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The Ontario Center for Performing Arts wraps up its winter season of Oswego Music Hall performances with multi-instrumentalist songwriter Mark Rust, live at 8 pm, Saturday, December 6, in the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street, Oswego.
Mark Rust comes from a musical family. His grandmother immigrated to America in the 1920’s, and later opened a nightclub in which everyone in the family performed music. When Mark was old enough, he joined the family’s entertainment. Over the next many years, the Rust family traveled and performed widely at concerts and festivals.
He has become a versatile performer on a variety of instruments including guitar, piano, banjo, fiddle, mountain dulcimer, and hammered dulcimer. As a solo act, Mark has performed across the country, and in Canada and Japan. A prolific songwriter of nearly 200 songs, Mark has been called “one of the Northeast’s great undiscovered songwriters” by OP Magazine, a periodical devoted to independent music.
Mark has been involved in many theatrical productions. He joined the National Touring Company of the Broadway hit “Pump Boys & Dinettes”, starring in the lead role, and playing a variety of instruments. He has served as musical director of many musicals across the country. Mark was commissioned to compose original music & lyrics for a production of the ancient comedy “The Rope” by Plautus. Mark was selected to perform several shows in New York City to promote the release of the film “A Prairie Home Companion”.
Mark has released several recordings. They include Songs of America for Golden Books, Home Fires featuring Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) and Jay Ungar (PBS Civil War Series), Legacy with songs of family & growing up, and his most recent CD Live at The Ithaca Festival.
Mark Rust’s music and stage presence reflect the harmonies of nature and the simplicity and beauty of life as he has known it while growing up in the Catskill Mountains. His material focuses upon the timeless topics to which we all relate. Whether it be tales of family or friends, struggles and stress, past memories or future dreams, Mark will captivate you with lyrics revealing wisdom beyond his years.
Yet, the songs, the voice, and the instruments, are still not the whole story. Mark infuses his concerts with an infectious sense of fun as he shares his down-home anecdotes and humorous stories. In the end, you have been treated to a voyage through your own experiences during an evening that is both memorable and moving. His music will touch your heart and leave you laughing.
Admission to this show is payable at the door – $8 for Music Hall members and $12 for non-members. Children under age 12 are half-price and under five are free. Call 315-342-1733 for reservations, which are recommended and held until 7:50 the night of the show. (Please note that reservations can only be made for this show at this time. Reservations for future shows will be accepted beginning two weeks prior to the show date.)
Upcoming 2009 Oswego Music Hall shows:
- January 10: Melissa Ferrick – Passionate Singer/Songwriter
- January 24: Miche Fambro returns – Soulful Heart-felt Folk
- February 7: Beaucoup Blue – WARM UP OSWEGO FESTIVAL
- April 4: Ken Whiteley – Canadian musical statesman
- April 18: Delaney Brothers – CNY Spun Bluegrass
- May 2: Bill Staines – Time-tested Folk
- May 30: Vance Gilbert – Soaring Singer/Songwriter
The Music Hall is an all-volunteer, family-friendly venue featuring primarily folk and acoustic music. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage. Homemade desserts, popcorn and beverages are available for purchase. Call 315-342-1733 for more information or to be placed on the Music Hall mailing list. OCPA events are made possible in part with public funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.
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