SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Clinton Square is hosting the 19th Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival this upcoming Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30. More than 14 various jazz artists will be sharing their love and passion for this music genre. According to visitsyracuse.com, this festival was previously attended by more than 15,000 people.
Along with music performances, local food vendors will offer various dishes in case the audience needs a bite to eat. Meanwhile, drinks will be provided by two major sponsors: Palm Bay International and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. The famous wine selection from Northern Italy includes the Cavit Collection’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato, Oak Zero Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir.
The Early Bird Jazz Band will be the opener on Friday night. The saxophone player of the band, Ricky Alexander, told us what he thinks about the Upstate NY audience.
“From my experience, people are really nice and really enthusiastic up here,” Alexander said. “I’m prepared to read the crowd and do my best to play something they are gonna like.”
While talking with Alexander before his first performance, we asked him why he plays jazz. Early childhood music introduction from his grandmother, continuing with listening to jazz on a CD while playing computer games on mute, has built this warm relationship with this music genre, which led Alexander to pursue his bachelor’s degree in jazz at the University of Maryland.
“I love jazz, especially classic jazz, or some people call it traditional jazz because it really emanates joy,” Alexander said. “That’s the type of spirit I’m trying to bring to this music.”
Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival can be a great way to spend some quality time with friends, family, or colleagues. More details about the schedule, event map, and artists’ bios can be found at http://www.nejazzwinefest.org .