OSWEGO – The Oswego Music Hall welcomes Joe Crookston, with Mark Wahl opening, on Saturday, January 10. The venue is the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street in Oswego. A Meet & Greet Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. to welcome in the new year. The show will begin at 7:30.
Whether he’s weaving through lap slide songs or fiddling an American Southern tune, Joe draws you in. With unwavering courage to be himself, he is literate, poignant and funny as hell. Joe is a force of nature on stage. Pure magic. He’s in his power AND communes with his audience.
From touring with Gordon Lightfoot, headlining major US festivals, receiving Folk Alliance International “Album of the Year,” releasing NINE BECOMES ONE (2024) to being named Folk Alliance International Artist-in- Resident, Joe is on fire. He’s played with Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, David Francey, John McCutcheon, John Gorka, Judy Collins and 100’s more. His songs are being made into award winning films. He’ll surprise you. He awakens the cynics. His rhythm is infectious. In concert, he is funny as hell one moment and transcendent the next.
Joe has eight acclaimed studio albums of award-winning songs, many of which have been covered by other musicians. He toured in 2021-2022 with Gordon Lightfoot. Able Baker Charlie & Dog was awarded “Album of the Year” by Folk Alliance International (2009), indicating that it received more radio airplay than any other folk album released the year prior.
Joe Crookston is a master storyteller. His music swirls with themes of lightness, darkness, clocks ticking, fiddle looping, weeping willows, slide guitar bending, cynicism, hope, and the cycles of life and rebirth. If you love a moving song and musical madness, Joe Crookston delivers it all, the melodies, the lyrics, the energy, and a deep passion for exceptionally well-written songs. For further information, visit https://www.joecrookston.com/ or view a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcIUXe-tS4E.
Mark Wahl is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and luthier. He has been around the local acoustic music scene for decades and is known by many as the former director of the Ontario Center for Performing Arts (the Oswego Music Hall). A graduate of the State University of New York College at Oswego, Mark retired from his business in design and general contracting to direct his full energies to his music, the Oswego Music Hall, and his luthierie shop where he produces and repairs fine acoustic instruments.
Mark’s songs are often poignant vignettes with powerful use of metaphor and simple, compelling melodies. Mark’s 2018 CD release “Circadia” was nominated for best Album in the “Americana” category of the SAMMYs (Syracuse Area Music Awards). Mark’s popular 2013 CD “Everything Returns” was recorded with his trio “Canvas Moon”. Please visit https://www.markwahlguitars.com/ for further information; view a video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq-vOkzJ7uQ.
For a complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit the website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or stop at the river’s end bookstore, 19 West Bridge Street in Oswego.
Tickets are on sale online now at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ ($20-25), or at the rivers end Bookstore, 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.
Ticket prices for the National Stage range from a low of $17 to $25 at the door. Children 16 and under are half price and under 5 are free. Purchase tickets at any concert, online or at the river’s end bookstore. Tickets purchased at the door and 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 and Instagram, 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.
PSA/Calendar
On Saturday, January 10th 7:30 PM (Meet & Greet 6:30) at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Joe Crookston with Mark Wahl opening. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, January 24th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Driftwood. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, February 7th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Cliff Eberhardt accompanied by Louise Coombe. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, February 21st 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature a Co-bill with Julian Taylor & Crys Matthews. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, March 7th 7:30 PM (Meet & Greet 6:30) at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature The Rebel Eves with Amanda Rogers opening. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, March 21st 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Liz Longley with Cam Caruso opening. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, April 11th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature a Co-bill with The Rough & Tumble & The Honey Badger.Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, April 25th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Tom Rush accompanied by Brenden Cleary. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Saturday, May 9th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall Season Finale & Emerging Artist Showcase. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
2026 Music Hall Events Calendar – Winter/Spring Season
National Stage 49th season
Jan. 10 Joe Crookston with Mark Wahl opening
24 Driftwood
Feb. 7 Cliff Eberhardt accompanied by Louise Coombe
21 Black History Month. Co-bill with Julian Taylor & Crys Matthews
Mar. 7 3rd Annual Women in Music Show. The Rebel Eves with Amanda Rogers opening
21 Liz Longley with Cam Caruso opening
Apr. 11 2×2 Partner Series. Co-bill with The Rough & Tumble & The Honey Badgers
25 Tom Rush accompanied by Brenden Cleary
May 9 Season Finale & Emerging Artist Showcase. Headliner: TBA
TBA: Guest Curator, Jazz by the Lake, Open Mic Nights
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