Bill DeMott to Host Oswego Music Hall Open Mic Nov. 20

OSWEGO – Bill DeMott will host Oswego Music Hall’s Open Mic Friday on November 20, 2026, from 7 to 10 p.m., according to a release and event poster from the organization. Admission is by donation, with $2 suggested.

Doors open and sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m. DeMott will lead off the evening, followed by performers who sign up that night. Sign-ups will continue throughout the evening as space allows, and musicians typically perform three songs each.

All ages and experience levels are welcome, including beginning performers, singer-songwriters and musicians of all genres. Music Hall provides professional sound and lighting equipment.

According to the release, DeMott has been a singer and songwriter for the past 10 years, performing a cappella originals and cover songs at open mic nights, Porchfests and variety shows. An artist and educator, he holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drawing and Printmaking and teaches art at colleges and community venues across Central New York. He is currently co-president of the Art Association of Oswego and has served as an AAO board member and exhibition coordinator for the past 25 years.

Coordinator Bryan Dickenson schedules the guest hosts. Open mics are usually held on the Friday before a Saturday National Stage concert. Music Hall lists Tim Nekritz as guest host for December 4 and Bryan Dickenson for December 10.

On November 21, Alice Howe and Freebo will perform on Music Hall’s Main Stage. That show begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Music Hall describes the duo’s sound as combining Freebo’s fretless bass with Howe’s vocals in a harmony-driven performance by two songwriters, drawing on folk, rock, blues and soul. According to the release, they have worked as a duo since 2017 and performed more than 85 shows annually in both 2024 and 2025 across the United States and Europe. Their album Alice Howe & Freebo Live debuted as the most-played album on the Folk Radio Charts and also appeared among its Top Ten Albums of 2025, the release states.

More information about the duo is available at alicehoweandfreebo.com, and a performance video is available on YouTube.

Complete National Stage and Open Mic schedules and ticket information are available at oswegomusichall.org or at the river’s end bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.

The wheelchair-accessible venue is in the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street, Oswego, adjacent to Breitbeck Park and overlooking Lake Ontario and Oswego Harbor. Candle-lit tables surround a small stage, and light refreshments are available. Tickets purchased at the door and refreshments are cash or check only.

Oswego Music Hall describes itself as a family-friendly nonprofit run entirely by volunteers since its inception in 1977. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through tasks ranging from operating the sound board to making popcorn, and students can earn community-service credit. Those interested in volunteering can contact Volunteer Coordinator Michael Moss at [email protected].

More information is available through Music Hall’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages, or by emailing [email protected].

Concerts receive funding in part from the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the governor and New York Legislature. Other major supporters include the City of Oswego and Shineman Foundation, according to Music Hall.