Write a commentIf variety is the spice of life then the Oswego Harborfest East Park the Jazz and Blues Stage will quench music fans appetites.
On Friday, July 24 the East Park stage will come alive and throughout the weekend of one of the nation's premier free music festivals. The jazz and blues groups and individual local, regional and nationally known musicians who will provide an array of musical experiences. It all starts at 1:30 p.m. on Friday with the LuberCators who focus on the funkier side of blues and will guarantee to get your toe tapping and head bobbing. They are a seasoned group of musicians who have performed with groups such as 2 kool 4 school, Doc Apple, Peter Tork and many others. The band consists of Johnny Luber on guitar and vocals, David Burrit on drums and vocals, Paul Heagerty on bass and vocals, and lead singer Michael Prahl.
The procession of musicans will be non-stop through Sunday evening.
Following The Luber Cators will be Dam Dog as the Kyle brothers; Dave, Craig, and Larry who joined together in 1978 to form a talented trio with a passion for blues. Hailing from Sterling Valley, DamDog evolved into a highly perfected musical group that keeps true to their blue roots.
The Ron Spencer Band is well known throughout Central New York for its music. For 25 years, Spencer has lit up the blues scene with his stellar guitar skills and superb vocals. The Ron Spencer band is comprised of Ron Spencer on guitar and vocals, Mark Gibson on vocals, Jay Gould on bass and vocals, and Ross Moe on drums.
Brent Johnson & The Call Up will provide its unique sound. This humble, yet gifted, musician is a product of his New Orleans upbringing, slaying the blues scene. Known for his intensity, originality, and raw lyrics, Johnson is highly regarded in the blues world.
Completing the first day on the stage will be Ghost Town Blues Band. Out of Memphis, Tennessee, the band is going to rock with their edgy, modern hits that have brought the band great success. With such accomplishments as the 2014 International Blues Challenge 2nd Place winners, 2014 Best of Memphis Nominee for "Best Band," and 2013 Best of Memphis Nominee for "Best Band," it is clear what a force the Ghost Town Blues Band truly is.
Saturday starts off at 1:15 p.m. with the JT Hall Jazzz Consort. The group features the beautiful voice of Cookie Coogan along with Jason Jeffers on drums and Tom Witkowski on keyboards. John Magnante plays the guitar and John Dancks joins in on bass with JT Hall on trumpet and fluegelhorn. Thousands have heard the unique sound that is the JT Hall Jazz Consort. Having performed at events throughout Central New York since 1999.
Tia Brazda, known for her pin-up girl style and dazzling sound, is one of Canada's hottest new Jazz artists. Soaring to the #1 spot on iTunes Canada Jazz Chart, Brazda is making a name for herself as a rising star. Her debut album 'Cabin Fever' burst onto the scene in 2012, and Brazda shows no signs of slowing down soon. Band members include Tia Brazda on vocals, Mike Freedman on guitar, Chris Graham on piano, Chris Gale on sax, Scott Hunter on bass, and Ian Morris on drums.
The Ghost Town Blues Band will close out the night, but just before that performance Lao Tizer brings a mix of Afro Cuban, jazz, rock, and classical music to stage. Led by Lao Tizer, the keyboardist and composer, this band is a dynamic, worldly powerhouse. Tizer is also features Karen Briggs on the violin, Chieli Minucci on the guitar, Steve Nieves on the saxophone, percussion, and vocals, Jeff Kollman on guitar, Raul Pineda on drums, and Ric Fierabracci and Cheikh NDoye on bass.
Sunday three outstanding performances are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. with the Diana Jacobs. The band plays party favorites that will get you moving to the beat by the very first song! DJB is known for their soulful and funky spirit that comes alive each time they take the stage. The R&B and soul group is made up of Diana Jacobs, vocals/keyboard, Mettis Jacobs guitar and vocals, Sue Ferlenda, vocals and keyboard, Mike Burns, bass and vocals, Dave Kuykendall, guitar and Dave Chitambar on drums.
Brownskin is up next and inspired by groups like Mint Condition, The Roots, and Tony! Toni! Toné! The group Brownskin, based out of Syracuse, was formed in August 2007. They got their name when founder Nate Brown combined his last name with his instrument of choice the drums more affectionately known as "skins." With Nate on Drums, Gary Carter on vocals, Joe Cummings on keyboard and vocals, John Dale on bass, Danielle Mitchell on vocals, and Ekwan Brooks on keyboard
Tia Brazda will bring down the curtain on the stage with a 3:30 p.m. performance.
There will be no time to relax at the East Park Jazz and Blues Stage.
Oswego Harborfest Executive Director Doug Buske reminded," We are certainly known for the reputation as one of the few admission free music festivals in the nation. It would not be possible to continue this event without the massive support we receive from the City of Oswego, governmental entities, businesses, organizations and individual and family members. If anyone would like to contribute to the support of this fantastic region wide event we can be reached at 41 Lake Street, Oswego, N.Y. 13126 or by calling 315-343-6858.
Editor's Note-For further information please contact Bill Foley at [email protected] or at 315-343-3733
