Write a commentThe Oswego Music Hall is proud to announce a May 6 event showcasing the captivating storytelling talent of singer-songwriter Mike Powell. Mike will roll into the Music Hall stage located at the McCrobie Building, 41 Lake Street Oswego with the Black River Band in tow. Doors open at 7:00 for the 7:30 event. Advance sale tickets are available for $18 and at the door for $20.
Born and raised in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains inside the Town of Champion, Mike Powell’s love for music and songwriting started under the kitchen table where his guitar playing Father and Uncle would sit and sing old time country songs. “I remember the feeling the music gave me and how excited I would get when they’d pull out their guitars” Powell said. “I was amazed at the power of entertainment and how much music changed the vibe of a room. Most kids get read bedtime stories, I did too — only mine were in the form of song.”
At the age of 13 he taught himself to play the guitar and immediately began writing stories that could accompany his three chords. He was certainly influenced by people like Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and John Prine but he wasn’t interested in recreating anything — it had to be new, fresh and authentic to him.
After high school Mike Powell went on to Syracuse University where he became the most decorated college lacrosse player in the history of the sport. It was this drive that put Powell on the road for the next ten years where he would travel back and forth across the globe playing his music in any venue that would take him. Touring alongside Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter Sarah Lee gave him a glimpse into a community of song lovers and music appreciators that shared a common view of roots music and felt the power of emotive story telling.
His live shows are best described as real. He somehow manages to blend his folk songwriting style with a silky blue-eyed soul vocal styling that creates a sound as unique as himself. He is a relentless and prolific songwriter. It’s not uncommon for him to perform a song that he wrote the morning of the show and one that he promises to never play again so he can deepen the connection with his audience allow them to truly be part of a moment in time. He leaves his audiences inspired to chase their own dreams and embrace their respective journeys.
In 2009 he released his first solo album “Replevin” and followed up with a full band offering titled “Kapow” where he recruited his favorite members of the Syracuse music scene to play alongside him. Mike Powell is currently on tour supporting his most recent solo album “Tied To The Rail”.
You can visit his website at http://risingfeatherrecords.com/ and find him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/politerebel/
You can enjoy the performance of Mike and his band at the all-volunteer family friendly Music Hall venue .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.
We are also excited to be partnering with local brewer The Cellar Door to provide craft beer and NY State wine during the performances.
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. Doors open at 7 pm and ticket prices for this event are $18 if purchased in advance and $20 at the door. Children under 12 are half- price and those under 5 are free.
The Season Finale will be held on May 20 and feature the Heather Pierson Trio.
In addition there will be an Emerging Artist Showcase to highlight the talents of local upcoming artists,
The final Open Mic of the season will be held the Friday before the show. Performers get a chance to showcase their talents on the National Stage with a world class sound system and the new, professional stage lighting. The 16 and under Open Mic runs from 6:30 to 7:30pm- (on line signup required - http://www.oswegomusichall.org/) Signups start at 7:00 for other performers. Entry fee is $2.00 to cover BMI and ASCAP fees.
The Music Hall has been run entirely by volunteers from its inception over 39 years ago. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through different tasks. Music Hall concerts are made possible in part with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. For more information e mail us at: [email protected]
Or access the Music Hall website: http://www.oswegomusichall.org/
