Community Connection

Showcase showdown: Members of Electric Relaxation, shown here winning the Syracuse Area Music Award for Best Rhythm’n’Blues Band on June 6, perform Sunday at Spirit of Jubilee Park. MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO 

The showcases are held biweekly in
Spirit of Jubilee Park, located on the 100 block of South Avenue, and
sponsored by Jubilee Homes of Syracuse. “Our mission is to build a
community, to show that the southwest side of the city has some
positive aspects to it,” Seigler said. 

Seigler has recruited local musicians
he’s come to know during his own years as a music man. He is the
founder and bassist for Soft Spoken, a long-running act that has made
its way through local weddings, bars and parties. Many of the
performers who grew up in the area now contact Seigler to get in on the
showcases. On Sunday, July 13, 4 p.m., the grooves will be laid down by
the Brownskin Band and Electric Relaxation, the latter copping this
year’s Syracuse New Times Syracuse Area Music Awards prize for Best Rhythm’n’Blues Band. 

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Electric Relaxation band member Thomas
Carter is happy to be part of the inclusive and diverse showcases.
“Some of the venues we play aren’t for children,” he said. “So it’s an
atmosphere they may not normally get to enjoy us in.”

Each Sunday has its own theme, such as
July 13 declared as “Soul Slammin’ Sunday.” Preceding the music, locals
can take part in a poetry slam, bringing another creative outlet to the
event. On July 27, “Shekinah Sunday” hosts contemporary gospel group
Foundation. “Satin Latin Sunday” on Aug. 24 features the Latin American
sounds of Grupo Pagan, while Bobby Green and A Cut Above take the stage
for Sept. 7’s “Soul School Sunday” event.

Last year’s season highlighted what
Seigler hopes to achieve through the showcases. Recognizing that the
Syracuse Housing Authority houses a huge population of African
immigrants, Seigler wanted the city to embrace the newcomers. So he,
along with the Pan-African and Ghana Societies of Central New York,
invited an African dance troupe featuring David Este Nyadedzor, while
also offering traditional face painting and African costumes. The new
residents felt at home during the showcases, Syracuse got a taste of
where they came from, and both gained common ground. “That’s the type
of diversity we’re after,” Seigler noted. “We’re different, but we’re
the same.” 

Regarding the family aspects of the
event, children can jump into inflated contraptions or enjoy
entertainment from clowns and a balloon animal specialist. Food is
available during the showcases, but Seigler is in the process of
recruiting other vendors who wish to sells crafts, clothing and
jewelry. Local organizations can also set up tables with pamphlets and
information. For more information, call Seigler at 479-9620. 

—Jessica Skeldon