The Salt City Jazz Collective

The Salt City Jazz Collective was formed in 1995 by Syracuse University Jazz professors who enlisted area Jazz musicians/educators to join the new project. An outlet for live performances was found at the Syracuse Suds Factory, now located in Armory Square. We have been performing there on the first Wednesday of every month since 1995 and have established a group of loyal followers.

In addition to performing classic big band compositions, the group also performs original compositions by members: Joe Riposo – Jazz professor emeritus at Syracuse University, Steve Brown – Jazz professor emeritus at Ithaca College, Paul Merrill – current Jazz professor at Cornell University, and by leader, since 2014, Angelo Candela.

While we perform in the greater Syracuse area, other performance venues extend from Utica to Elmira. The SCJC has also performed and worked with area high schools (Liverpool, Skaneateles, Auburn) to present clinics and concerts as part of promoting jazz education.