OSWEGO – Oswego Music Hall continues its Open Mic Friday series on April 12. Show begins at 7:00 PM; sign-ups at 6:30.
Guest Host Mark Zane leads off Open Mic Friday and will be followed by performers who sign up that night. Admission is by a cash or check donation.
Doors open at 6:30 with sign-ups taking place then and throughout the evening, as space allows. Musicians typically play three songs each.
All ages and experience levels are welcome. Budding performers, singer-songwriters and musicians of all genre are given an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment using cutting edge professional sound and lighting equipment.
Mark Zane was born and raised in the small rust belt city of Utica and now calls its larger neighbor to the west, Syracuse, home. The struggle of life in old industrial cities can be heard in some of the songs that appear on Mark’s debut 2008 CD titled, American Hunger, which features a blend of folk, rock, and even a little country thrown into these 12 original songs. American Hunger was nominated for a 2009 SAMMY (Syracuse-Area Music Award) award in the Americana category. The second CD, Walk it Off, a collection of twelve songs, was released in March 2012. His third CD, Upstate Uprising, a collection of ten original songs, was released in January 2019. The latest CD, Acoustic Truths & Electric Lies, contains 11 original songs and was released on November 19, 2021.
Mark has written 133 songs and performs at least 45 of these live (along with performing cover songs). Along with writing and performing music, Mark is also a Professor of Sociology at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse whose songs often incorporate sociological themes and concepts. In the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Steve Earle and others, Mark’s original songs analyze American life through a sympathetic, yet sometimes, critical eye. He also writes and performs autobiographically inspired songs about love and aspirations, and everyday occurrences, as well as throws in periodic cover songs from some of his favorite artists.
Along with performing original songs, Mark also performs cover songs from artists such as Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Bob Marley, Jethro Tull, Old Crow Medicine Show, Fleetwood Mac, and many more.
Mark has performed in many Central New York venues, including six years at the New York State Fair (2012 – 2017), Yellow Brick Road Casino, TS Steakhouse and Motif Lounge at Turning Stone Casino, Point Place Casino, 110 Grill, Petit, Soule, DeWitt, and Onondaga Free Libraries, Bull & Bear Roadhouse, Shaughnessy’s Irish Pub and Eleven Waters at the Downtown Syracuse Marriott, Local 315 Brewing Co., Suds Factory River Grill, Oz-Stravaganza! (the past eight years), Liverpool is the Place Concert Series, Westcott Street Cultural Fair, plus many additional venues. Additional information can be found at: www.reverbnation.com/markzane and www.facebook.com/MarkZaneMusic.
Scheduling guest hosts for Open Mic Fridays is Coordinator Bryan Dickenson. Open Mics are held on the Friday night prior to Saturday’s National Stage concert.
The following evening, April 13, Big Sky Quartet with a cappella group Octovia (from SUNY Oswego) will appear on the Main Stage at 7:30pm. Visit https://bigskyquartet.com/home for further information.
For a complete performance schedule including the National Stage and Open Mic Friday as well as ticket information, visit the website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or stop at the river’s endbookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.
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. Theatmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage with light refreshmentsavailable. Cash or check only at the door.
Oswego Music Hall is a family-friendly, non-profit organization that has been run entirely by volunteers since its inception in 1977. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through various tasks — from running the sound board to making popcorn. Students can also earn credit forcommunity service. To volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator Michael Moss at[email protected].
Find more information via the Oswego Music Hall website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/, Facebook page, 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.
Oswego Music Hall Events Calendar
Apr 12 Open Mic w/Host Mark Zane
Apr 13 Big Sky Quartet w/a cappella group Octovia (from SUNY Oswego) opening
Apr 19 Music, Movement & Mindfulness w/Annie Sumi, Travis Knapp, James Bird, & Ann Buchau Guest Curator Series
Apr 20 Count Blastula w/Special Guest Mike Dubaniewicz Jazz by the Lake
Apr 26 Open Mic w/Host Larry Kyle
Apr 27 Livingston Taylor w/Ash & Eric opening
May 11 Season Finale – Sam Robbins & Emerging Artists Showcase
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