Orange Alert

Prince Sideman Marcus Anderson to Visit Campus for Black History Month Feb. 25

Humanities Center will present panel discussion, master class by acclaimed musician-entrepreneur

Feb. 16, 2019, by Robert M Enslin

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."
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 announces a visit by acclaimed saxophonist Marcus Anderson 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.

The discussion is from noon to 1 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons (114 Bird Library), and includes a brief solo performance by Anderson.

Afterward, Anderson will lead a master class from 7-8:30 p.m. at CFAC (805 E. Genesee St., Syracuse). Registration is required. Please 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 & gender studies in 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 in A&S 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 Marriot Syracuse Downtown, formerly the Hotel Syracuse (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 (A&S), CFAC, the Goldring Arts Journalism Program (Newhouse) and the College of Arts and Sciences.


Media Contact

Robert M Enslin