Write a commentThe Oswego Music Hall is excited to present the high-powered blue-grass ensemble, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen (FS & DK), 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5.
This acoustic band plays the true, bluegrass stuff, according to reviewer Devon Leger (Feb. 21, 2011). "Alan Lomax famously called bluegrass 'folk music on overdrive' and after Frank Solivan's performance, I'd have to whole-heartedly agree."
"There's a red-hot core of barely tamed wildness in the heart of bluegrass music, something we tend to forget in this day-and-age of overly sanitized and 'safe' bluegrass bands, Leger explained. "Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen helped me remember why I love bluegrass: the pure adrenaline of lightning-fast picking and wickedly complex arrangements." (Dec. 2010 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine)."
Nick Perkins, who reviewed last summer's Bear Trap Summer Festival said he was just as wowed.
"When Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen took the stage . . . nobody quite knew what they were in for," Perkins said. "When Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen left the stage, nobody was quite sure what they just saw. All anyone knew was that their minds just got blown. . ..I've said it once and I'll say it again- Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen stole the show at Beartrap. This four-man group tore the house down with their music. "
Hailing mostly from the D.C. area, Solivan and his musicians play the highest level of acoustic music. Solivan plays mandolin, guitar and violin in a way that his instruments "take on a life of their own," full of "power . . . crispness, clarity, timing and taste." The banjo is played by Mike Munford with "exquisite tone and jaw-dropping technique." Danny Booth provides the heartbeat on the stand up bass and is a remarkable singer, with a powerful lead and seamlessly blended harmonies. And last, but not least, Chris Luquette, from the Seattle music scene, plays outstanding acoustic guitar plus is equally at home playing mandolin, drums, bass, electric guitar, banjo, and Greek bouzouki. Solivan's band has three albums out and tours from California to Alaska and the Carolinas to New York.
Take a look and listen at http://dirtykitchenband.com/band/ if this band is new to you. Then come to enjoy the musical flair and technical virtuosity of FS & DK at the all-volunteer, family-friendly Music Hall – also known as the Ontario Center for Performing Arts. The venue is the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street, Oswego.
The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Homemade desserts, popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://oswegomusichall.org/ or at the river's end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., in Oswego. Holders of tickets purchased before 1 p.m. on the day of the concert will have preferred seating. After 1 p.m., seating will be general admission. Ticket prices are $16 if purchased in advance and $18 at the door. Children 12 and younger are half-price; younger than 5 is free. For the best deal – lowest ticket prices and prime seating-- Season Passes and All-Season Passes are available and may be purchased at any show. For information, contact membership secretary, Carol Forrest at 343-2988.
The Music Hall's next concert this season will be the award winning fiddler, April Verch, and her Band on Jan. 19. Music Hall concerts are made possible in part with funding by the NYS Council on the Arts. For more information, call 315-342-1733 or access the Music Hall website: http://oswegomusichall.org/.
