Jazz by the Lake Showcases Monk Rowe’s Five Families Ensemble at the Oswego Music Hall

OSWEGO – The final #JazzbyTheLake of the Spring schedule showcases Monk Rowe’s Five Families Ensemble on Friday, April 17 at 7:30pm; doors open at 7.

“The Five Families Ensemble gave us a world tour that was exquisite, a stellar performance filled with great musicianship, a brilliantly subtle educational component, and a set filled with humor and fun”, Frank Malfitano, Director, Syracuse Jazz Festival.

Directed by Monk Rowe, The Five Families Ensemble stretches the boundaries of traditional chamber ensemble combining sounds from each of four instrument groups, brass woodwinds, percussion, and strings with the fifth contribution from the human voice. Their repertoire is arranged specifically for the group and ranges from Beethoven to Brubeck to the blues as well as original compositions. The Five Families Ensemble appeals to all ages by combining stellar musicianship with an engaging and welcoming attitude.

Members of The Five Families Ensemble include Monk Rowe (woodwinds and keyboards), Scott Rutledge (trumpet, flugelhorn, and vocals), Elizabeth Ingersoll (violin and vocals), Kristen Kopf (cello and baritone saxophone) and Evan DuChene (percussion). Visit https://www.monkrowe.com/ for more information.

The show, curated by David Kaspar, is made possible through the Music Hall’s Guest Curator program, whereby new programs are introduced outside the regular concert series representing demographics and artistic genre not typical in Music Hall programming.

Tickets are on sale online now athttps://www.oswegomusichall.org/ ($17-20; college/high school students w/ID $10, ages 5 – 16 are half price, and under 5 are free), or at the rivers end Bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego, although you may be able to get tickets at the door if it is not sold out. The community is encouraged to buy tickets early to ensure a seat. Tickets purchased at the door and all refreshments are cash or check only.

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. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Light refreshments will be available at reasonable prices.

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 event support to making popcorn. Students can also earn credit for community service. To volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator Michael Moss at [email protected].

Find more information online at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/, on Facebook, or email [email protected].

This is a presentation of The Ontario Center for the Performing Arts Guest Curator program. It is 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.

2026 Oswego Music Hall Events – Spring Season

National Stage 49th season

Apr    25    Tom Rush accompanied by Brendan Cleary

May     9    Season Finale & Emerging Artist Showcase. Headliner: Abigayle Oakley

Open Mic Friday Guest Hosts

Apr    24   Larry Kyle

Guest Curator Series

Apr    17   Jazz-by-the-Lake: Monk Rowe’s Five Families Ensemble. Curator: Dave Kaspar

May     2   Music, Movement & Mindfulness, with musicians Desirée Dawson and Travis Knapp and curator/yoga instructor Ann Buchau

For a complete performance schedule and additional information about tickets and the artists, visit the website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or stop at the River’s End Bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.

PSA/Calendar

On Friday, April 17^th, 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Monk Rowe’s Five Families Ensemble. Jazz-by-the-Lake. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/

On Friday, April 24^th 7 PM (sign-ups at 6:30) at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall continues its Open Mic with Host, Larry Kyle. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/

On Saturday, April 25^th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Tom Rush accompanied by Brendan Cleary. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/

On Saturday, May 2^nd 7 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Music, Movement & Mindfulness with musicians Desirée Dawson and Travis Knapp and yoga instructor Ann Buchau. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/

On Saturday, May 9^th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall Season Finale & Emerging Artist Showcase. Headliner Abigayle Oakley. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/

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