SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Opportunities come in all forms, and sometimes, they come in places you wouldn’t expect.
To most people, the Syracuse Downtown Farmer’s Market is just that – a farmer’s market. But for Anthony Saturno and Dan Wagner, it’s a launching pad to stardom. These Syracuse-area musicians both play in several bands, with and without the other, but on Tuesday, they took the name “Wagturno.” It’s not exactly consistent week-to-week.
“Sometimes it’s The Jazz Cigarettes,” Saturno explained before Wagner interjected with approval. “Sometimes, y’know, Wagturno, sometimes whatever we’re feeling that day.”
Music isn’t just their passion; it’s their entire lives. Saturno makes ends meet by giving private guitar lessons at Armory Square instrument retailer Ish Guitars. Wagner began playing at age six (after two years of begging his parents for a guitar) and even studied the instrument at Onondaga Community College. So a gig on a warm October day isn’t just a paycheck – it’s a chance to do what they love.
It’s also a chance for Saturno’s father to watch him play. He hasn’t missed a show in six years, he said. And for Wagner, it’s a chance to combine his two loves – music and woodworking. He’s a carpenter by day, musician by night, and he relishes every opportunity to merge his hobbies.
“The pedalboard that Anthony has – him and I built that with a table saw on a quick whim,” Wagner said. “No, we didn’t stain it. But he ran it over with his Jeep a couple times.”
Both men said they’ll always be touring musicians. They don’t know where the music will take them…But they have pretty active imaginations. Wagner enjoyed the thought of hosting his own TV show.
“Next time on Drivin’ Nails and Rippin’ Scales with Dan Wagner!” he riffed, then let loose a hearty laugh.
