Write a commentOntario Center for Performing Arts, also informally known as the “Oswego Music Hall” kicks off its fall season on September 26 with Delaney Brothers Bluegrass one of Central New York’s oldest and best-loved bluegrass bands on the National Stage.
The 6-member band performs a mixture of vocal and instrumental songs with members John & Jonathan Delaney, Scott Corbett, Luke Parsnow, Jessica Collins and returning special guest, Nick Piccinnini.
On October 2, the Jazz-by-the-Lake Series, curated by Dave Kasper, will feature the amazing local phenoms, Joseph Brothers Clarinet Summit “One More Time” with members Anthony and Ron Joseph on clarinet, Barry Blumenthal, Dave Arenas and Mike Melito. Spencer LaJoye will take to the main stage on October 10 and on October 20 national touring artist FengE, a ukulele virtuoso from Taiwan is back by popular demand, as part of the Guest Curator series. The Dust Bowl Faeries provide a Halloween treat on October 24, peppering original songs with nuances of tango, flamenco and Romani swing music.
On November 7 the quartet, Redd & the Paper Flowers will bring a mix of bluegrass and jazz to the National Stage with Mark Wahl opening. Second event in the Jazz-by the-Lake series will be the Jimmy Johns Trio on November 13.
On November 21, Freebo, who once performed with Bonnie Raitt, will return to the National Stage with Alice Howe.
On December 5 the McKells will bring their robust and wildly popular Celtic-infused original songs written by Kevin McKrell. The final show of the fall season will take place on December 11, two years in the making, it is a collaboration of the National Stage and Guest Curator series curated by Tom Meyer who will introduce the Portland based songwriting rage Jeffry Martin to the Music Hall (w/Corey Parsons opening).
Open Mic Friday will take place throughout the fall season on the Friday night before all National Stage shows. Each will feature a Guest Host on the following dates: Oct. 9 Rich Hart; Oct. 23-Big D; Nov. 6-Taylor Ricks; Nov. 20-Bill DeMott; Dec. 4-Tim Nekritz; Dec. 10-Bryan Dickenson.
Oswego Music Hall shows are family friendly and affordable. In the words of Artistic Director Tom Lambert, “To be able to pay $17 to see a national performance with cabaret-style seating is a pretty incredible experience.” Open Mic Fridays are free with light refreshments available for purchase. Member discounts and free admission for volunteers, make the venue especially affordable for students, families and retirees.
The venue is housed within the McCrobie Civic Center on Lake Street in Oswego, next to Breitbeck Park; overlooking Lake Ontario. The atmosphere is intimate with candlelit tables in a listening room setting with a capacity of 200 people.
For main stage events, the all-volunteer staff offers homemade baked goods, bags of popcorn and beverages for sale. Most concerts start at 7:30 p.m.; open mics at 7:00 w/sign-ups at 6:30. Tickets may be purchased online or at the river’s end bookstore. Find more information online at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/, on Facebook, or email ocpaoswego@gmail.com.
Ontario Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non profit and events 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.
