Write a commentThe Oswego Music Hall is pleased to present a double billing with two astounding singer/songwriters, Martin Swinger and Conner Garvey take the stage at 8 p.m., Oct. 5.
Both musicians hail from Maine these days and get high marks for their amazing ability to connect with their audiences, the kind of performers who are thrilling to hear live.
Swinger is a master of the ballad, who sings about surprising topics like autism, oysters, Betty Boop and Buddha, and has won praise from Pete Seeger and Peter Yarrow, among others. Garvey's wonderful tenor, rhythmic details and "winsome way with a melody bring to mind the music of Paul Simon in his Rhymin Simon days, as well as contemporaries Josh Ritter and Jason Mraz" according to the music blog Direct Current.
An atypical 50-something who can't stop exploring music, songwriting and singing, Swinger is a wonder on stage. His songs lyrically and melodically illustrate the range of human emotions with creatively thoughtful stories and a deep appreciation for a good belly laugh. They are surprising, humorous, intimate, outrageous, courageous and universal – and sung with delicacy, skill and the panache of a seasoned, professional performer.
Swinger's strength of performance, fluid tenor voice and vast vocal range, and creative guitar skills are compelling enough to capture the attention of any audience. He is said to have once brought a room full of teens playing pool to a sudden stand-still with an a cappella performance. He has recorded five CD's, won local and national songwriting awards and is a repeat performer at the Kerrville Folk Festival.
Garvey also thrives on song writing, but his style is more eclectic – a mix he calls "Acoustic Funky-Folk-Rock For The Good Hearted." Connor's music never strays far from intimacy: he personalizes life's challenges and themes, focuses on the optimistic and humorous elements in life that spark deeper reflections, and simply pulls his listeners in.
One critic said Connor's music is like "placing folk-funk guitar and ukulele, soulful vocals and paradoxical metaphors in an electric juicer – creating an elixer you have never tasted before, but that is oh, so intriguing and delectable. His clever, rhythmic string foundations provide a background for his most prominent instrument – his voice. His songs draw the attention of the entire room with humor, daring honesty, and grace."
To hear samples of Swinger's and Garveu's music and for more information, check out these websites: www.connorgarveysongs.com/#!music/chns and http://www.martinswinger.com/.
Come and be thrilled by the live music of Connor Garvey and Martin Swinger at the all-volunteer, family-friendly Music Hall – also known as the Ontario Center for Performing Arts. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage with homemade desserts, popcorn and beverages available for purchase.
Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://oswegomusichall.org/ or at the river's end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St.in Oswego. Holders of tickets purchased before 1 p.m. on the day of the concert will have preferred seating. After 1 p.m., seating will be general admission. Ticket prices are $14 if purchased in advance and $16 at the door. Children 12 and younger are half-price; younger than 5 is free.
For the best deal – lowest ticket prices and prime seating – Season Passes and All-Season Passes are available and may be purchased at any show.
For information contact membership secretary, Carol Forrest, at 343-2988.
The Music Hall is proud of the fact that it has been run entirely by volunteers for more than 36 years. Volunteers earn admission to shows through different tasks. If you are interested in making baked goods for a show, call Betsy at 216-4931. New bakers are always welcome!
The Music Hall's next concert Oct. 19 will feature the wonderful duo Magpie, which has been performing and recording for 40 years. Music Hall concerts are made possible in part with funding by the NYS Council on the Arts.
For more information, call 315-342-1733 or access the Music Hall website http://oswegomusichall.org/.
