CNY Jazz Central [9] is celebrating its 14th season in operation with a “Broadway Cabaret” season opener planned for this Sunday, October 4. The event is a fundraiser to maintain the Jazz Central facility, which has been home to the foundation for four years.
The cabaret will feature performers from the alternative performing arts organization, Rarely Done Productions, Inc. with various instrumental accompanists. Seasoned performers and aspiring young artists will be paired for duets and performing solo pieces in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the Jazz Central theater.
“This theater occupies a crucial position as our community’s ‘arts incubator,’” said executive director of CNY Jazz Central, Larry Luttinger. “Our existence is in jeopardy…I don’t want downtown to lose an important new facility.”
Jazz Central hosts 150-180 events annually and provides local artists of all disciplines “a place to perform, experiment, unveil, debut, record and celebrate the continual creation and celebration of the artistic experience,” said Luttinger.
This Sunday, the foundation will host an impressive lineup of regional actors and singers in two productions scheduled for 4 and 7pm.
“We’ve assembled an exciting group of present and future ‘triple threats’ for the occasion,” said artistic director of Rarely Done Productions, Inc. Dan Tursi. “You’ll see plenty of talent up there, believe me.”
The event begins a new and diverse Fall 2009-Spring 2010 season for Jazz Central. Upcoming events range from the “Scholastic Jazz Jam Series” to professional performances from artists including jazz trumpet-player Chris Botti, a rising celebrity in the jazz world. Botti has performed with artists including Sting, Steven Tyler, Paul Simon, John Mayer and Joni Mitchell and will be coming to Syracuse on Sunday, October 25 and performing at the Goldstein Auditorium on the Syracuse University campus.
However, to keep the entertainment coming, money must come first.
Sunday’s performances are priced at $25 each or $40 for both and funds will help maintain and renovate the CNY Jazz facilities.
“Bring friends,” said general manager of Jazz Central, Bob Rogers. “I need my job.”
