Write a commentThe third and final show of the fall season of #JazzByTheLake showcases the legendary Central New York vocalist Ronnie Leigh and his Quartet.
Mr. Leigh was a founding member of The Atlas Linen Company in the early eighties. After his departure he formed Ronnie Leigh and Alliance with many of his previous band members. He has since had one of the most successful careers as a solo artist. Having played from NYC to Seattle in the USA to Europe. He currently serves as Artistic director for Fayetteville Jazz. Ronnie has won six Syracuse Area Music Awards and is now a member of the Sammy Hall of Fame.
"After 40 years in the music biz, working with everyone from Smokey to Aretha to Ray Charles, and after 30 years of watching this guy, all I can tell you is that he’s one of the finest song stylists working in jazz today. But it doesn't stop there. He's also one of the finest Soul and R & B stylists I've ever heard and an amazing entertainer. The guy's the complete package. And it's not even remotely hype to mention him in the same sentence with the great Lou Rawls and the amazing Donny Hathaway” Frank Malfitano, founder, Syracuse New York Jazz Fest.
His Quartet members include pianist Dino Losito from Elmira. He has performed with such Jazz notables as Eric Alexander, Houston Person, and Harry Allen, just to name a few.
Bassist Peter Chwazic is one of the most sought after musicians in the Rochester area. He is equally adept performing both on upright and electric basses. In Rochester, he plays with such artists as Rich Thompson and Clay Jenkins. In CNY, Peter plays 9 string electric bass with Paul Merrill's group, Electrolyte.
Rounding out the Quartet is drummer Joshua Dekaney. He is the professor of percussion at Syracuse University. His Brazilian Ensemble, Samba Laranja has been featured four times at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Josh has shared the stage with Jimmy Haslip, Wycliffe Gordon, and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
For further information, please visit https://www.ronnieleigh.com/ or Ronnie Leigh’s Facebook page.
Tickets are $16 advance sale and $19 VIP seating or when purchased, with cash or check, at the door. Children 16 and under are half price and 5 and under are free. Purchase tickets at any concert, online or at the river’s end bookstore.
The Ronnie Leigh Quartet show is made possible through the Music Hall’s Guest Curator program whereby new programs are introduced outside the regular concert series representing demographics and artistic genre not typical in Music Hall programming. Curated events continue on December 9 with the Kerouac multimedia presentation.
For a complete performance schedule including the National Stage and Open Mic Friday 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 atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage with light refreshments available.
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 online at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or by emailing 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.
