Write a commentThe Oswego Music Hall is proud to present Driftwood on Saturday, February 10 at 7:30pm (doors open at 6:30).
"Driftwood has performed on the Oswego Music Hall stage several times; each time leaving us hungry to bring them back," said Tom Lambert, Artistic Director, Oswego Music Hall.
The title track and first single from Driftwood's spring 2024 album, “December Last Call” is now out everywhere. Penned by guitarist-songwriter Joe Kollar, the track transports the listener to the middle of a rowdy, college dive bar. “December’s a drink song, so much so I don't remember writing it.”
After two years of starts and stops, a few pauses from Covid, one scrapped attempt and lots of late nights in the studio, the upstate New York folksters finally wrapped up recording sessions for “December Last Call” this fall. Recorded in the basement studio of Kollar's parents' upstate home, the album concept was simple: Keep it organic. “We grew up making music in that basement, after recording our last album with a well-known producer in an out-of-town studio, it felt so right to be back down there, growing the tracks from scratch on our own,” says guitarist-songwriter Dan Forsyth.
The album is due out in spring 2024 and is definitely Driftwood's most explorative effort yet. From full on, electric guitar-laden rock tracks to barren, stripped down, acoustic ballads, the palette is big but the offerings are sincere and purposeful. “These songs are a snapshot of us over the last few years. They are a reflection on life, past, present and future. They portray a group of great friends who have continued to evolve together and separately over more than 15 years,” said violinist Claire Byrne.
Formed by two high school friends bent on traveling the country playing folk music together, Driftwood has turned into one of the hardest working, original bands in the business. In 2008, they met Byrne and started touring full time in 2009. In 2010, Bassist Joey Arcuri joined and by then they were regularly hitting the East Coast club circuit. Drummer Sam Fishman, a more recent addition, joined in 2021.
With three people sharing the vocal and songwriting duties, there are certainly some disparate elements at play reminiscent of other well-known, multi-singer bands. But it’s very apparent Driftwood have no interest in emulation; their focus seems to be purely on creation. “I feel blessed to have three main singer-songwriters in our band. It allows us to paint from a pretty big pallet and also to challenge each other. Sometimes it can take a minute to make our styles flow, but really it’s been such a huge part of our growth as a band and as individual writers.”
"Their musicianship is incredible, vocals and harmonies uniquely attractive, and their songwriting masterful”, said Mark Wahl, singer-songwriter; luthier. Further information and videos are found at https://www.driftwoodtheband.com/ or their Facebook page.
Tickets are on sale online now at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ ($17-$20), or at the rivers end Bookstore in Oswego, 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.
The next Main Stage event is on February 24 with crowd favorites Vance Gilbert and Cam Caruso as opener. Can something be wry, aching, hysterical, evocative, provocative, fun, beautifully sung, and consummately played all at once? That would be Vance Gilbert. Vance truly happens live. In fact, he developed his reputation with his jaw-dropping, funny, devastating, and gorgeous live performances. Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, the late George Carlin have all requested Vance to be added to their bills. He exploded onto the scene in the early 90’s, with buzz spreading quickly. After opening Shawn Colvin’s 1992 Fat City tour, he took much of America by storm and by surprise. “With the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god, it was enough to earn him that rarity: an encore for an opener,” wrote the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in its review of a show. Please visit https://vancegilbert.com/ for further information.
Cam Caruso is a singer/songwriter from Oswego. He has been performing in the CNY area for nearly eight years. Cam has released several of his own albums and has also produced projects with fellow singer/songwriters in the area. His personal and collaborative projects have been nominated for four Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMY) including his EP, “Up Above & Down Below”, which won the SAMMY Award for Best Singer/Songwriter Recording in 2020. Most recently in 2023, Cam brought home another SAMMY Award with a win in the People's Choice category for Best Artist or Band. Cam is currently branching out to new venues, working on a couple of personal and collaborative recording projects, and continuing to develop his craft. For more information: http://www.camcarusomusic.com/.
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 the stage with light refreshments available. Cash or check only at the door.
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/ 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.
