Expect zaniness when the spawn of Frank Zappa’s iconic band invade the Westcott on Tuesday.

They’re raw, real and pack a punch. They’re mismatched and unlikely looking rock stars, but somehow it makes them fit the bill better. They’re unconcerned with fashion and caught in a time warp, channeling an old-soul Southern vibe with the ghost of Janis Joplin throwing in her raspy wail through the pipes of lead singer/rhythm guitarist Brittany Howard. Alabama Shakes is a breath of fresh air--a young band with old roots that betray the members’ baby-faces. They are saving rock’n’roll one passionate, non-stop, full-force show at a time--and thank God the masses are picking up on the healthy trend.

The Black Lites softly jammed in the background during the July 12 press conference for the 2012 edition of the Jazz in the City concert series. The announcement, held at the offices of the insurance company Pomco on Eastwood’s James Street (Pomco has been a series sponsor for six years), offered good news for the band, who will be playing at one of this summer’s shows. 

A weekend of searing weather, and paid admission, didn’t dampen the crowd at the Blues Festival

Festival that will celebrate Haudenosaunee values and environmental stewardship

When Stevie Tombstone walks into a bar, people notice. Tattoos crawl up his neck, out of his collar and snake down to his hands.

The Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation will celebrate 11 years of downtown programming with their 2012 edition of the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival, slated for Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28. Executive director Larry Luttinger announced the festival lineup on June 26, as well as new partnerships and locations for the returning fest.

Variety defined the 30th anniversary edition of the Syracuse M&T Jazz Fest, held for the first time at sunny Jamesville Beach County Park, on Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23. Up-and-comers Cyrille Aimée and Diego Figueiredo stole the show with their fresh twist on old jazz.

Looking back on 30 years of the Syracuse M&T Jazz Fest...

Syracuse Parks and Recreation Stan Colella All-Star Band; Joe Carello, director 2:30 p.m.Seventeen high school musicians from around the Syracuse city school district...