Write a commentThe Oswego Music Hall is thrilled to bring to its stage the exciting duo — Dana and Susan Robinson — with their blend of original songs of the American landscape and old time Appalachian mountain music at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 2.
With ties to both the Northwest and New England, Dana and Susan now hail from Asheville, N.C. Their music has the sound and feel of bedrock America, with these two guitar-playing, banjo-frailing, fiddle-sawing, and harmony-singing interpreters of the American experience. Together they bring a joyful energy to their concerts.
The genius of a Robinson duo performance lies in their ability to capture the imagination of their audience and evoke a transformative experience. They can make the audience howl with laughter or hush with poignant reflection as they take them on a journey across America and convey the mystery and wonder of the places they visit.
Their unique blend of contemporary songwriting and traditional Appalachian music bring to their 
performances a deep understanding of America's musical heritage. Whether it is quiet or driving, there is a steady and unrelenting groove to the music that supports the lyric and delivers the story in an effortless and magical way.
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dana relocated to New England where he discovered both a thriving songwriters scene and the deep well of traditional mountain music. In the early 1980's, Dana settled in northern Vermont and built a house "off the grid" (no electricity and phone) on 30 acres near the Canadian border. There he founded a popular bakery, café and folk music venue. Dana launched into full-time touring after the release of his 1994 debut CD, "Elemental Lullabye," and after receiving a request to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City for Putumayo's Shelter benefit project.
Sue grew up in a musical family in New England. She studied piano, oboe and Scottish fiddle before meeting Dana in 2002. Sue was working in the environmental field in California when she met Dana at a house concert. Upon moving to North Carolina a short time thereafter, Sue launched into studying with many of the great old time musicians in the Asheville area and naturally adapted to the on-the-road lifestyle.
In a Dana and Susan Robinson concert you will hear two rich, intimate voices, intricate and powerful guitar and banjo playing with a handful of fiddle and mandolin thrown in. Dana writes songs and tells stories about America, the land and its people. They bring to their performances an understanding of America's musical heritage and convey its significance to our culture.
A sample of press quotes showcase their positive impact:
"Many songwriters such as Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp have been heralded as modern day Woody Guthries or keepers of the American rural spirit, but that mantle might be better entrusted to musicians like Dana Robinson, who embody both the heart and the soul of folk music." — Dirty Linen
"...A poet's perspective delivered in quietly spectacular musicianship...the music sounds laid back even while his guitar licks are knocking your socks off" — Music Matters Review
Listen to the Dana and Susan at http://www.robinsongs.com/ and then enjoy a couple magical hours at the all-volunteer, family-friendly Music Hall — also known as the Ontario Center for Performing Arts. The venue is the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St. Oswego.
The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Homemade desserts, popcorn and beverages will be 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 pm on the day of the concert will have preferred seating. After 1 p.m., seating will be general admission. Ticket prices are $12 if purchased in advance and $14 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's next concert this season will feature two genre-bending, vibrant groups, the trio, We're About 9, opened by the duo IlyAIMY, March 16. 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 at http://oswegomusichall.org/.
