instrument.
The music created by the band was spicy like Cajun catfish and Porter’s strong, spiritually connected vocals were smooth like banana pudding.
At the end, most people lingered to soak in the experience, and everyone left satisfied.
WAER-FM 88’s Eric Cohen and Jazz Fest Producer Frank Malfitano welcome Gregory Porter to the stage.
WAER FM-88’s Program Director Eric Cohen said it best when he said that for one night, Syracuse became the center of the Jazz Universe.
A great starting five: Crawford, James, Porter, Harrold and Sato
Matters of the M.I.N.D.
November 5th, 2013
M.I.N.D. Lab: Shaping a new perception of reality in Downtown Syracuse.
Here are some photos from last night’s open house for the Newhouse School’s M.I.N.D. Lab, which is located in the AXA Towers (ground floor). Special shout out to Danushka Bandara, grad student and science guy, who demystified the workings and practical applications for many of the center’s devices. Would love to see someone from this group do a TEDx series or similar symposium.
Danushka Bandara sits at the fNIRS device, which measures blood flow in the brain.
EEG and eye-tracking station: Blending media and science.
Students of Inspiration, not Limitation
November 4th, 2013
Former SU Dean and program namesake Barry Wells
Maybe it’s because I have two mentors who began educational transition programs that got me interested in finding out more about the WellsLink Leadership program at Syracuse University. It also could be the fact that I too was a member of a similar program. Either way, I was happy to hear that the organization celebrate its celebrating its 10th year anniversary on campus.
This year’s speaker was poet Nikki Giovanni. Giovanni was introduced by former-SU staffer Dr. Paul Buckley. There was also an appearance by former SU Dean Barry Wells, who started the program. To get an appreciation of what the WellsLink has done, and continues to achieve, listen to the sound clip from Paul Buckley below.
Featured speaker for the event poet and educator Nikki Giovanni read a few of her pieces during the Friday afternoon ceremony.
Dr. Paul Buckley, who currently serves as a dean for undergraduate students at Dartmouth College, worked closely with the WellsLink program when he was at Syracuse University.
Zippity Doo Dah
November 4th, 2013
Ride the High Line
Central New Yorker’s are fearless.
Who else could endure and enjoy an outdoor festival and a zip line during moderate winds and temperatures in the high-30s? Despite the chilly weather however, the attendance at inaugural the Zip Line Fest and Food Truck Rodeo was steady and strong. Students, business owners from the neighborhood, elected officials, and even families from other states (today was the last day of Parent’s Weekend at SU) filled Forman Park, and the crowds spilled onto East Genesee street on Sunday.
Parks & Rec Commissioner Baye Muhammad came out with his family to enjoy the festivities.
The energy the event created rivaled Armory Square, and maybe even more well-known public spaces such as Byrant Park, Rittenhouse Square, or Dupont Circle.
The event was also sponsored by 40 Below, the City of Syracuse, SU and the Save the Rain Program.
Dancing in the Park was also a highlight of the day.
PB&J’s Lunchbox also invaded the Eastside for the day (the mobile food truck is usually in Armory Square).
What a lively and unique way to kick off Phase two of the Connective Corridor construction project.
Signs of Life, Forman Park
November 4th, 2013
Walking the dog
Four for the show, DestiNY
November 2nd, 2013
Fashionable Family
We ran into SIF Advisory member John Giles and his stylish family during the Blowin’ in the Wind concert at DestiNY USA (Canyon) tonight. His family keeps it stylish.
Throwback Thursday: Midtown Voices
October 31st, 2013
Cadillac, the street grocer, on East Fayette Street, circa 1998.
Who knew…we knew!
October 30th, 2013
Michael Carter-Williams makes his case
Shout out to former Orangeman Michael Carter-Williams who produced a stat stuffer supreme tonight with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists and 9 steals. MCW’s 76ers defeated the defending champion Miami Heat. The steals mark set an NBA rookie debut record.
Physics of Frugal Fashion
October 30th, 2013
Rent the Runway Fall Fashion Show, Syracuse
Bravo to the students at Syracuse University for staging an effective and efficient fashion show for the Rent the Runway (RTR) program last week. The concept was to promote renting versus retail, or to simply find it, book it, wear it, and return it.
The festivities were held at Stolkin Auditorium (Physics Building).
Instead of opting for a trunk show the organizers were bold enough to convince the student models to meander down the curved stairs toward the front of the auditorium. Despite the degree of difficulty, the execution was flawless.
And oh yes, my daughter was a big fan of the gift bag from L’Oreal Paris.
RTR: wear, enjoy and return
RTR: Frugal Fashionistas