Community News

Oswego Music Hall launches its 2021-22 season featuring the gifted and immensely talented Anthony Joseph ‘Swingtet’ on Saturday, September 11.

The venue is the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street in Oswego. Shows begin at 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00.

According to Board President, Mark Wahl, "Glad to be back! We’re ready to do the things we do best— support musicians, bring great performances to our community, and have fun! We’re thrilled to present local favorite, clarinet master and standup comedian Tony Joseph and his troop of top notch musicians to open our fall ‘21 season; indeed, to usher us back from our long COVID recess.”

For more than 30 years The Anthony Joseph ‘Swingtet’ has entertained audiences in and around Central New York with their musical energy and interpretations of classic jazz standards and ballads. The group is known for a swingin' sound that is smooth, sweet, and in the groove!

Usually performing as a small combo, the Music Hall will bring the full swingtet to the stage, comprised of CNY favorites— Bill Palange, trombone (Oswego), Joe Ferlo, guitar (Rome), Mike Solazzo, upright bass (Syracuse), Joe Cortini, drums (Fulton), and Anthony Joseph, clarinet & vocals (Oswego).

Their 'chamber music-like jazz' creates a vibrant atmosphere that allows listeners to become absorbed in the music. It is obvious the band genuinely enjoys performing and they naturally develop a great rapport with their audience.

The ‘Swingtet’s’ 2007 cd was recorded as a trio and received a 2008 SAMMY Award nomination. The complete program includes selections from the Great American Songbook of Jazz that were made popular by some of the most famous jazz composers and performers, including: George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, and Syracuse native Jimmy Van Heusen.

More information may be found on the Facebook fan page: Anthony Joseph ‘Swingtet’ musician/band or on the Facebook page: Anthony Joseph ‘Swingtet’. Recording links are available on YouTube by searching: The Anthony Joseph ‘Swingtet’.

Shows start at 7:30 PM and doors open at 7:00 for all National Stage concerts. For a complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit the website at www.oswegomusichall.org/ or stop at the river’s end bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.

The season continues on October 2nd, when prolific storyteller Mike Powell will perform. With a vintage voice and a chest full of hauntingly heartfelt songs, Mike Powell is the underground messenger of blue-collar soul. Each night the lights go up, this pioneering poet lets his guard down and allows the fervently fearless stories to come to life. His comfort behind a microphone and unique brand of atomic folk creates a vibe that warms the room like a long ago fire burning hot inside a cabin in the woods.

Further information and videos are found at: https://m.facebook.com/politerebel/ or https://youtube.com/user/ThePoliteRebel.

Ticket prices for the National Stage range from a low of $15 to $19 at the door. Children 16 and under are half price and under 5 are free. Purchase tickets at any concert, online or at the river’s end bookstore.

The wheelchair accessible venue is located in the McCrobie Civic Center, on 41 Lake Street in Oswego. It is adjacent to Breitbeck Park and overlooks Lake Ontario and the Oswego Harbor. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Due to COVID precautions, snacks and beverages will be limited, but available.

Oswego Music Hall is a family-friendly, non-profit organization that has been run entirely by volunteers from its inception over 40 years ago. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through various tasks — from running the sound board to making popcorn. Students can also earn credit for community service. To volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator Michael Moss at [email protected].

Regarding safety protocols, the Music Hall will adhere to CDC, State, and local guidelines. We will follow protocols adopted by theaters in CNY which is to require proof of vaccination before admittance to shows or a recent negative COVID test result.

Find more information online at www.oswegomusichall.org/ or email [email protected].

Concerts are made possible in part with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the governor and New York Legislature. Other major supporters are the City of Oswego and Shineman Foundation.