Community News

     The Oswego Music Hall is thrilled to bring Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group to Oswego at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17. Why? 

     Because as live performers, they are second to none.
     As Boston Globe critic David W. Johnson wrote, "Among contemporary country performers, Robin and Linda Williams shine like a diamond amid rhinestones . . ."
     At the Music Hall, they will be joined by the band they began touring with in the early '90s, "Their Fine Group," which will make this show a performance to remember.
     For more than three decades, Robin and Linda Williams have made it their mission to perform the music that they love – "a robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country that combines wryly observant lyrics with a wide-ranging melodicism." Some might call it "Americana" today, but these two music masters were living and breathing this blend of home grown music 20 years before that label was invented.
     Their Fine Group band is made up of musicians well known in their own right. It includes Jim Watson on bass, vocals and mandolin. Watson has been with Robin and Linda since the group's beginning and was a founding member of The Red Clay Ramblers. The fourth member of the band is the wonderful fiddle/mandolin player, Chris Brashear, who also does vocals and performs in the bluegrass band "The Perfect Strangers."
     Linda and Robin's stirring concerts have earned them a huge body of fans over the years. But as gifted songwriters this duo has earned an even rarer honor – the devotion and deep respect of their musical peers. As The Washington Post put it, "The Williamses are able to sum up a life in a few details with moving completeness."
     The list of artists who have covered their original songs include some of the greats of country music, names like Emmylou Harris, Tom T. Hall, George Hamilton IV, Tim and Mollie O'Brien, and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
     You may have heard Robin and Linda on such major programs as "The Grand Old Opry," "Austin City Limits," or "A Prairie Home Companion,"  or seen them in Robert Altman's final film,  "A Prairie Home Companion" in 2005.  Now you can treat yourself to the wonders of a live concert by this family team whom one magazine praised as a "rare combination . . . that is able to keep on an even keel while musical trends come and go. They don't play at being country - they are country."
     Learn more about Robin and Linda and listen to songs from their many CDs at http://www.robinandlinda.com/.  Their latest CD, "These Old Dark Hills," was released this past August by Red House Records. As the duo approach their 40th anniversary of playing together, this album proves that their music is more dynamic than ever with fresh new songs and beautifully rich harmonies. As with their live shows, Robin and Linda's energy and passion is simply electric on this – their most innovative and compelling album to date.

     Bask in the music of Robin and Linda and Their Fine Group Nov. 17 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. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Homemade desserts, popcorn and beverages are available for purchase.
     Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://oswegomusichall.org/ or in person at the river's end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., in Oswego. Preferred seating is a benefit for season pass holders; advance sale ticket holders also get preferred seating on a first-come basis. After 1 p.m on the day of the performance, seating will be general admission. Ticket prices for this event are $16 if purchased in advance and $18 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 for the winter and/or spring are still available and may be purchased at any show.
     For information, visit the Music Hall's web page or contact membership secretary, Carol Forrest at 343-2988.
     The Music Hall's next concert Dec. 1 will feature one of the leading voices in American songwriting, Ellis Paul.
     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/.