Prince (left) with Marcus Anderson, who was the late artist’s sideman from 2012-16 and played on his final studio album, “HIT N RUN Phase Two.”
The Syracuse University Humanities Center has announced acclaimed saxophonist Marcus Anderson will visit campus on Monday, Feb. 25, in honor of Black History Month.
A veteran of Prince’s backing band, the New Power Generation, Anderson currently tours with CeeLo Green and runs his own coffee label line.
The artist-entrepreneur will participate in a panel discussion with James Gordon Williams, assistant professor of African American studies in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and an authority on Prince’s music; Tanisha Jackson, executive director of the Community Folk Art Center (CFAC); and Eric Grode, assistant professor in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and director of the Goldring Arts Journalism Program.
Afterward, Anderson will lead a master class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at CFAC, 805 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Registration is required. Call 315.442.2230 by Monday, Feb. 18, and include any accessibility accommodation requests.
“During his visit, Marcus will reflect on the current state of the music business, including how contemporary music can promote social and cultural understanding,” says Vivian May, director of the Humanities Center and professor of women’s and gender studies in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). “We’re also excited about his master class, which is open to singers and instrumentalists of all ages and backgrounds. Come play or just watch.”
Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Humanities Center at 315.443.7192 or visit humcenter.syr.edu.
On Sunday, Feb. 24, CNY Jazz will present Anderson as part of its popular Cabaret Series at 5 p.m. at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse. For tickets and more information, call 315.479.5299 or visit cnyjazz.org.
In addition to primary funding from the Humanities Center and CNY Jazz, Anderson’s visit is co-sponsored by the Department of Art and Music Histories in A&S, CFAC, the Goldring Arts Journalism Program and A&S.
