On May 4th, 1969 Jimi Hendrix performed at the War Memorial in downtown Syracuse.
Ron Wray, Syracuse Music Historian, describes the evening: “Jimi Hendrix’s second Syracuse performance came on Sunday May 4, 1969 at the War Memorial with the Jimi Hendrix Experience (with Noel Redding & Mitch Mitchell). This show attended by 5,000+ fans was sponsored by Cora Productions and WOLF Radio. WOLF’s Don Bombard (now heard on New York’s WABC FM as Bob Shannon) served as MC of this historic musical event. Don and I were delighted to meet, speak and have photos taken with Hendrix that night. I do remember Jimi saying to us “I heard you guys had a lot of fun with Janus Joplin the other night.” He was referring to Joplin Syracuse concert two night before Friday May 2, 1969. All I will say is….that’s another classic story. One memory was that after the Hendrix concert I couldn’t hear any high sounds for about a week even though I watch the great guitarist from backstage.
Other artists performing with Hendix that Sunday evening were Cat Mother and the All -Night Newsboys and opening act “The Pulse of Brent Lewis.” Ticket prices were $4, $5, $6.
Hendrix opened the show by playing “Fire”followed by Hear My Train A Comin, Spanish Castle Magic- 3rd Stone From The Sun- Little Miss Lover, Red House, Foxy Lady, Room Full of Mirrors-Crash Landing- Keep on Grooving- Gypsy Eyes, Purple Haze and ending with Voodoo Child.”
Read the full blog post by Ron Wray and listen to the night’s full set list below.