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Vance Gilbert is a journeyman troubadour who has been performing for more than thirty years.

Known for telling stories with his songs and for his easy going rapport with his audiences, Gilbert will make his return to the National Stage of the Oswego Music Hall next Saturday evening, February 24. Oswego's own Cam Caruso will open the show at 7:30 pm.

Tom Lambert, artistic director of the Music Hall, said, "Vance is a true entertainer in every sense of the word. He has been a favorite at the Music Hall since his first performance many years ago, and we're very excited to have him back."

iHeart Oswego caught up with Gilbert as he returned home to the Boston area after playing a show at City Vineyard in New York City. "I'm not liking these long drives so much anymore," he said, "but even after doing it for so long, I'm nowhere near ready to hang it up." 

He said his plans for the rest of the day included going for a three-mile run. "They may be fifteen-minute miles, but that's what helps me still be able to do this thing I love," he quipped.

Gilbert said that his longevity has really helped him to find his voice. "After fourteen albums, I think I've hit my stride," he said. "I like to quote the great Miles Davis, who said, 'Sometimes it takes a lifetime to find your voice.'"

He spoke highly of Oswego's Music Hall. "It's a very accommodating venue, and I've developed a great relationship with the folks who run it," he said. "Their programming never disappoints."

Some local performers had kind words for Gilbert as well. John McConnell said, "Every time Vance takes the stage, it's like watching a masterclass in songwriting, musicianship, comedy, poetry and performance." 

Cam Caruso, who will be Saturday's opening performer, said, "Vance Gilbert is the type of artist I strive to be. His ability to balance music and comedy is incomparable."

Vance Gilbert's most recent album, The Mother Of Trouble, was released in 2023. It features mainly original songs, as most of his albums do, as well as a cover of the Bacharach-David tune "(They Long To Be) Close To You," made famous by The Carpenters. CD copies will be available the night of the show, as well as on Gilbert's website, VanceGilbert.com.

Gilbert, who will be playing in Manchester, NH on Friday evening before heading to Oswego early on Saturday, will be pulling double duty while he's in town. He will be hosting a singer-songwriter workshop on Sunday, February 25 as part of The Art Association of Oswego's Month of Music. "I try to put singers and songwriters through their paces both musically and performance-wise," he said.

Vance Gilbert, with opener Cam Caruso, will play at the Oswego Music Hall this Saturday, February 24. Show time is 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at www.OswegoMusicHall.org and are also available at The River's End Bookstore in downtown Oswego. The Music Hall is located inside the McCrobie Civic Center at 41 Lake Street In Oswego. The venue is fully accessible, and light refreshments will be available.