Alicia Keys, photographed as she performs in Syracuse, New York at the State Fair Grandstand during the New York State Fair on Sunday, August 25, 2002.

The Soul of Syracuse documented that Alicia appeared to the State Fair Grandstand to thunderous applause, greeting and matching the crowd of 7,009 with as much vigor and excitement. She began the show with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.”  Decorated in a sparkling red jacket, shades and her trademark braids, she shouted to the crowd: "Syracuse how y'all feeling out there tonight," continuing, "Tonight I'm ready to rock with y'all," as she led into material from her debut with “Rock Wit U.”

Linda Patterson, 22, said she couldn't wait until Alicia came to Syracuse and especially until she sang her favorite song "Butterflyz." "I can relate to her," Patterson said. "She talks about everything that I go through in relationships." "She's talented and beautiful," said fan Hasan Nimmons. "She's everything; a positive female with a good head on her shoulders and a role model for girls." 

Alicia sang her hits "Butterflyz," "Girlfriend," "How Come You Don't Call Me," and "Mr. Man" to name a few.

The Owens family, who traveled from Tampa, Florida to see the singer perform thought it was worth every second of the drive. Faye Owens said that her daughters, Rhonda Owens, 17, and La Tasha Kendrick, and family friend Jackie Sergi, 17, bought the tickets as soon as they went on sale. She said Keys stands apart from other female artists: “She does everything with God," Owens said. "She's very in tuned to her family. She's very unpretentious." Kendrick agreed: “I like her music overall," Kendrick said, "and she's a positive person." 

The Owens family enjoyed her so much that they said they would be going to follow her on tour: ”We're here to support her," Faye Owens said. "We'll be in Maryland too... also Atlanta. We'll be here waiting for her when she wins her next award. We love her."