Write a commentThe Oswego Music Hall is pleased to bring back the gifted multi-instrumentalist and singer / songwriter Kevin So at 8 p.m., Sept. 21, or the opening show of its 37th season.
So has been called "the Asian Stevie Wonder," and praised by Keb' Mo' as " a musical giant." In 20 plus years of performing, Kevin has performed around the country and abroad, built up a loyal fan base and earned the respect from fellow musicians (Keb' Mo', Amos Lee, Melody Gardot, Simon Lynge) and music critics alike.
"Kevin So is a musical chameleon. Over the past decade . . . (he) has recorded nine CDs, none of which sounds like the one that came before. He plays punk, soul, folk, blues and rock with the ease—and passion—of one who grew up living and breathing each style, never like somebody looking to cash in on the latest trend." – John Black
Now based in Nashville, this Boston native is a true modern troubadour with formidable creative gifts as singer, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist. With his last two solo acoustic CDs, "Best Foot Forward" (2009) and "LiFe Solo AkouStic" (2010), So returned to his folk/blues roots after some years engaged mostly in pop/R&B and began performing mostly solo, doing some 200 shows around the world. He's also at ease in the world of theater, having composed songs for a musical called "Great Wall," currently in development with Tony Award winning playwright David Henry Hwang.
Raised in Boston, So's early passion for singing evolved into the start of a music career with his 1990 appearance on the nationally broadcast Fox TV show "Big Break," hosted by Natalie Cole. During that period, So listened to a lot of early recordings of Bob Dylan. By 1995, he became a regular on the open-mike folk scene in Cambridge, Mass., and caught the attention of Boston Globe critic Steve Morse, who called him "riveting ... a smooth, impeccable guitarist." From then on, So has been touring, gaining attention at folk festivals around the country, and been part of the music scene at Chicago, Austin, TX, and Brooklyn. Along the way he booked his own gigs, but also opened for notables like Little Richard, Joe Cocker, Randy Newman, and Billy Bragg.
By 2008, So had four CDs out and changed gear slightly, fronting a touring band while on electric piano mostly, and hiring some of the most sought after musicians in the U.S.: Meatloaf's Dave Luther, and the bassist, Kona Khasu and Dan Wierner from the cast of Stomp. In 2009, So moved to Nashville and continued to work with the blues artist Keb' Mo', touring internationally and sometimes as Keb's sole accompanist. Now he's back on the road with his own folk/blues, ready to perform in upstate New York.
For samples of So's music and more information, check out www.kevinso.com/.
Come and enjoy So's honest and thrilling music 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 Street, Oswego.
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 run entirely by volunteers; they 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 welcome!
The Music Hall's next concert Oct. 5 is a double billing, featuring wonderful audience-pleasers Martin Swinger and Conner Garvey. 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/.
