Saturday's Best Bet: Branford Marsalis Quartet in concert

Publication: Syracuse.com
Author: Mark Bialczak
Date: December 8, 2011

Jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis opens OCC’s arena

Ten, 20, 50 years from now, Branford Marsalis will always be the answer to this trivia question:

Who is the first national artist to perform in the SRC Arena?

The Branford Marsalis Quartet plays in the new place on the campus of Onondaga Community College Saturday night.

This past summer, Marsalis released the album “Songs of Mirth and Melancholy” with quartet pianist Joey Calderazzo. His latest concert band includes Eric Revis on bass and Justin Faulker on drums.

Marsalis is the eldest sibling in what’s become known as America’s first Louisiana-born family of jazz. Father and pianist Ellis Marsalis also has seen sons Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason find musical success.

Branford first become a recognizable face in the living rooms across America for his role as the band leader for Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” band from 1992 to 1995.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Branford Marsalis Quartet in concert.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: SRC Arena, Onondaga Community College campus, Syracuse.
TICKETS: $18 to $38. Available at SRC Arena, 498-2772.