SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Jazz Fest returns this summer following a five-year absence and returns to downtown Syracuse for the first time in 20 years.
Syracuse JazzFest founder Frank Malfitano announced the free event’s return during a Tuesday news conference at the Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Syracuse.
The musical event is set for Thursday, June 23 through Saturday, June 25. Several local clubs and restaurants will host jazz performers on that Thursday night, while jazz artists will perform on the main stage at Clinton Square on Friday and Saturday nights.
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New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D–Cicero), who also spoke at the Tuesday morning press event, noted that Amazon is the primary sponsor of this year’s Syracuse JazzFest and New York State is also providing $150,000.
The group of sponsors also includes the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, Visit Syracuse, iHeart Radio, WSYR-TV (NewsChannel 9) and the Crowne Plaza Syracuse
“We’re reviving the Syracuse JazzFest,” Stirpe said in his remarks.
Stirpe moved to Syracuse in 1981 and JazzFest was one of the first events he attended.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, lead singers of the Fifth Dimension, will be the headlining act on Saturday night. The duo is also known for their 1976 hit, “You Don’t Have to Be a Star.”
This year’s lineup also includes the Average White Band; David Sanborn; Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha Cha’s; Boney James; and the Salt City Jazz Collective, per the Syracuse JazzFest website.


