Write a commentDynamic rhythms, tight harmonies, and mindful lyrics. The audience will hear it all when the five acoustic instrumentalists that make up the Ruddy Well Band come to the Oswego Music Hall Saturday, January 23rd at 7:30 pm. With their violin, guitar, bass, banjo, and Americana style, these Syracuse Area Music Award winners are sure to fill Oswego Music Hall with a fun, foot-stomping sound.
The group is homegrown from Central New York, with members from Pulaski, Baldwinsville and Syracuse. While all of them are vocalists, self-taught Andrew Ruddy serves as the band’s guitarist, bassist, harmonica- and banjo player, as well as their song-writer, accompanying Steve Scuteri on lead guitar. Ryan Burdick also plays guitar, harmonica and percussion, and Mike Sisto is on upright bass and mandolin. Completing the quintet is Monique Ritter, the violinist for the group.
Together, they bring an intriguing blend of bluegrass, acoustic folk, and rock 'n roll to every performance. The Syracuse New Times raves, “There’s no ambiguity when it comes to figuring out who and what they are. They’re straight-ahead acoustic charm wrapped up in passionate and ample fiddle lines and earnest songwriting.” The band has released three CDs through various record labels; their most recent album, “Building a Fire,” was released a few months ago in July 2015.
Winners of the 2014 Grassroots Festival Band Contest, and two SAMMY Awards for Best Americana and People’s Choice, the Ruddy Well Band will take to the stage at Oswego Music Hall to display their talent here on the shores of Lake Ontario. Find out more about the Ruddy Well Band by visiting their website: http://ruddywellband.com or check out their new music video “Rabbit Run” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpqKVyOqQqI.
Opening for the band will be John McConnell. McConnell is an Oswego-based singer/songwriter, whose soulful voice and rhythmic guitar style combine to create a unique solo acoustic show that all ages can enjoy. To find out more, and to sample some of his music, check out his website at https://www.reverbnation.com/johnmcconnellmusic.
Oswego Music Hall is located in the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street, Oswego, in a space overlooking Lake Ontario that volunteers transform into an intimate performance hall with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Desserts, snacks, popcorn and beverages are available for purchase.
Ticket prices for this event are $16 if purchased in advance and $18 at the door. SUNY Oswego student tickets are $10 with school ID, while children 12 and under are half-price; under 5 are free. 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 p.m. on the day of the concert will have preferred seating. After 1 pm, seating will be general admission. For information about Season Tickets or becoming a member or a volunteer, go to the website or contact Membership Secretary, Carol Forrest at 343-2988.
The Music Hall’s next performance will feature The Sultans of String on February 6th at 7:30 pm. Check out their fiery, fast-paced sound at https://mckhool.wordpress.com/.
Music Hall concerts are made possible in part with funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. For more information call 315-342-1733 or access the Music Hall website: http://oswegomusichall.org/.
