National Stage
The Rough & Tumble
Mark Wahl Opening
December 2 $15-18
The Rough & Tumble, a dynamic duo comprised of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of dumpster-folk and thrift store-Americana for over a decade. The Pennsylvania-born Graham and Central California's Tyler have a knack for weaving together elements of joy, sorrow, comedy, and drama in their music, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Now, in 2023, the band is set to release Only This Far, a 12-song collection drawing from the highs and lows of their lived experiences over all those years.
With a smorgasbord of eclectic instruments and a stunning blend of harmonious vocals, the band has crafted a work of profound emotional depth with this new album. The songs are a symphony of raw, unbridled emotion, weaving together tales of love, loss, and longing with a deft touch that could only be crafted by these two songwriters who have quite literally lived on the road for the better part of a decade. It’s a true testament to the band's unwavering dedication to their craft.
Standout track "Ain't That The Way" is a shining anthem of perseverance; a rousing call to action for those who have been told their best isn't good enough. With its powerful gang vocals and uplifting message, this song is a triumph of the human spirit, a celebration of the resilience and determination that lies within us all. On the other side of the coin, "God of War" — a semi-autobiographical sketch by Graham — delves adeptly into heavier subject matter. It’s a searing exploration in the complexities of identity, a stark and unflinching look at the dark underbelly of modern American culture. With its haunting lyrics and evocative soundscape, this song paints a vivid portrait of a nation at war with itself, grappling with the legacy of its past and the weight of its responsibilities. The band’s ability to seamlessly navigate the contrasts between bold, unflinching balladry and sunny-day sing-alongs makes Only This Far quite the enriching listen.
Guest Curator Series
Jazz by the Lake
Celebrating 25 Years of ESP
with special guests Vanessa Vacanti and Kristen Tegtmeyer
October 14th $16-19
The second event of the Fall of 23 season of #JazzByTheLake features The 25th anniversary of the group ESP.
ESP is a high energy Jazz group that features original music with influences including world music, Funk, and Jazz. They have received numerous awards, multiple Sammy's and were voted Syracuse New Times "Jazz Band of the Year" ESP has shared the stage with Jazz luminaries including Chris Boti and The Rippingtons.
The group's personnel includes founding member John Magnate. John is an outstanding composer and arranger, besides being a highly sought after guitarist. The co- founding member is Matthew Vacanti. He is equally adept as an upright and electric bassist. Matt is also a fantastic composer, arranger, educator,, and orchestra conductor.
The two newest members of the group include saxophonist Tony Greene. He has toured with area favorites, Prime Time, The Stan Collela Big Band, and The Salt City Jazz Collective, to name a few. Tony is a respected music educator with The Jamesville DeWitt school district. Rounding out the quartet is drummer Evan DuChene. After college he toured with Dry Jack, backing up artists including McCoy Tyner and Freddie Hubbard.
This event will have two special vocalists, Miss Vanessa Vacanti and Miss Kirsten Tegtmeyer. Both have impressive backgrounds and have studied under two of Central New York's vocal legends: Vanessa with Miss Nancy Kelly, and Kirsten with Mr. Ronnie Leigh respectively.
Guest Curator Series
FIREFestival
October 15th $10 (under 12 free)
1:00-5:00
Celebrate women with this festival featuring female vendors, musicians and artists.
Artists and vendors include:
Amanda Rogers
Stress Dolls
Jess Novak
Ella Drotar
Brynn Race
Caitlin Barry
Jennifer Horstman
Gina Holsopple
Starting Off Red
Azure Eyes Photography
Jamie Santos
Lake Effect Stained Glass
Unremorseful Art
Foxxy Bones
Deborah Chalone
Laura Dobrota
Golden Age Reiki
and more...
This year will also feature on open mic portion where members of the audience can share a song, dance or poetry.
Thanks to our sponsors NYS Media, Wildebeest Publishing, Hey Alec Productions, GS Steamers/Clarion Hotel and Suites Riverfront, The Spa at 500, Fierce with Love and FLX Music 24/7.
To get involved as a volunteer, artist or vendor, email Jess at jessrocknroad@gmail.com
More information at www.jessrocknovak.com/fire
Guest Curator Series
Daniel Champagne
Thursday, September 21st $17-20
If you’re wondering what Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso Daniel Champagne did after his 44-city US tour over the summer of 2022, he proceeded immediately to Canada for 30 mostly sold-out shows and then to New Zealand for another 30 mostly sold-out shows. There’s a Christmas break, and then a monumental tour of Australia. Obviously the best word to describe Daniel is “relentless”.
Daniel will bring his tour back to America starting in mid-July 2023 and continuing through October for an even more ambitious 50 shows! He’ll return to many venues he performed in 2022, and will be adding new shows in places he hasn’t performed in many years.
One reviewer recently wrote “Daniel Champagne exudes a natural ease on stage, as he sings poignant lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies that invariably whisk the heart up with grand romanticism. Coupled with an exhilarating guitar talent that transcends mere acoustic playing to replicate a whole band, Champagne must be seen to be believed."
The story goes that Daniel first picked up his instrument of choice as a 5-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing wherever he could, honing his craft and developing the dynamic live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road without looking back.
The following decade saw him release 5 studio albums, tour relentlessly around the globe with upwards of 300 shows per year, play some of the biggest festivals under the sun and share stages with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, INXS, John Butler, Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
In early 2020 as the COVID pandemic ground all touring to a halt, Daniel returned to Australia writing music and further honing his craft and returned to international audiences with a swag of new songs and a complete new live show. His current release, “Shimmer Through The Windscreen” is making waves on the streaming services and promises great critical acclaim once it is circulated to the media.
For fans of guitar, songs or just artistic expression at its finest, this show is a must see!
National Stage
Leslie Mendelson
October 21st $16-19
Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson is supporting her most recent studio album ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ as well as a solo acoustic EP ‘In The Meantime,’ that was recorded during the 2020 lockdown. Described by Relix Magazine as an artist with “a loyal, cross-generational audience that hugs the hippie, hipster, coffee shop and society crowds,” Leslie’s timeless musicality and evocative songwriting indeed cuts a wide swath. All Music writes that Leslie evokes “1970s songwriter influences in the vein of Carole King and Carly Simon,” while The Aquarian calls her “the closest thing one can get to a truly honest musical experience.”
Leslie Mendelson’s previous work, including 2009 Grammy-nominated debut album ‘Swan Feathers’ and 2017 album, ‘Love & Murder’ dealt with matters of the heart. When it came time to compose the songs that comprise ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ however, she and her longtime writing partner Steve McEwan set out to examine the anxiety stemming from the current socio-political climate with songs like “Medication,” “I Need Something To Care About” and “Would You Give Up Your Gun.” It’s fitting extension of a more socially conscious outlook offered on “A Human Touch”—Leslie’s duet with Jackson Browne for the documentary film, ‘5B,’ released in 2019.
If Leslie Mendelson’s only collaboration with a legendary musician was Jackson Browne, it would be a worthy point to celebrate. What’s truly telling is that Leslie has also drawn the attention of The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir who recorded a duet with her on Roy Orbison’s standard, “Blue Bayou,” while no less than classic rock royalty The Who invited her to open two shows at Madison Square Garden last year. She was set to open three more dates for the band in 2020 that were unfortunately postponed due to the pandemic. With some of rock music’s most legitimate voices seeking Leslie out, it leaves no doubt the rarefied air she inhabits as an artist.
National Stage
Burns Sisters Band
April 29th $16 - $19
With seamless melodies and amazing vocals the Burns Sisters have shared the stage with many great folk legends, including Arlo Guthie, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, Odetta, Willie Nelson and even the Boston Pops. They have played venues from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Old Opry, and from hills of Northern Thailand to the hills of Clare Ireland. The 6-member band is: Marie & Annie Burns, Doug Robinson, London McDaniel, Harry Aceto, David Borisoff.
Info: www.theburnssisters.com/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkD6WyToak8&t=12s
National Stage
Loren Barrigar and son LJ Barrigar
James Horan opening
April 15th $15-$18
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Loren Barrigar will appear with his son LJ Barrigar. LJ is an up-and-coming guitarist influenced by the infectious stylings of Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins. Since Loren was last at the Music Hall, the duo has been performing shows from house concerts to theaters mainly on the east coast.
Loren started playing guitar when he was only four years old, and by the time he was six, played the Chet Atkins hit “Yackety Axe” in front of thousands of country music fans at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He went on to study with Jimmy Atkins (Chet’s brother) which led to a touring career with his family band from Nashville to Las Vegas. Since settling down in Central New York, he has been in constant demand as a studio musician.
Loren's finely-honed songwriting skills have launched his melodies on NBC’s #1 rated show “ER”, “The Young and The Restless” and on a Christmas CD with BB King and Patti Labelle. He has performed with some of the best acoustic players in the world including Stephen Bennett, Richard Smith, John Knowles, Muriel Anderson and Loren’s friend and mentor Tommy Emmanuel, the Australian guitar sensation. He has also recorded with Multiple Grammy winner and legendary producer Lloyd Maines.
In 2010, Loren made a guest appearance at The Chet Atkins Appreciation Society {CAAS} in Nashville with his pickin' pal from New Zealand, Mark Mazengarb. His solo concerts include favorite songs from seven decades, as well as his originals all featuring exciting guitar work and memorable vocal stylings.
James Horan is a guitarist living in Jamesville NY. Having become interested in the guitar are the age of 14. Like most guitarists at the time he was self taught when he started but later in life studied guitar with Gordon Moore, John Ferrara and Kenneth Meyer. He is now an active guitarist as a solo performer as well as a member Great Lakes Guitar Society, Guitar League, Syracuse Friends of Chamber Board Member and Great lakes Guitar Board Member. James also runs and supports a regular guitar series at the Skaneateles Library every month.
For more information visit https://www.lorenbarrigar.com/
View a video at https://youtu.be/8-lMloP8-Uw
National Stage
Jonathan Byrd
April 15th $15-$18
CANCELLED
National Stage
Deeper Than The Skin
featuring Reggie Harris & Greg Greenway
Meet & Greet Reception 6:30
March 25th $16 - $19
“Deeper Than the Skin” is an experience of singing and listening… of experiencing a connection so deep that it makes you laugh, smile, cry and reconsider what you know about our history. It brings together a remarkable journey that started 30 years ago.
Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway are two friends… one Black, one White… one from the North; one from the South. Musicians, storytellers, students of history and world travelers, born 3 days apart. Two separate narratives forged into one powerful friendship aimed at finding common ground and helping others to do the same.
Oswego has a history of being a sanctuary city for Freedom Seekers— when Oswego was a stop on the Underground Railroad and for Jewish refugees during WWII. In fact, Oswego has more known UGRR sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places than any other county in the U.S. Oswego’s story extends beyond our borders into neighboring counties (and a neighboring country!) with roots spawned in the South.
Special Guests Tim Hotchkiss, Allie Proud, Pastors Andrew & James Hinman, Ed Elsner, Dot Willsey, Audrey Hurley, and Kelly Jordal who represent the Bristol Hill Church, Starr Clark Tin Shop Museum, Gerritt Smith Estate and gift, the UGRR Consortium of NYS and the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum.
Prior to the evening’s performance, concert goers will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with our guests representing organizations dedicated to keeping the history of our region alive. They will be able to take with them brochures, information on future events, and purchase items for sale which support their cause.
Info: www.DeeperThanTheSkin.com
Guest Curator Series
Dueling Pianos with Ashley Cox and Amanda Rogers (Jess Novak opens)
September 10th 6 PM $12
(doors open at 5)
This twist on dueling pianos will trade two musicians taking requests from the crowd for two of CNY's most accomplished female singer/songwriter/pianists telling stories and stories from their souls.
Ashley Cox, known for her energetic and passionate performances, has won Syracuse Area Music Awards for her powerful original songs. Amanda Rogers has been called intimate, intense, and expressive as she moves between genres, but never fails to bring raw emotion to her shows. The two will join on stage for an amazing and rare show.
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Jess Novak will open the show with her own honesty delivered through the piano bench.
This event will also serve as part of the F.I.R.E. Festival series, which spotlight women in Central New York. F.I.R.E. stands for Females Inspires, Rock, Empower. The cumulative festival will do just that when female songwriters, musicians, business owners, photographers, artists and more will all join their talents to fill Oswego Music Hall with power and talent on Sunday, October 16.
Ashley Website: http://www.professionalvictims.com
Amanda Website: http://www.amandaspiano.com
Jess Website: https://www.jessrocknovak.com
F.I.R.E. website: https://www.jessrocknovak.com/fire
Ashley Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzfUlrAsXUTQ_YhIc7QSdw2lh43ovObWy
Amanda Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/amandaspiano
Jess Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7avUVqzrgPlSiFEWH-SPLQ/videos
Ashley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleycoxmusic/
Amanda Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandarogersmusic
Jess Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessRockNovak
Curator: Jess Novak
Tickets available at the door
Tickets available at the door
Guest Curator Series
Fall Down Festival Preview
September 9th 7:30 PM $18 at the door ($15 advanced sale at river's end bookstore)
(doors open at 7:00)
The Mustard Tigers are a high-energy bluegrass trio out of the Finger Lakes region of New York, with influences that range from Bill Monroe, JD Crow and the New South to Buck Owens and Willy Nelson. The band consists of Brian Elam on guitar, Anson Stiles on bass and Ricky Stiles on mandolin. The band prides itself on keeping the spirit of traditional bluegrass and country music alive in modern times, all while giving it a "New Grass" feel. Whether it be a traditional tune or a Mustard Tigers original, the band is sure to get you up and moving.
Opening Band: Duffy 'n' Alliekatt
Headliner: Old Main
Fall Down Festival Preview
Fall Down Music & Arts Festival
September 15-18 at the G Lodge
The G Lodge--81 Keller Road, Hannibal, NY
Curator: Daren Gauger
National Stage
Delaney Brothers Bluegrass
September 17th $16-$19
Two-time SAMMY winners, Delaney Brothers Bluegrass is one of CNY's oldest and best-loved bluegrass bands. More than just bluegrass, their music is influenced by many other acoustic traditions including country, folk, gospel and Celtic. Fans are treated to a musical experience that sets toes tapping! The 6-member band is: John Delaney, Jonathan Delaney, Scott Corbett, Joe Davoli, Nick Piccininni and Luke Parsnow.
Info: website currently inactive
https://www.facebook.com/DelaneyBrothersBluegrass/
Guest Curator Series
