The Heights – An Xperience Column

The Heights – An Xperience Column – by Joe Barna.

Welcome back to The Heights … your monthly opinion piece that explores a wide variety of topics within the musical idiom known as jazz. It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to share my thoughts and perspectives. Thank you to all who have and continue to take time out of your busy lives to embark on these monthly explorations with me. It’s deeply appreciated.

In this month’s edition, I will pay homage to an individual I consider a hero and champion for the Capital Region performing arts scene. His dedication to facilitating engaging performances, his commitment to being in attendance for live shows, and the sheer audacity he emits in taking on seemingly insurmountable tasks inspire those lucky enough in the community who know him.

Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and join us in a toast for one of upstate New York’s true ambassadors of jazz … the one and only, Bill McCann.

I recently had the honor of performing at the SUNY Albany 40-year Celebration & Jazz Festival, paying tribute to Bill’s 40th year presenting his jazz radio show on Saturday mornings from 8 am-12 pm. To say this event was big would be a gross understatement. When I was first asked to perform, I was both thrilled and curious. As a person who has produced a couple hundred concert events myself, as well as yearly festivals (much smaller than this one), I was profoundly intrigued to witness exactly how Bill would facilitate such an enormous event. Well, folks, let me tell y’all something. When I walked into the Campus Center West on the SUNY Albany campus on the afternoon of Saturday, April 5th, 2025, I was overwhelmed, taken aback, and extremely engaged by the energy I was met with. The entire building was filled with a who’s who of the Capital Region jazz scene. But, not just the players … there were patrons effortlessly flowing to and from both stages. Photographers were standing, kneeling, bending, and stretching to get precisely the right angle for the shot. Fans were lined up on the standing-room-only conference room wall because all seats were accounted for. The musicians were in the lobby sharing stories, talking gear, congratulating one another on their performances, hugging, shaking hands, and showing love for the man who made this day a reality, Bill McCann.

In my estimation, the festival on April 5th was one of the largest jazz events to ever take place here in New York’s Capital Region. On this day, 16 bands performed on two stages and not one of them disappointed. Each had their own unique take on the art form. Some were straight ahead, some were all original, some paid respect to certain eras, some stepped outside the traditional lines of jazz, and others just went for it hard on all fronts. As one of the musicians who had the good fortune to participate in this production, I can say with confidence it was genuinely one of the brightest highlights of my 30-year career as an artist. Being on that stage, looking out and bearing witness to all the smiling faces looking back gave me goosebumps. However, the heaviest and most joyful moment for me was looking over to my right from behind the drums and seeing the happiness that was exuding outwards from Bill McCann’s entire being. At one point, he was so compelled by the music that he stood up, walked over to pianist Ian MacDonald during an impassioned solo, and proceeded to wave a towel on him, as to fan the musical fire that had been sparked at the hands of MacDonald. It was a night many will remember the rest of their time here on Earth.

Bill McCann is one of my favorite people. Not just because he loves jazz, or helps put on events that benefit both the musicians and the community at large. But, because he is a good man, a courageous man, a loving man, a good father, a person you can talk to during good times and bad, a man of his word, and someone I would consider a friend. His body of work speaks for itself. He has dedicated his entire life to making others happy, as well as feel worthy of this life. He has hosted a radio show on WCDB 90.9 for 40 years. That’s longer than most marriages will ever last. He makes the time to be present for over 100 shows per year, both in and outside of the region. He donates money to causes he believes in and asks nothing in return. And Mr.McCann does all of this while working a full-time gig as a lawyer and raising two children. I say Bill is a hero, but that word doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of his value. He is a warrior, a mentor, a father, a friend, and most importantl,y an authentic human being that possesses a level of integrity few will ever match.

Dear Bill,

In the event you read this article, I’d like to personally thank you for being born. What you have brought to this community can never be measured in dollars. It goes beyond the superficial and gently steps into the spiritual. You are humble, loyal and someone I look up to for inspiration. I feel privileged to have you in my life.

God Bless You Bill McCann

Warmest Regards, 

 Joe

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