OSWEGO COUNTY – Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway bring their songs and stories to the Oswego Music Hall’s National Stage Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway on Saturday, March 25. Their musical presentation, “Deeper Than The Skin,” begins at 7:30 p.m. following a meet-and-greet reception at 6:30 p.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego.
Harris and Greenway have a unique story. Born three days apart, the reality of racial divisions in America started them in two different worlds, but the bonds of music, respect, admiration and shared vision brought them together as friends and colleagues.
Both musicians, storytellers, students of history and world travelers, they are on this pilgrimage of over three decades together. Their two individual narratives have forged into one powerful friendship aimed at finding common ground and helping others to do the same. Together and individually, Harris and Greenway have brought the issue of race before audiences all across North America.
Their story now comes to the Port City – a renowned haven for seekers of freedom and social justice. A leader of Underground Railroad history in the U.S., Oswego County has more documented sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places than any other county in New York State. It is also home to the only Holocaust refugee shelter in the U.S. during World War II.
Two hundred years in the making, this heritage sets the stage for Harris and Greenway’s “Deeper Than The Skin,” a presentation of singing and listening, of experiencing a connection so deep that it makes people laugh, smile, cry and reconsider what they know about this country’s history.
Margie Rosenkranz, director of the Eighth Step Concert Series in Schenectady, N.Y. said of the show, “…a profoundly moving evening of deep sharing and stellar musicianship.”
For more information, go to www.DeeperThanTheSkin.com or view a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=580A46iYqek.
Harris is the music education director of the Living Legacy Project of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), co-leading tours through the hallowed civil rights ground of the south. He is a Woodrow Wilson Scholar and has led hundreds of programs on race and social justice.
Greenway is one third of the band Brother Sun. At Harris’ request, he was part of the planning committee for “Marching in the Arc of Justice,” a UUA conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma voting rights actions.
Prior to the “Deeper Than The Skin” performance, concert-goers can meet and mingle with the artists as well as representatives from various organizations dedicated to keeping this unifying message and social history alive. They can pick up brochures, event information and purchase items that support their cause.
?Special guests include Jim Hotchkiss and Allie Proud, Starr Clark Tin Shop and Underground Railroad Museum and the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State; Pastors Andrew and James Hinman, Bristol Hill Church; Edward Elsner, Oswego Public Library; Dot Willsey, Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark; Audrey Hurley, Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum; and Kelly Jordal, Oswego County Tourism.
Oswego Music Hall shows start at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m. for all National Stage concerts. For a complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit the Oswego Music Hall website at https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or stop at the river’s end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego.
The Oswego Music Hall’s winter/spring season continues with Jonathan Byrd and the Burns Sisters Band on Saturday, April 15 and Saturday, April 29, respectively. The season finale features Annie Sumi & Travis Knapp on Saturday, May 13.
Ticket prices for the National Stage range from $15 to $20 at the door. Admission is half-price for children aged 6 to 16 and free for those aged 5 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at any concert, online or at the river’s end bookstore in Oswego.
The Oswego Music Hall is located in the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, and is wheelchair accessible. 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.
The Oswego Music Hall is a family-friendly, non-profit organization that has been run entirely by volunteers from its inception over 40 years ago. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through various tasks, from running the sound board to making popcorn. Students can also earn credit for community service. To volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator Michael Moss at [email protected].
The Oswego Music Hall pays close attention to federal, state and local COVID-19 guidelines to do what’s best for performers and patrons – being mindful of everyone’s safety and their enjoyment of the show. Masks are now strongly recommended and will be available at the door.
Should conditions warrant, precautions may revert back to stricter requirements without notice. Please check https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ for updated information.
Find more information about the Oswego Music Hall, visit https://www.oswegomusichall.org/ or email [email protected].
Oswego Music Hall 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.
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