New York State Fair
06/14/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/14/2023 13:28
Fusion of Disco and Jazz Music – A Genre Known as Dazz – To Be Star of Annual Funk Fest at The Fair
JAMS' Funk Fest 2K23 will bring a blend of Disco, Jazz, Funk, and R&B to Chevy Court all day and night on Saturday, September 2. The celebration will culminate with headlining performances from Brick and Dazz Band, two bands that formed in the late 1970s and produced a string of hits that we're still singing along with today.
First, Brick will take the Chevy Court stage around 6:45 p.m. Brick, based in Atlanta, is known for merging Disco and Jazz music to form "Dazz," which is also the name of their most popular song. "Dazz" peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 music chart, climbed to #1 on the R&B chart, and landed at #7 on the Dance music chart.
In their 47-year-and-counting career, Brick accrued two Number 1 albums, and 12 Top 100 singles. The band, led by original member, Jimmy Brown (lead vocals and horn master), produced hits including "Dusic," "That's What it's All About," "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody," and "Sweat (Till You Get Wet)."
In 2023, fans have two new songs to look forward to - the energetic "FUNK JAMZ" and a smooth ballad, "Into You." Brick describes its sound as a "big taste pot of gumbo soup" seasoned with Jazz, Funk, R&B, and a pinch of Pop.
Then, Dazz Band, whose electrifying R&B, Funk and soulful ballads topped Pop and R&B music charts in the 1980s and 1990s, will perform around 8:15 p.m. at Chevy Court. They're touring in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of their 1983 hit, "Joystick." "Let it Whip," "Swoop (I'm Yours)," "You are My Starship," and "Let it All Blow" are also among their most popular songs. Originally established as Kinsman Dazz - a nod to the Cleveland restaurant where they were the house band - the band's name evolved into Dazz Band in tribute to the music they became known for producing: Danceable Jazz.
Several original and early members are still with the band, including Bobby Harris (lead vocals, saxophone) who started the group, Sennie "Skip" Martin (lead vocalist and trumpet), and Marlon "The Magician" McClain (guitar). Meanwhile, Raymound Calhoun (drummer) and Keith Harrison (keyboard and vocals) recently returned. Donny Sykes (lead vocals), who has been with the group for ten years, and newest member Alvin Frazier, round out the seven-person ensemble.
"We're looking forward to partnering with Syracuse JAMS for the ninth year to present another successful Funk Fest at The Fair and to bring two more opportunities for fairgoers to hear living legends," saidSean Hennessey, Interim Fair Director. "We're extremely lucky to have Jimmy Brown - a founding member of Brick - and three of the original members of Dazz Band perform live at Chevy Court. They are part of history and played a significant role in shaping the music we listened to in the 1970s and 1980s, which laid the foundation for a lot of what's popular today. One of the things that makes The Great New York State Fair 'great' is the affordable access it provides to those who appreciate music. Here at The Fair, we can see living legends, up-and-coming artists, and the stars of today - all for $6 admission!"
Funk Fest is a tradition that dates back to 2014 at The Fair. Funk Fest 2K23 runs all day Saturday, September 2 at Chevy Court. The fun kicks off at 12:00 p.m. with DJ Dretronix and continues until 10:00 p.m. Fairgoers can look forward to performances from regional bands, including Central New York favorites Brownskin Band, Trump Tight 315, and The Blacklites. In the afternoon, a presentation called Fallout From WAR, will feature a collaboration of musicians from around New York State, performing a blend of music originally written and performed by Eric Burdon and WAR. A full schedule is posted below.
The JAMS acronym stands for Joined Artists, Musicians, and Singers.
"JAMS works to create paid opportunities for diverse artists of multiple disciplines and genres to participate within the local arts economy", said Reggie Seigler, president of JAMS.
"The partnership with The Fair helps to fulfill that mission by providing a highly visible platform for the artists to perform and introduce their music and art to fairgoers who come in from all over the state and country", added JAMS' vice president, Hollis Mathis.
Like all acts who appear as part of the Chevrolet Music Series, watching Brick and Dazz Band's performances is included with Fair admission. Admission tickets - expected to go on sale online early next month - are $6 for adults, and free for those who are 65 years and older and 12 years and younger.
The Great New York State Fair begins Wednesday, August 23 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4.
The Chevrolet Music Series features daily concerts at Chevy Court and Suburban Park. All acts announced thus far are provided at webpages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park on The Fair's website and below, following the Funk Fest 2K23 schedule.
SYRACUSE JAMS FUNKFEST 2K23 MUSICAL LINE-UP:
Saturday, September 2 at Chevy Court
| 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. | DJ Dretronix |
| 12: 30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Youth Performances |
| 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Brownskin Band |
| 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Fallout From WAR (Tribute to the music of WAR) |
| 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Trump Tight 315 |
| 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. | The Blacklites |
| 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | Brick |
| 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. | Dazz Band |
*Please note, acts are scheduled with a grace period of 10-minutes on both ends of time slots. DJ Dretronix will play to fill space in between acts.
2023 CHEVROLET MUSIC SERIES SCHEDULE TO DATE:
Chevy Court Stage:
| Wednesday, August 23 | 1:00 p.m. | Chubby Checker |
| Thursday, August 24 | 6:00 p.m. | Quiet Riot |
| Friday, August 25 | 1:00 p.m. | Mary Lambert |
| Friday, August 25 | 6:00 p.m. | Doechii |
| Saturday, August 26 | 1:00 p.m. | Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig's Adventure |
| Saturday, August 26 | 6:00 p.m. | Julio Iglesias Jr. |
| Sunday, August 27 | 1:00 p.m. | The Prodigals |
| Sunday, August 27 | 6:00 p.m. | Matt Stell |
| Monday, August 28 | 1:00 p.m. | Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone |
| Monday, August 28 | 6:00 p.m. | Anne Wilson |
| Tuesday, August 29 | 1:00 p.m. | Tommy James and the Shondells |
| Tuesday, August 29 | 6:00 p.m. | Bret Michaels' Parti Gras |
| Wednesday, August 30 | 1:00 p.m. | Danielle Ponder |
| Wednesday, August 30 | 6:00 p.m. | Chapel Hart |
| Thursday, August 31 | 1:00 p.m. | Avalanche - 10th Mountain Division Army Band |
| Thursday, August 31 | 6:00 p.m. | Lee Greenwood |
| Friday, September 1 | 6:00 p.m. | The Fray |
| Saturday, September 2 | 12:00-9:45 p.m. | JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.) |
| Sunday, September 3 | 1:00 p.m. | Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza |
| Monday, September 4 | 12:00 p.m. | The High Kings |
Suburban Park Stage:
| Wednesday, August 23 | 2:00 p.m. | Steven Page |
| Thursday, August 24 | 8:00 p.m. | Theory of a Deadman |
| Friday, August 25 | 2:00 p.m. | Rebecca Black |
| Friday, August 25 | 8:00 p.m. | GAYLE |
| Saturday, August 26 | 8:00 p.m. | George Thorogood and the Destroyers |
| Monday, August 28 | 8:00 p.m. | REO Speedwagon |
| Tuesday, August 29 | 8:00 p.m. | Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line |
| Wednesday, August 30 | 8:00 p.m. | Ann Wilson |
| Thursday, August 31 | 8:00 p.m. | Ludacris |
| Saturday, September 2 | 8:00 p.m. | Quinn XCII |
| Sunday, September 3 | 8:00 p.m. | Yung Gravy featuring bbno$ |
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture and provides top-quality entertainment. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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