Jazz In The City’s founder and artistic director, Ronnie Leigh, has been impressing audiences for years from Syracuse to Seattle, and from New York City to Istanbul, giving the bands he has performed with leadership and a distinctive flare.

This Albany, New York native and five-time SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) winner has recorded with Cabo Frio on Zebra/MCA records; and with Larry Arlotta on Spirit Jazz. Though primarily a jazz interpreter, he has a variety of musical interests and recently released a debut album on Eiffel Records with his own band, Prime Time Funk.

As a frequent performer in resorts, jazz clubs, and concert halls throughout the country, Canada and the Syracuse Jazz Festival, Ronnie Leigh has shared the stage with The Drifters, Pat Metheny, The Yellowjackets, David Benoit, Special EFX, Spyro Gyra, David Sanborn, Tom Scott, Etta Jones and Jon Hendricks, as well as the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

His television work includes a program in the locally-based PBS series All American Jazz, serving as a host for the Big Broadcast (live from the Landmark Theater) as well as commercials for the New York State Fair, Syracuse Heart of New York, Hometown Hunger Relief Fund, the Sam Dell Group and C.S.E.A. (Civil Service Employees Association).

Larry Hoyt of WAER Jazz 88 says, “Ronnie Leigh has a smooth, mellow, and multifaceted voice. Whether singing with the Syracuse Symphony or scatting with a small combo, he’s a vocalist with plenty of presence.”

Frank Malfitano, founder and director of the Syracuse Jazz Fest remarks, “Ronnie has never failed to delight audiences whenever he performs. His range, stage presence, engaging style and his love for the music always comes across, whether he’s interpreting MONK, Carmen McRae, Al Jarreau or DUKE. The man’s sensational! In my estimation, he’s one of the finest song stylists working in jazz today.”