Write a commentIt was an evening in November 2003 when John McConnell stepped to the microphone at GS Steamers Restaurant as a solo performer for the first time.
Fast forward to Friday November 10, 2023. It's 20 years later, and John McConnell will once again be performing at Steamers!
"I had played guitar in a band when I was younger, but never sang," McConnell said. "But when I came back to school at Oswego State in the fall of 2003, I started to play and sing at the Open Mic Night at Old City Hall. A friend, who was the manager at GS Steamers at the time, heard me sing at Old City a few times. One night, he asked me if I could fill four hours of music. He'd had a performer cancel a date, and needed someone to fill in." Chuckling, McConnell said, "I couldn't, but I said I could, and I managed to make it through the show. Next thing you know, it's 20 years later, and I'm still doing this thing that I love."
He has seen many changes in 20 years in the Oswego-area music scene. "There were so many more places to play several years ago. We miss some of the places that aren't around any more, like Old City Hall and Greene's Ale House," he said. "However, George and Shane Broadwell here at Steamers have been great to me over the years too. They stepped right up when I asked about having my anniversary show here where it all began for me."
"The venues we still have are great, and I'm glad for every one of them. I really have a soft spot for the Open Mic Nights though. I started to find my voice playing in one, and I eventually inherited the hosting job at Old City Hall from my friend and mentor, Dave Hawthorn. I was the emcee there for 13 years, until the pandemic came along."
He added that he's been back hosting a twice-monthly Open Mic at Curtis Manor in Oswego since late in 2020. "Many of the regulars from the Old City Hall days are now playing at Curtis Manor, keeping the spirit alive."
The 20th anniversary show at GS Steamers won't be a solo performance. "Oswego County Federal Credit Union came on board to help with funding for some musician friends who'll be joining me on stage next weekend," said McConnell. "Cam Caruso, Gary Carpentier, Taylor Ricks, and Dave Solazzo will be there with me, and my friend Josh Russell will be taking care of the sound."
John says that he wants the anniversary show to be a celebration of the relationships he has forged in his two decades of performing. "Those relationships - they're the most important part of the journey so far," he said.
Asked if he had any thoughts to share about entering his third decade as a professional musician, McConnell thought for a moment, then said,"I'm just working to find my true voice. We'll keep on doing it, and continue having fun."
20 Years Of John McConnell Music will take place on Friday, November 10 from 6:00 - 9:30 PM at GS Steamers Restaurant in the Clarion Hotel, 70 East 1st Street in Oswego.
