Music for the Mission Presents Our
‘Artist Of The Month’
We are proud to promote local artists and appreciate their support of Music for the Mission!
March's Artist of the Month is
Joe Cortini
JOE CORTINI
Drummer Joe Cortini has been on the local scene since his first professional gig in 1980 at The Cabaret in Oswego, as a sub, in what turned out to be a 4 year engagement. He has shared the stage with and been in bands with many notable Syracuse musicians and was a founding member of the popular cover band Doctor Boogie in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
In 2006, Joe and his brother Kimo formed The Cortini Brothers and became well known on the wedding/party circuit. After playing covers “for years” Cortini says he decided he wanted music that was more expressive and more open to interpretation and improvisation. "I started working on my jazz chops around 2015 and never looked back. I’ve been fortunate to share the stage with Ronnie Leigh, Nancy Kelly, Tony Monaco and others. The jazz scene in Syracuse is tight knit group, and one person usually “gets the gig” and then calls the rest of band," shared Joe, adding “I’m lucky enough to be "first call’ for some very talented vocalists like Scott Dennis, Vanessa Vacanti and Aaron Ruiz and I’m ‘on the list’ for many others”.
In 2021 “Joe Cortini’s Jazz Mafia” was put together with Matt Vacanti on bass and Dave Solazzo on piano. The Jazz Mafia is a true straight ahead jazz trio, and they usually come out swinging in a take-no-prisoners style. Cortini has performed at Harborfest, Syracuse Jazz Fest, Northeast Wine and Jazz Fest, Syracuse Latino Fest, Jazz In The Burbs, Jazz By The Lake and sits on the board of The Fulton Music Association, Oswego Music Hall of Fame and is president of Fulton Jazz Festival.
“I’m grateful to be a part of the CNY music community. I’ve made it a goal to introduce jazz to the younger generation through performance and educational opportunities. I also encourage all of you to get out and support live music big and small. We need you!”