OSWEGO – The Oswego Music Hall is proud to welcome back Sam Robbins (Neil Minet, opener) on Saturday, April 26. The venue is the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake Street in Oswego. Doors open at 6:30 PM for the So Much I Still Don’t See album release party. The show begins at 7:30 PM.
“One of the most promising new songwriters of his generation” –Mike Davies, Fateau Magazine, UK.
Sam Robbins is often described as an “old soul singer songwriter.” A Nashville based musician whose music evokes classic 70’s singer songwriters like James Taylor and Neil Young, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. An avid performer, he has gained recognition from extensive touring and as one of the six 2021 winners in the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition, one of the largest and most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country.
Sam released his debut album, Finally Feeling Young, on May 14th, 2021. The album is reminiscent of his 70’s singer-songwriter heroes, with a modern perspective. On the heels of the award-winning opening single, ‘Remind Me”, Finally Feeling Young has already garnered radio airplay and critical acclaim. Two album tracks, Remind Me and Saying Amen, won him a place as one of the six Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk winners. John Apice of Americana Highways writes: “He writes of subjects that others don’t explore. Saying Amen has Robbins touching that special place Leonard Cohen went. This is brilliance.”
A multi-instrumentalist from a young age, Sam began learning drums and piano, falling in love with guitar at age 15. He then started writing original music, recording his first CD during his sophomore year of high school, while playing open mics in his hometown of Portsmouth, NH.
Over his career, Sam has performed countless shows across the country, in theaters, house concerts, biker bars, weddings, proposals, frat parties, and everything in between. Sam is able to tour full time, and feels at home in both intimate listening rooms and larger venues. Sam is a solo acoustic performer who melds intricate and exciting acoustic guitar arrangements with smooth, intriguing vocals. Wherever he is performing, Sam builds an intimate, easy connection with the listener, naturally creating a feeling of closeness throughout the performance.
Sam is a full-time troubadour, playing over 150 shows a year across the country, including the MainStage at the Kerrville Folk Festival, Dripping Springs Songwriter’s Festival, and as one of the “‘Most Wanted to Return” artists in the 2023 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.
Since moving to Nashville in September 2019 following his graduation from Berklee College of Music, Sam has made a splash in music city – performing at the Bluebird Cafe within a month of moving, and sitting in again at the legendary venue with Liz Longley in February. Sam was also a winner at the Eddie’s Attic Songwriter’s shootout competition in Atlanta in early March 2020.
In 2018, Sam was able to audition and was aired on NBC’s The Voice, performing for Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and Jennifer Hudson as the first artist to perform a Jim Croce song on the show.
Sam considers himself a student of songwriting, constantly searching and learning about why songs have the impact they do. A 2019 graduate of Berklee College of Music’s songwriting department, he has hosted many songwriting workshops and masterclasses, including at the Harvard Music Department, the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, and the Folk Project’s Fall Acoustic Getaway. In his performances and workshops, Sam explores the magic behind the craft of songwriting, and tries to help others express themselves through the unique and powerful medium of songwriting.
Sam’s new album, So Much I Still Don’t See, will be released the day before the show at the Oswego Music Hall and it will be his last show on this tour before he gets married! We’ve decided to have an album release party for Sam and doors will open at 6:30 pm for the party. All are welcome!
For further information, visit https://samrobbinsmusic.com/home or view a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUZbLTs263c.
Neil Minet loves performing almost as much as he loves adventuring in solitude. Born, raised, and currently working in rural, upstate New York, Neil is a singer-songwriter and guitarist. His music is old-school but new-fashioned and tells stories about life while paying modern homage to great blues, folk, Americana and rock musicians. Much of his original music has memorable and catchy lyrics that give the audience a reason to sing along. Otherwise, they’re probably jamming out to the rhythm and talent on stage. Neil is individualistic and loves finding inspiration in the outdoors. These are the themes that are revealed in the undertones of the brand. Using music as a way to connect, Neil strives to create unforgettable moments that brings people together and gives them an avenue to enjoy life. Through musical storytelling in his lyrics, he shares that everything will be alright. Further information is located on Facebook or https://www.neilminet.com/. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6NthKPRBYE&t=1s to view a video.
Shows start at 7:30 PM and doors open at 7:00 for all National Stage concerts. 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/ ($17-$22), 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 $30 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 are cash or check only at the door.
The Jeff Stockham Quartet, playing tribute to trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker, appears on the Main Stage on May 2 as the final installment of #JazzByTheLake’s Spring season.
“When a CNY Jazz icon plays tribute to the king of “West Coast Cool”, it is sure to be a magical evening of live music”, Dave Kaspar, Curator JazzByTheLake.
The group showcases trumpeter/vocalist Jeff Stockham. Jeff has performed previously at JazzByTheLake with his group The Jazz Horn Legacy Sextet. He is a featured member of The Central New York Jazz Orchestra. He also appears with other ensembles including The Stock Market Swing Band. He recently played on the Sammy Award winning record of The Ripcords. Keyboardist Barry Blumenthal is a true multi-instrumentalist playing keys, trumpet, flugelhorn, and violin. He currently is a featured member of The Salt City Jazz Collective and The Latin Groove Connection. Bassist Tom Brigandi is a member of The Central New York Jazz Orchestra and has his own group, Tom Brigandi’s Jazz Bass and Beyond. He also spent time with the late great Chuck Mangione’s Band touring nationally. Drummer Jimmy Johns is one of the most sought-after musicians in CNY. His trio has over a twenty-year residency at Pastabillities in Syracuse. As both a drummer and vibraphonist Jimmy has delighted audiences across New York State. This show 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.
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.
On Saturday, April 26th 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature Sam Robbins with Neil Minet opening. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Friday, April 25th 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 Joanne Sherwood. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
On Friday, May 2nd 7:30 PM at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the Oswego Music Hall will feature The Jeff Stockham Quartet playing tribute to trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker. Jazz by the Lake. Info: https://www.oswegomusichall.org/
2025 Music Hall Events Calendar
Spring Season
National Stage 48th season
April 26 – Sam Robbins. Neil Minet Opens.
May 10 – Season Finale: Emerging Artist Showcase w/The Honey Badgers
Open Mic Friday
April 25 – Joanne Sherwood
Guest Curator Series
May 2 – Jazz-by-the-Lake: The Jeff Stockham Quartet
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