OSWEGO – The Oswego Music Hall is proud to present Big Sky Quartet with a cappella group Octovia (from SUNY Oswego) opening on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30pm; doors open at 7pm.
“The richness of their three part harmonies is what really drew me into their performance as headliner artists at the NERFA conference” said Tom Lambert, Oswego Music Hall Artistic Director. “It’s always a treat to be able to bring new musicians to our venue who have been so well received by the large audience at NERFA”.
Big Sky Quartet is an award-winning, original four-piece roots/folk music act based in central Pennsylvania, now in its fifteenth year of music-making and performing throughout the Eastern United States. The band has been recognized for the best harmonies in the region, and recently was awarded Best Trio (2019), Best Folk Band (2021), and the Best Album of the Year in 2021 (Red Fire Rising) by the Central PA Music Awards. All four members come together to bring you music that has been called “beautiful, deep, uplifting, and moving,” and “a sound that feels like you’re hanging outside on a warm summer evening.” And in fact, there’s nowhere more the members of Big Sky Quartet would like to be.
Sarah Fiore is the band’s lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist, and has been writing melody, lyrics, and guitar for the band since its formation in 2008. Named Best Female Artist in 2022 by the Central PA Music Awards, Sarah is known for her prolific stream of stand-out melodies, salt-of-the-earth vocals, and true lyrical artistry. Sarah recently released an original solo album, Appalachia Blues(2023), which showcases Sarah’s signature songcraft and production talent. The opening track, Lonesome Sparrow–a bright, folk-pop love song– was selected as a finalist in the 2023 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest.
On vocals, accordion, penny whistle, and autoharp, Jason Whetstone brings a depth of musical talent to the group with his professional background in sound engineering and years of experience in theater, singing, and musical collaborations. Brilliant when building harmonies with the group, his ability to play multiple instruments throughout performances is a joy for audiences to experience.
On drums, Kelly McClain is one of the founding members of the group. He brings a unique and powerful energy to the drum kit and lifts the music up to another level with his talents. Entirely self-taught, Kelly brings his passion for music in the styles of blues and roots to the band’s folk genre.
On vocals and hand percussion is Jennifer Hara. Her deep love for moving people through music is easily seen and felt on stage with her passionate and powerful voice, and her warm and uplifting energy throughout the performances.
“Well-crafted songs, lush harmonies, and a sound that feels like you’re hanging outside on a warm summer evening”, The Burg Magazine. Visit https://bigskyquartet.com/home for videos and further information.
SUNY Oswego’s one and only treble a cappella group, Octavia, opens for Big Sky Quartet. Visithttps://m.facebook.com/people/Octavia/100090118802899/ or https://www.youtube.com/@oz_octaviafor more information.
Tickets are on sale online now at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ ($15-$18; College Students $10), or at the rivers end Bookstore in 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.
Guest Host, Mark Zane, will lead off Open Mic Friday on April 12 and will be followed by performers who sign up that night. Doors open at 6:30 with sign-ups taking place then and throughout the evening, as space allows. Musicians typically play three songs each.
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. Visit www.reverbnation.com/markzane for videos and further information.
All ages and experience levels are welcome. Budding performers, singer-songwriters and musicians of all genres are given an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment using cutting edge professional sound and lighting equipment.
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 the stage with light refreshments available. 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 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/ 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 5 A Night with Hunter Cazz and Friends
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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