Write a commentBased on the success of Jeff Haynes & Co.'s performance at The Oswego Music Hall last April, his upcoming show on Sat., March 21, at 7:30 p.m. promises to draw an enthusiastic audience. The Music Hall's stage will be teeming with talent, most of whom performed for the 2014 Grammy® nominee spoken word CD Pete Seeger The Storm King that Haynes produced with Seeger. That recording set Pete Seeger's stories and narratives to multi-genre music from over 50 musicians and earned high praise from critics. "Percussion Wizard" Haynes will be amplified by Windham Hill guitarist Sean Harkness, the brilliant fiddle and voice of Sara Milonovich, the pure vocals and unique harmonies of Timothy Hill, and legendary banjo player Richie Stearns.
When these passionate and talented artists perform together, they create a chemistry that is as wonderful to see as it is to hear, so catching them live--on Oswego's stage--will be a special musical treat. When Jeff, Sean, Sara, Tim and Richie play together, there's an intimate conversation happening with every beat of the drum and expression of percussive colors, with every chord and melodic inflection of all the other instruments, and voices.
Grammy award winning percussionist and producer Jeff Haynes brings a sound to today's music scene that takes percussion beyond "technique" and "tradition." In recorded and stage performances, Jeff moves effortlessly from varied and subtle textures, to grooving in the pocket or anchoring the rhythm section. He has toured and recorded for 15 years with Cassandra Wilson, and toured with numerous other musicians, including Al Jarreau, Lizz Wright, Harry Belafonte and Peabo Bryson. His chops can be heard on over 100 CDs, reflecting many kinds of music, from R&B to jazz to new age. When Jeff isn't on the road, he is busy developing drumming and spoken word workshops for schools, cultural organizations and communities throughout New York State. He also has helped integrate poetry and drumming into social studies curriculum for the Underground Railroad.
New York City guitarist Sean Harkness, an award winning musician in his own right, garnered the Outstanding Instrumentalist of 2011 Backstage Bistro Award, and a MAC Award for his NYC solo shows. Sean describes himself as a guitarist-for-hire. He lives in New York City, where he composes music for solo guitar, performs solo shows, and is the go-to guitarist for duets and ensemble work with singers from Broadway and television as well as national and international productions. Each year Sean performs in concert halls around the country with other Windham Hill artists. Besides featuring Sean on the cover of their 2011 product catalog, Walden Guitars is releasing a "Sean Harkness Signature" 12-string guitar. Along with numerous compilations, TV, and film soundtracks, Harkness now has five commercial releases as an artist, including Aloft [Windham Hill] -1999; Urakaji solo guitar [Rinken Records,] -2004; Harkness Knight w/saxman Eric Knight and great drummers -2009 and H2 Flights: Volume One w/fab Canadian trumpeter Mike Herriott on Canadian Brass' label.
Sara Milonovich is a brilliant fiddler, a powerful singer, as well as a songwriter and bandleader. Her solo 2009 CD Daisycutter has been described as "rural roots with an urban/world edge." It showcases her folk, bluegrass, Celtic, zydeco and American roots-rock music, and her own impressive vocals and fiddling. After graduating from Cornell, she joined The McKrells, a legendary Saratoga Springs Celtic/bluegrass band, and she became a sought-after accompanist for many artists in various musical genres. Touring around the US and Europe, Milonovich has performed or collaborated with Pete Seeger, Richard Shindell, Cathie Ryan, and Antje Duvekot, among others. Locally, Milonovich has performed with various classical ensembles, including the Empire State Youth and Repertory Orchestras and several string quartets.
Singer/composer Timothy Hill will add his unique flavor to Haynes' gig with a natural purity of voice that can create "otherworldly abstract sounds that defy description." He's performed with a range of artists as diverse as John Cage, Odetta, Pete Seeger, Jeff Buckley, and Madan Gopal Singh. Hill's musical explorations encompass the genres of folk, jazz, world music, contemporary classical and improv. As a member of David Hykes and the Harmonic Choir, he was a pioneer in the art of harmonic singing. He prompted the New York Times critic Robert Palmer's praise as "a virtuoso of the Tibetan chanting technique." Hill has released at least three recordings of original songs and leads or co-leads several ensembles.
Rounding out Haynes' ensemble will be Richie Stearns with his legendary banjo playing and singing. Richie Stearns has led bands, such as Horse Flies and Donna the Buffalo, and performed and toured with countless others. He's steeped in the traditions of American old-time music, Appalachian folk, blues, African, rock, and country music. Over the past four years Stearns has collaborated with Rosie Newton on various projects and performances, playing dynamic music rooted in the Americana tradition.
Check out these gifted and multi-faceted musicians online and then see for yourself the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to their performances on Saturday, March 21. The venue is the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street, Oswego. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Desserts, snacks, popcorn and beverages are available for purchase.
Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://oswegomusichall.org/ or at the River's End bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego. Holders of tickets purchased before 1 pm on the day of the concert will have preferred seating. After 1 pm, seating will be general admission. Ticket prices for this event are $20 if purchased in advance and $22 at the door. Children 12 and under are half-price; under 5 is free. For the best deal-- lowest ticket prices and prime seating-- ask about the spring Season Pass. For information contact Membership Secretary, Carol Forrest at 343-2988.
The Music Hall's next concert, Sat., April 11, will feature Aztec Two-Step, a folk/rock duo with a rich musical legacy of its own, but which is also known for its interpretations of the timeless songs and harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers.
The Music Hall has been run entirely by volunteers from its inception, for over 36 years. Volunteers earn admission to shows through different tasks. 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/
