WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.
This morning, it seemed like yesterday under overcast skies.
In the White Plains annual acknowledgement of the horror of 9-11-2001,Commissioner of Public Safety, David Chong who was there evacuating the towers that day gave a personal insight into what the day was like (no other) and the Horror still unfolding aftermath has been like. Here is his inspiration.
County Executive George Latimer spoke putting each death into perspective for each of us.
Mayor Roach and the members of the Common Council John Martin, Justin Brasch, Jennifer Puja and Victoria Presser and County Legislator Benjamin Boykin laid wreaths on the memorial to the 6 White Plains citizens who died that day.
Rabbi Lester Bronstein closed the solemn Remembrance with a prayerful message on how we can move into the future
I had hoped we would see some relief this week, but no luck just yet.
Wastewater concentration is still rising in all four regions of the country, putting it on par with levels last seen in February. (However, wastewater concentration remains below where we were this time last year).
Hospitalizations are also still rising:
Now: 17,000 new admissions, a 16% increase in the last week
June, our recent low: 6,500 new admissions
This time last year: 37,000 new admissions
EDITOR’S LOCAL PERSPECTIVE FROM NEW YORK STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
In the month of June 3 months ago, locally White Plains Hospital Medical Center had 156 persons admited to beds in the hospital, and after being admitted, 91 tested positive for covid– 58% of admissions
The percentage of those admitted to a bed for treatment White Plains Hospital has gone up in three months In the first week of September, August 31 through September 7, 106 patients were admitted to beds, and after being admitted, 74 were found positive for covid–70%.
As in previous weeks, the Southern region is most heavily affected. I’m not seeing many signs of slowing there, yet. Florida and Georgia, in particular, have high levels of Covid-19 activity. Parts of the Western region, notably Washington state, are also affected.
Influenza-like illness is rising, which is somewhat unexpected.
Around 1.7% of visits to the doctor’s office were due to fever and cough or sore throat, which is still below the baseline of 2.5% that marks the beginning of flu season. Still, there has been a gradual increase in activity over the past several weeks. Most of that uptick is attributed to younger age groups, which have seen a sharp rise in influenza-like illness in recent weeks. For instance, children ages 0-4 have seen their rates increase from 4% to nearly 6%, the highest level since May.
To be clear, current ILI activity is far below what we see during the height of flu season, so I’m not ringing the alarm but rather commenting on trends.
CDC pushed out a Health Alert Network advisory on increased RSV activity in Southeastern states earlier this week. I’ve been reporting on the same trends for several weeks now here on Force of Infection. This week is more of the same, with activity still rising in the Southeastern region. I’m also seeing some signals in the Southwest and Midwest, though it’s too early to tell if they are significant. I’ll let you know how things develop in the weeks to come.
PCR detections of RSV in the Southeastern region. Source.
Rhinovirus/enterovirus activity is way up, according to data from Biofire. That means stuffy noses are in the mix, too. On the bright side, metrics for norovirus, adenovirus and the seasonal coronaviruses look good right now.
NO MORE MOVIES IN WHITE PLAINS AFTER OCT. 29 NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS DEPARTS CITY CENTER BIG HOLE IN SALES TAX RECEIPTS.
HERE IT COMES, DON’T MAKE A SLIP!
IS THIS THE END OF “VOX POPULI”?
COVID CASES UNDER COUNTED FOR MONTHS. POSITIVE ANTIGENS VERIFIED BY STATE NOT ADDED TO NEW CASE TOTALS DAILY UNTIL SEPT 1. WHO KNEW? NO REACTION FROM STATE SENATE, ASSEMBLY, GOVERNOR
WILL SCHOOLS RIDE HERD ON COVID, FLU, RESPIRATORY DISEASES, PUSH COVID VACCINATIONS OR RIDE THE WAVE OUT?
COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER ON SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH AND DEPARTNENT
OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
THE HEAT WAVE CONTINUES: HOT HUMID OPPRESSIVE IN THE MID 90S. WORKMEN FINISHED THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH STEEPLE UPGRADE IN IMPOSSIBLE CONDITIONS.
The start of the school year is here. To us parents, this signals the start of runny noses, fevers, tired kiddos, and lots of Bluey.
Here is your state of affairs and things we can do to prevent
We are in the middle of a Covid-19 wave. This isn’t necessarily because school started, but rather was jumpstarted in summer due to behavior change (hot weather —> moving inside), a mutating virus, and waning protection.
Currently, wastewater levels are on par with what we saw this time last year.
Source: Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics
As expected, ED visits are following infections. Covid-19 still accounts for the highest percentage of ED visits for those under 1 year old.
Source CDC with annotations by YLE
Hospitalizations lag ED visits but remain high among older adults and unvaccinated people (who presumably had a prior infection at this point).
NYC hospitalizations by age and vaccination status. Source here. Annotations by YLE
Start of school
As school starts, rhinovirus (common cold) and enterovirus (including hand, foot, and mouth disease) increase. This year is no different, with quickly increasing rates of illness.
Interestingly, an increase in rhinovirus/enterovirus has coincided with a decrease in COVID-19 infections throughout the pandemic. Time will tell if this trend continues.
Earlier this week, though, the CDC warned physicians of increased RSV activity in the Southeastern U.S. This typically signals the beginning of RSV season, in which the virus will subsequently spread to the Northeast and West over the next two months.
If this season mirrors the last, we will have unusual patterns of respiratory viruses:
RSV peaking in early November
Flu peaking in late November
Covid-19 peaking in late December
Nonetheless, expect illness. Last year, 1 in 4 students swabbed were positive for at least one virus in November. The severity of the threat depends on the virus and age bracket, as seen below in hospitalizations last year.
Hospitalizations per 100,000 by age and virus in 2022 season. *Keep in mind the y-axis changes for each graph.* Source CDC; annotations by YLE
What can we do?
Improve air quality. Improve air quality. Improve air quality.
This is a powerful tool, as it happens in the background: an institutional-level intervention that works passively and invisibly on the individual level. One study found infections were 40% lower in schools that improved air quality.
Advocate for your kids’ schools to optimally upgrade their ventilation system. Last year, 70% of schools reported upgrading their ventilation, but mostly with low-cost solutions like opening windows.
We can do better.
A large Italian study found a 74% lower risk of infection in schools that upgraded systems compared to students in classrooms with just open windows.
There is federal money for this.
But, as of April 2023, only 52% of the K-12 Covid aid money was spent.
At home, make sure to replace your filters after all the wildfire smoke this summer. Smoke particles reduce the performance of filters by 95%. This is because of the electrostatic charge wildfire particles carry.
Vaccinations
For the first time, we have vaccines for the big three (RSV, Covid-19, and flu). They help against severe disease, symptom severity, and keeping kids in school. Here are the options this fall.
A few parent-specific notes:
Flu vaccine: While protection wanes for older adults, it doesn’t wane as quickly for children. They should get one now.
Covid-19 vaccine: We should know next Tuesdaywho is eligible. Last fall, it provided 80% protection against emergency room and urgent care visits among children. Even if you’re not worried about severe disease, the vaccine reduces the severity and length of symptoms.
Masks reduce viral particles emitted and inhaled. In one of the best mask studies I’ve seen, school mask mandates also reduced transmission and absences. However, feasibility is challenging, given our increasingly individualized response and political inertia. If I had a healthy teenager, I wouldn’t push one in school unless required, school was about to close, or hospitals were crumbling because of too much illness.
Antigen tests are a great tool to know when someone is no longer infectious. Be wary of false negatives at the beginning of symptoms, though.
Bottom line
Fall is here, school is in session, and viruses continue to thrive. This seems like a revolving door, but we can slow it down—for our children’s health and learning, our sanity, and to help reduce the burden on schools, grandparents, and hospital systems.
From one parent to another, may the force be with you.
Love, YLE
“Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, M.P.H. Ph.D.—an epidemiologist, wife. During the day, she is a senior scientific consultant to several organizations. At night, she writes this newsletter. Her main goal is to “translate” the ever-evolving public health world so that people will be well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support this effort, subscribe below:
Unfortunately, Showcase Cinema de Lux City Center will be closing its doors permanently at the close of business on Sunday, October 29.
It has been our pleasure to serve the White Plains community with great movie-going for many years. Based on a business decision, our last full day of cinema operations will be Sunday, October 29, 2023.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES HEAT ADVISORY
Advises Residents to Drink Water, Cool off and Never Leave People or Pets in a Closed Car
(White Plains, NY) – With extreme heat and humidity expected, and air temperatures anticipated to remain above 90 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Westchester County Health Department is issuing a heat advisory. As humidity and temperatures rise, residents should avoid strenuous activity, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. To help residents cope with the climbing temperatures, Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle will be open Tuesday, September 5 until 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday, September 6 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; last entry is 6 p.m.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Pace yourself – don’t overdo it in the heat. If you spend time outdoors, take breaks in an air-conditioned place and drink lots of water. And during a heat wave, remember to always check in on your elderly or ailing neighbors.”
Sherlita Amler, MD, Westchester County Commissioner of Health, said people who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions.
Amler said: “Heat stroke and dehydration can take you by surprise. High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”
Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
Amler reminded residents never to leave children, pets or people alone in a car. Temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels, so motorists should always look before they lock their vehicles.
“To avoid tragedy, it’s also vital to never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time,” Amler said. “Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”
Another concern during a heat wave is heat exhaustion. Seniors, young children, people who are overweight or who have high blood pressure, people who work outside or in other hot environments are most at risk. Frequent breaks and drinking lots of water can help prevent heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.
“During a heat wave, seniors, young children and people with compromised immunity especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, seek the shade, spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day,” Amler said. “Especially when they’re swimming and playing in the water, children often forget to drink, so parents and caregivers should prompt children to take breaks to hydrate.”
Those who plan to travel by car should prepare their vehicle before hitting the road. Always travel with a spare battery, and avoid leading radios, phone chargers and other accessories running when the engine is not. Check to make sure your air conditioning is properly functioning and coolant is at the proper level. If you plan to travel in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the car. Always keep air flowing throughout the vehicle, and try to park in the shade.
For tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website.
Residents who need a place to cool off can check the Cooling Center Finder. When it is too hot at home, senior centers, libraries, community centers and indoor malls offer a respite from the heat. Call before you go to be sure of the hours.
Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy levels of ozone, a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from auto exhaust and other sources. For air quality updates, go to airnow.gov. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions, or call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
The County’s Department of Emergency Services is monitoring the weather forecast, tracking the opening of local Cooling Centers and is in contact with Con Edison and NYSEG concerning the potential for power outages.
Since the last BA.2.86 update, lab and epidemiological data have trickled in. Many of us took a big sigh of relief after seeing specific results over the weekend.
Here is your update.
Lab data
Three labs have already tested BA.2.86 in a petri dish. (The speed of scientific discovery for SARS-CoV-2 still amazes me). They found three main things:
Escapes immunity. As suspected, BA.2.86 can escape our neutralizing antibodies— our immune system’s first line of defense. We thought BA.2.86 would escape our antibodies ~10 times more than XBB (the most recent Omicron subvariant to sweep the U.S.), but it’s only escaping 2-3 fold. In other words, we can expect BA.2.86 to cause infections, but not as much as anticipated.
Infectivity. BA.2.86 has a more challenging time infecting our cells than XBB. The more difficult time it has getting into our cells, the better. (When a virus evolves, there are typically tradeoffs—it gets better at one thing but at the expense of another. It seems that BA.2.86 traded infectivity for antibody escape.)
Previous XBB infection helps protect against BA.2.86. This news is very reassuring for our fall vaccines, as the updated formula includes XBB.
All good news.
But, of course, what happens in a well-controlled lab doesn’t always reflect what happens in the real world. So, it’s essential to look at epidemiological data, too.
Epidemiological data
We continue to find cases of BA.2.86.The latest count is 39 samples in 10 countries. Wastewater systems have also detected BA.2.86 in the U.S., Switzerland, Thailand, and Spain. This means BA.2.86 isn’t a random blip on our radar and is spreading.
Our biggest question is around “growth advantage”:
How quickly is it spreading? Especially in the current landscape of high immunity? This will give us an idea of the timing and height of a BA.2.86 wave. Unfortunately, determining this is incredibly challenging today because we need enough cases in the same country, but our surveillance is down 90%.
(Editor’s Note: See the WPCNR exclusive report on undercounted antigen tests, resulting in undercounting Westchester cases by 65% in August Saturday September 2nd).
These initial estimates suggest that BA.2.86 isn’t spreading as fast as the original Omicron (which had a weekly growth rate of 400%) but faster than XBB. In other words, we won’t have a tsunami, but a BA.2.86 wave is possible.
This can change. These estimations have a ton of limitations and we just don’t have a lot of data points to go off of. And like we’ve seen before, a variant can gain or lose speed over time. Delta, for example, started really slowly in the beginning before taking off.
Number of Delta cases over time. Figure Source: Marc Johnson
Other questions
We’ve started getting answers about how well our tools work against BA.2.86, too:
Paxlovid: Works
Antigen tests: Works
Monoclonal antibodies: Don’t work (but they also don’t work against XBB)
We still have unanswered questions:
Where did it emerge?
How did it emerge?
Does it spread faster in some places but not others?
Does it cause more severe disease? We don’t think so, but it would be nice to see data.
Bottom line
BA.2.86 has a ton of mutations, but the initial puzzle pieces look reassuring. We are at the mercy of time to see how this unfolds.
None of this changes the bigger story arc, though: SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate and continues to cause illness and death. In fact, we are currently in a wave right now from Omicron subvariants. Regardless of what BA.2.86 does, our work for the fall/winter is already cut out. At the very least, get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall.
Love, YLE
“Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, M.P.H. Ph.D.—an epidemiologist, wife. During the day, she is a senior scientific consultant to several organizations. At night, she writes this newsletter. Her main goal is to “translate” the ever-evolving public health world so that people will be well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support this effort, subscribe below:
White Plains Public Schools opened this morning, but it may be the first day of school students in White Plains will be glad to go back. Temperatures are expected to be hot and humid and in the 90s, but for the majority of the 9 buildings in the district will be air-conditioned.
Motorists are encouraged to observe school bus rules and be aware of children crossing streets.
12-2:00pm | Aaron Seeber Quarter | FREE White Plains Farmers Market, 59 Court St.
Aaron Seeber is making his name as an emerging jazz drummer in New York City. Seeber, a graduate of SUNY Purchase, studied jazz drums under the tutelage of renowned instructors Kenny Washington and John Riley. As a performer, he has shared the stage with greats Eric Reed, Pete Malinverni, Cyrille Aimée, Paul Bollenback, Bruce Harris, Gary Smulyan and many others. He has performed internationally with The Warren Wolf Trio and nationally with the Grammy Award-winning group The New York Voices. He leads his own Quintet at Smalls Jazz Club and recently recorded his debut record First Move, featuring Warren Wolf, Tim Green, Sullivan Fortner and Ugonna Okegwo.
12-1pm | Helen Sungpresents PUSH | FREE Downtown Music at Grace
33 Church Street, White Plains
Helen Sung is an acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, and a 2021 Acclaimed jazz pianist/composer Helen Sung presents PUSH, a solo piano program that celebrate the music and artistry of landmark women in jazz. Sung, a native of Houston, Texas, set aside her classical piano upbringing after a jazz epiphany during her undergraduate studies at UT Austin. She went on to become part of the inaugural class of the Thelonious Monk Institute at the New England Conservatory of Music. Her newest album Quartet+ (Sunnyside Records) was included on DownBeat’s “Best of 2021 Albums” list. In addition to her own band, Sung has performed with such luminaries as the late Clark Terry, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Regina Carter, Terri Lyne Carrington, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and the Mingus Big Band. Sung was named a Guggenheim Fellow in 2021.
5:30pm – 8:30pm | Jazz Stroll White Plainspresented by the White Plains Bid
Join us at one or stroll to all three downtown restaurants for a jazz set, each set is approximately one hour, no cover charge, no reservations necessary.
Two-time Grammy nominee and NAIRD award winner, guitarist/educator/composer/author Doug Munro, leads his spirited octet, the La Pompe Attack, through a swaying mix of originals and tried and true chestnuts for a mix that neither challenges nor fatigues, but simply lowers the blood pressure, takes a few deep breaths, and pours a glass of wine for the weary.
Joe Boykin returns to White Plains JazzFest! He first learned music as a child from his father, who sang gospel, and on visits to his uncles in Savannah, Georgia, where music was part of every family gathering. In 1980, he sang with the doo-wop group the Exhilarations, which did backing vocals for Bobby Womack and Millie Jackson. He has developed a close rapport with talented musicians in the Greenburgh and White Plains communities, forming an ensemble that interprets blues, jazz, R&B and related styles.
The award-winning vocalist presents an evening of Jazz standards and more.
Lynette Washington is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her extensive music career in jazz, r&b, and gospel, has taken her across the globe travelling as far as Australia. Her gift and ability to sing in several languages including Russian, Italian, Hebrew, Yiddish, French & Portuguese has made Ms.
Washington a sought after singer for many years.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 7
6:30pm | Louis Hayes Quartet including dinner served by Via Garibaldi
(David Hazeltine on Keyboard, Dezron Douglas on Bass, Abraham Burton on Sax)
Under the Stars at White Plains Plaza, One North Broadway, White Plains
(Performance & Dinner Price: $65pp)
Join us for a one-of-a-kind dinner performance with 2023 NEA Jazz Master and legendary drummer Louis Hayes.
* This performance will take place outdoors with advanced ticket purchase required for prime viewing. Please purchase tickets ahead of time. Each table has an eight-person maximum. If you have a party larger party than eight people, please call 914.328.5166.
12-1pm | Jazz at Noon: Edmar Castañeda | FREE
White Plains Public Library Plaza | 100 Martine Avenue
Colombian-born Edmar Castañeda has made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso since arriving in the United States in 1994. Castañeda merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of styles and genres. Singlehandedly, he has cemented the harp’s place in jazz with innovative technique and heartfelt creativity through formidable collaborations with music titans such as Sting, Bela Fleck, John Scofield, John Patitucci, Pedrito Martinez, Paco De Lucia and Paquito D’Rivera.
7 and 9pm | John Scofield & Joe Lovano Quartet
ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue
($45/set | $80 for both | 7 & 9pm sets)
(Members $40/set | $70 for both | 7 & 9)
(Children under 12 FREE)
NOTE: 7PM SET IS SOLD OUT.
Across more than three decades, a half-dozen albums, and hundreds of gigs, the partnership of Joe Lovano and John Scofield has defined contemporary jazz.
John Scofield is considered one of the most important guitarists and composers in jazz. Possessor of a distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, Scofield is a masterful improviser whose music falls somewhere between post-bop, funk-edged jazz and R&B. He has prominently led his own groups in the international jazz and contemporary scenes, recorded more than 40 albums as a leader, and collaborated with current favorites and jazz legends, including Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Herbie Hancock, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Dave Holland and Phil Lesh, to name a few.
Cleveland native Joe Lovano stands out as one of the most successful saxophonists in jazz today. He has distinguished himself for some three decades as a prescient and pathfinding force in the arena of creative music. Lovano has earned praise, not just for his tone and improvisational abilities but also for his forward-thinking presentation of new musical ideas and ensemble concepts. From his work with Gunther Schuller on Streams of Expresssion to his work as Gary Burton Chair of Jazz Performance at Berklee College of Music, he continually challenges and pushes conceptual and thematic choices in his quest for new modes of expression and definitions of the jazz idiom. He has released 23 celebrated albums on the Blue Note label, including the 2008 Grammy-nominated Symphonica.
2pm | The MCW Jazz Faculty Ensemble: A Tribute to Wayne Shorter | FREE
Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Ave.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester presents its jazz faculty ensemble, which will perform the music of saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Celebrating the music and life of this pillar of the jazz tradition are Hiroshi Yamazaki on piano, Mark Kraszewski on tenor sax, Vinnie Cutro on trumpet, Jake Robinson on drums and Miles Gilbert on bass.
7 & 9pm | Cécile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue
($45/set | $80 for both | 7 & 9pm sets)
(Members $40/set | $70 for both | 7 & 9)
(Children under 12 FREE)
NOTE: 7PM SET IS SOLD OUT.
Cécile McLorin Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling and finding the connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theater, jazz and baroque music. Salvant is an eclectic curator, unearthing rarely recorded, forgotten songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics, unexpected twists, and humor. She won the Thelonious Monk competition in 2010, is a three-time Grammy Award-winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album, and was the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and a Doris Duke Artist Award. Salvant’s debut for Nonesuch Records, Ghost Song, was released in March 2022 to critical acclaim, and has gone on to receive two Grammy nominations.
For the past decade, Sullivan Fortner has been stretching deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader and uncompromising individualist. The Grammy Award-winning artist from New Orleans received international praise as both key player and producer for his collaborative work on The Window (Mack Avenue, 2018) alongside vocalist-composer Cécile McLorin Salvant. In addition to associations with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Diane Reeves, Etienne Charles and John Scofield, Fortner’s frequent and longtime collaborators have included Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stefon Harris, Kassa Overall, Nicholas Payton, Billy Hart, Fred Hersch, the late Roy Hargrove, and many others.
12:30-7:30pm | White Plains Jazz & Food Festival
Mamaroneck Ave. (between Main St. and Martine Ave.)
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
12:30-1:15pm | Westchester Center for Jazz & Contemporary Music
The Westchester Center for Jazz & Contemporary Music provides opportunities for musicians of diverse backgrounds, abilities and ages to develop their skills in jazz and other related musical forms. This performance features a selection of the Center’s top student musicians and faculty.
Bassist Richie Goods, one of the most versatile and accomplished bass players on the scene today, is the youngest person ever inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame. He came to prominence while touring and recording with the late Mulgrew Miller, whom he credits for much of his success. Goods went on to make a name for himself through recording and touring with a variety of jazz and popular artists, including Sting, The Headhunters, Louis Hayes, Lenny White, Milt Jackson, Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera. His lengthy discography also includes Grammy Award-winning and platinum albums by Alicia Keys and Common.
Chien Chien Lu is a vibraphonist, contemporary percussionist and composer whose Taiwanese upbringing, classical music education and passion for R&B grooves crystallize into a fresh and distinctive approach to contemporary jazz. Lu’s fierce authenticity and jazz mastery shine on her September 2020 debut solo project, The Path, which spent 20 weeks on the Jazz Week’s Top 20 charts, earned three Golden Melody Awards nominations, four Golden Indie Music Awards nominations and led to Lu being named the “vibraphone rising star” in Downbeat Magazine’s 69th Annual Critics Poll.
3:15–4:15pm | Mike Freeman ZonaVibe
Vibraphonist and composer Mike Freeman has been a part of the New York jazz and Latin music scenes for decades. His recordings of original music include tributes to Cal Tjader, Tito Puente and NEA Jazz Master Bobby Hutcherson. Freeman’s recordings have received national and international attention and extensive radio airplay, charting on jazz, contemporary jazz, and World Music radio. Freeman is also known for his work and recordings with several acclaimed Latin groups. He has worked extensively with legendary percussionist Ray Mantilla’s Good Vibrations Band, Ray’s Tres Amigos, and as a regular guest with Space Station.
4:45–5:45pm | Endea Owens & The Cookout
Detroit-raised recording artist, bassist and composer Endea Owens is known as one of jazz’s most vibrant emerging artists. She has been mentored by jazz icons Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, Ron Carter, and more. Owens has toured and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Jennifer Holliday, Diana Ross, Solange, Jon Batiste, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Steve Turre, to name a few. In 2018, She graduated from The Juilliard School and joined The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as a member of the show’s house band, Stay Human. Since then, Owens has won an Emmy Award, Grammy Award and George Foster Peabody Award. In 2020, she founded Community Cookout, a nonprofit organization that provides meals and music to underserved neighborhoods in NYC. To date, the organization has helped feed close to 3,000 New Yorkers and has hosted more than a dozen free music concerts.
6:15–7:15pm | Mike Phillips
Mount Vernon native and contemporary jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips is one of the most electrifying instrumentalists today. Phillips combines smooth, romantic riffs with a funky, hip-hop-influenced sound. He is the first musician signed by Michael Jordan to the Nike Jordan Brand and is the only musician in the world to have recorded and toured with all of the legendary “Big Three” of American soul and pop music: Michael Jackson, Prince and Stevie Wonder. He has also distinguished himself with his own albums, including 2005’s Uncommon Denominator and 2020’s Pulling Off the Covers.
