Community News

Oswego Music Hall continues its 2019-20 The Hook Songwriter Series on Friday, November 22.

Irv Lyons, Jr., Bryan Dickenson, and JoAnne Sherwood will share the stage beginning at 7:30 PM; doors opening at 7:00 PM. For further information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/358191361800857/.

You can enjoy the performance of these artists at the all-volunteer family friendly Oswego Music Hall. The wheel chair accessible venue is located in the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street, 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. Light refreshments are available for purchase.

Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.oswegomusichall.org/ or at the door. Ticket prices for this event are $12. Students are $10. Children under 16 are half price and those under 5 are free.

At age 7, a young left-handed aspiring musician was handed a guitar. "If you're going to learn to play, it is going to have to be on this right handed one." Playing flipped around and upside has proven to be a metaphor for Irv Lyons Jr.'s life. Nothing gets this man down. Irv's sultry vocals and melodic guitar give his band a distinctive sound, rooted in Latin influenced jazz, as well as country and blues. Irv has opened up for Dickie Betts, Grammy Winner Joanne Shenandoah and NAMMY winner Jana.

This Oneida Nation Native is a major contributor of original material for his other band, The Ripcords whose styles include: straight ahead blues, instrumentals, Latin, and roots rock. The Ripcords took home a SAMMY Award for best Americana Album in 2009. For further information visit http://www.indigocny.com/.

Bryan Dickenson has been playing music professionally for over 40 years and songwriting for 35. He has performed solo, in duos, and as lead singer in a 9-piece horn band called "Not For Profit" (a fitting name if ever there was one!).

He currently presents almost exclusively original material comprising over 60 songs. They are songs of love, life and lessons learned. He resides in the Syracuse area as he has for 30 years. For further information visit https://www.facebook.com/Bryan.Dickenson.music.

JoAnne Sherwood's first instrument was the guitar. It was put aside for a while as she pursued a career as a Band Teacher. A few years ago, she rediscovered the instrument all over again. Since then JoAnne has performed in the band Canvas Moon, is now in the duo Under The Blue, and also performs solo. She recently won First place, in the US Open Songwriting Contest at Movie Tavern Syracuse, for her song "Gently Used Heart". Her music will engage you- whether it's a fresh take of a cover, or something of her own creation.

The season continues December 7 with the Sultans of String Christmas Concert with special guest Rebecca Campbell. Celebrate the season with an adventurous musical trip around the world. An exuberant performance… From fiery fiddle tunes to a Caribbean sleigh ride. For a complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit the website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or pick up an event schedule from the lobby in the McCrobie Civic Center or stop in at the river’s end bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.

Ticket prices for national stage shows range from $13 (advance sale) to $33; Hook events are $12. Students are $10. Children 16 and under are half price and under 5 are free. Open Mic is a $2 donation. Purchase tickets at any Hook or Saturday concert, on the web or at the river’s end bookstore.

The Music Hall is a non-profit organization that has been run entirely by volunteers from its inception in 1978. 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. Find more information online at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or email OCPAoswego@gmail.com.