Community News

Oswego Music Hall continues its Open Mic series on Thursday, October 16. Show begins at 7:00 PM; sign-ups at 6:30.     

 Guest Host, Dave “Big D” Schneider, leads off Open Mic Night and will be followed by performers who sign up that evening. Doors open at 6:30 with sign-ups taking place then and throughout the evening, as space allows. Musicians typically play three songs each.

All ages and experience levels are welcome. Budding performers, singer-songwriters and musicians of all genres are given an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment using cutting edge professional sound and lighting equipment.

“Big D” has been a part of the local music scene since the early ‘70’s. Over the years, he has proven himself to be one of the area’s finest musicians. “Big D” has been a valued side man for many local favorite bands like The Merry Pranksters, Roosevelt Dean and Hal Casey. He has performed many times as a soloist and has been a front man for his own projects including “Big D” & The Tasty Café and The “Big D” Orchestra. He provides a number of tasty cover tunes as well as a number of his originals. His strong vocals are backed up by his solid slide, rhythm and lead guitars. “Big D” is a true professional that will entertain any audience.

 Scheduling guest hosts for Open Mic Nights is Coordinator Bryan Dickenson. Open Mics are usually held on the Friday night prior to Saturday’s National Stage concert.

On October 17, the opening event of the fall #JazzByTheLake season showcases The Clarinet Summit with The Joseph Brothers Quintet. This is the first performance of Anthony Joseph at the Oswego Music Hall in over three years. Anthony and his brother, Ron Joseph, will be accompanied by Barry Blumenthal, Dave Arenius, and Jimmy Johns. “The Clarinet Summit is a Dixieland Dream for Jazz audiences throughout Central New York." This event, curated by David Kaspar, is presented by The Ontario Center for Performing Arts Guest Curator Program made possible in part by The New York Council on the Arts. 

Ordinary Elephant will be performing at the Oswego Music Hall on October 18 in a co-bill with Ash & Eric in the first show in our new Partner Series. Ordinary Elephant has been nominated for 2024 IFMA Album of the Year by Folk Alliance International. “…easily one of the best folk duo records I have heard in years”, PopMatters. Ash & Eric have been nominated for New England Music Awards, won many Worcester Music Awards, and was offered a Semi-Formal Showcase at the 2019 NERFA Conference in Stamford, Connecticut. Their songs feel like a warm welcome, a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold at the end of a long day.

For a complete performance schedule including the National Stage and Open Mic Nights as well as ticket information, visit the website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or stop at the river’s end bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.

The wheelchair accessible venue is located in the McCrobie Civic Center, on 41 Lake Street in Oswego. It is adjacent to Breitbeck Park and overlooks Lake Ontario and the Oswego Harbor. The intimate atmosphere has candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage with light refreshments available. Tickets at the door and refreshments are cash or check only.

Oswego Music Hall is a family-friendly, non-profit organization that has been run entirely by volunteers since its inception in 1977. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through various tasks — from running the sound board to making popcorn. Students can also earn credit for community service. To volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator Michael Moss at ocpaoswego@gmail.com.

Find more information via the Oswego Music Hall website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/, the Facebook page, or email ocpaoswego@gmail.com.

Concerts are made possible in part with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the governor and New York Legislature. Other major supporters are the City of Oswego and Shineman Foundation.