Write a commentThe Oswego Music Hall is proud to welcome Crys Matthews and The Nields on Saturday, March 8. The venue is the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street in Oswego.
Show begins at 7:30 PM. Prior to the concert, the public is invited to a Meet & Greet reception at 6:30. During the Meet & Greet, representatives from OCO’s programs such as Services to Aid Families (SAF), Cancer Services, Reproductive Health, and OPTIONS will be on hand to discuss the services available through these programs as well as volunteer opportunities. OCO will also be collecting donations of women’s personal hygiene products and other toiletries as part of the Oswego Music Hall’s International Women’s Day celebration. Some examples of items in need include: feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads), shampoo & conditioner (including dry shampoo), deodorant, toothpaste & toothbrushes, combs/hairbrushes, lotion, perfume, laundry soap, hand sanitizer, and body wipes.
“Our vision with the Women in Music show is to highlight and recognize women,” said Oswego Music Hall Artistic Director, Tom Lambert. “With the many programs that OCO provides for women, OCO is the perfect partner for this special night.”
Already being hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls "the poster-child for intersectionality," Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation called Matthews’s gift "a reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides." She is made for these times and, with the release of her new, hope-fueled, love-filled social justice album Changemakers, Matthews hopes to take her place alongside some of her heroes in the world of social-justice music like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near.
Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.”
“A passionate and powerful blend of infectious Americana melodies and folky instrumentation, Matthews delivers her honest songwriting through a beautifully raw and unfiltered lens. Oozing soul, her voice bleeds with emotion and gratitude, while simple piano melodies and upbeat percussion fill you with appreciation and love for the people around us who fight for change”, Ear Milk.
For further information visit https://www.crysmatthews.com/ or view a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_slW_y1QxMo&t=1s.
The Nields, the folk-rock band from Massachusetts, are delighted to announce the release of their much-anticipated twenty-first album, Circle of Days. An homage to the calendar––and really, time itself––this collection of songs is a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and unwavering commitment to their craft.
During the pandemic, Nerissa and Katryna Nields, the band’s frontwomen, took a daily walk with their beloved dogs, Greta and Hudson. The destination was a nearby lake, where Katryna would take a daily photo. Inspired by the ever-shifting seasons, they came to realize that each of Nerissa’s new songs could be intimately connected to a particular time of year, forming a musical cycle.
With their unparalleled ability to blend pop craftsmanship, folk sensibility, and the influences of ’60s classic rock and ’90s alternative, The Nields have created a distinctive musical style that defies categorization. Their songs, imbued with intelligence and occasional humor, offer poignant observations on life’s unexpected twists and turns. Apple Music describes their sound as “equal parts The Beatles, the cranberries, and Joni Mitchell,” a testament to their unique fusion of melodic sensibilities. “A masterful mix of modern folk with an alternative edge”, Minneapolis Star Tribune. For further information visit https://nields.com/ or view a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubWQHdHTLRI.
Shows start at 7:30 PM and doors open at 7:00 for all National Stage concerts. For a complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit the website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or stop at the river’s end bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.
Tickets are on sale online now at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ ($17-22), or at the rivers end Bookstore, although you may be able to get tickets at the door if it is not sold out. The community is encouraged to buy tickets early to ensure a seat.
Ticket prices for the National Stage range from a low of $17 to $30 at the door. Children 16 and under are half price and under 5 are free. Purchase tickets at any concert, online or at the river’s end bookstore. Tickets are cash or check only at the door.
Guest Host, “Big D” Dave Schneider, will lead off Open Mic Friday on March 7 and will be followed by performers who sign up that night. Doors open at 6:30 with sign-ups taking place then and throughout the evening, as space allows. Musicians typically play three songs each. Admission is by donation.
The opening event of the Spring season of #JazzByTheLake showcases The Jill Minyé Quartet on Friday, March 14 at 7:30pm; doors open at 7pm. "Jill Minyé brings a fresh voice and style to the Central New York Jazz scene, both as a vocalist and instrumentalist", Dave Kaspar.
Jill Minyé was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. Jill came back to CNY after spending 20+ years in Northern California. She studied classical piano at Grunnell College. Ten years ago, Jill decided to follow a dream, going back to college for Jazz studies. Jill has played venues throughout Northern California as a solo and with trios and quartets. Jill can currently be seen in several area Jazz series including JazzingTheBurbs, BrewPubJazz, and JazzAlFresco.
Saxophonist Frank Gross has been a music educator for several decades in the Syracuse City School District. He has his own trio and quartet, and is a member of both The Salt City Jazz Collective and the Central New York Jazz Orchestra.
Bassist Robert MacPartland is an Eastman graduate who has performed professionally for over ten years across many musical genres.
Drummer Gary Iacovelli is a 35-year veteran of the CNY music scene. He co-founded the Steely Dan tribute band The Royal Scam. Gary can currently be seen playing with the Longwood Jazz Project, The Dan Pugh Trio, and the Theo Curtin Trio to name a few.
The Jill Minyé Quartet, curated by David Kaspar, 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.
Please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h17L04M4ZHA to view the video.
The Winter - Spring season continues on March 22 with The Adam Ezra Group returning to the Main Stage. Further information and videos are found at https://www.adamezra.com/home. Prior to the concert, the public is invited to a Meet & Greet Reception at 6:30pm with Clearpath for Veterans and ‘Homelessness in America – In Scene and Story’ art exhibit.
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. Light refreshments will be available at reasonable prices.
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 event support 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/, on Facebook and Instagram, 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.
PSA/Calendar:
On Friday, March 7th 7 PM (sign-ups at 6:30) at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall continues its Open Mic Friday Series with opener “Big D” Dave Schneider. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, March 8th Women in Music Series featuring Crys Matthews and The Nields at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7) at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego. In addition to the main concert, everyone is invited to the Meet & Greet Reception and speak with reps from OCO Women’s programs at 6:30 p.m. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Friday, March 14th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature The Jill Minyé Quartet, Jazz by the Lake. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Friday, March 21st 7 PM (sign-ups at 6:30) at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall continues its Open Mic with Host Neil Minet. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, March 22nd 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Adam Ezra Group with Meet & Greet Reception at 6:30pm with Clearpath for Veterans and ‘Homelessness in America – In Scene and Story’ art exhibit. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Friday, March 14th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature The Jill Minyé Quartet, Jazz by the Lake. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Friday, March 21st 7 PM (sign-ups at 6:30) at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall continues its Open Mic with Host Neil Minet. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, March 22nd 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Adam Ezra Group with Meet & Greet Reception at 6:30pm with Clearpath for Veterans and ‘Homelessness in America – In Scene and Story’ art exhibit. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
