Syracuse’s MG3 to Perform All-Star Christmas Fundraiser Dec. 16 at Funk ‘n Waffles

Liverpool native, trombonist and vocalist Melissa Gardiner put together her jazz trio MG3 in Harlem in 2014. Since that time, they have become an in-demand act in Upstate New York.  Besides Gardiner, the trio consists of organist and Nottingham graduate, William Gorman and another Liverpool native, Byron “Kidd” Cage on drums.

Together, they’ve opened up for artists such as Moonchild and Jonathan Scales, backed up artists such as Ronnie Leigh and Nancy Kelly and recently played the Rochester International Jazz Festival. As individuals, they’ve played with music royalty such as Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin, Dave Matthews Band, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Joe Louis Walker and more at venues and festivals all over the world.

MG3 is making an appearance at the Bucharest International Jazz Competition in Bucharest, Romania May 13-20. Bucharest is home to one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in Europe and offers the group a great opportunity.

To help raise money for the trip, MG3 is performing and recording this one-night only Christmas show at Funk n’ Waffles Downtown on Clinton Street in Syracuse, Dec. 16. Tickets for the show are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased through Ticketfly.

Joining MG3 for this special show, is an all-star cast performing fresh versions of Christmas classics. Guest vocalists include Jessica Brown of 2017 NYS Music’s March Madness winner Root Shock, Emanuel Washington of Sophistafunk and Skunk City and Gabrielle Gorman.

The band features Sam Kininger of Lettuce and Soulive on alto saxophone, up and coming New York City jazz musicians Tom Killackey on trumpet and Stephen Pale on guitar and Central New York mainstay, Thomas Carter on bass.

For more information on this show, visit Funk ‘n Waffles website.

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