The McKrells bring their unique blend of Celtic bluegrass back to the Port City on Saturday, Feb. 25. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Oswego Music Hall, McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego.

All six players in this powerhouse band are capable of lead singer status, making the harmony vocals stunning, the energy explosive and each song a gem. The line-up can be said to be a “who’s who” of North Country roots music, with each player a top draw in their own right.

Band leader Kevin McKrell pioneered American Celtic music in 1979 with the band Donnybrook Fair, whose 1982 album “Tunnel Tigers” remains a landmark of the style. The band toured throughout the U.S. and Ireland before McKrell formed his namesake band, merging Irish sensibility with a steely bluegrass edge. The McKrells have performed for audiences at the top Celtic, folk and bluegrass festivals across the country including highly esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City and The Egg in Albany.

McKrell’s bandmates include Peter Pashoukos, Brian Melick, Frank Orsini, Scott Hopkins and Arlin Greene, a world-wide touring artist with an array of different bands and musicians.

Peter Pashoukos is an original member of Garland Nelson’s Soul Session and one half of the award-winning acoustic duo The Tequila Mockingbirds. Self-taught, Pashoukos draws inspiration from many genres – from soul to bluegrass – which comes through in his phrasing, speed and playfulness. In addition to being a solo artist, he is lead singer of the Saratoga-based group Perennial and contributing member of The McKrells.

Brian Melick has been featured on over 400 releases – three of which have found success on major cable networks and motion picture companies. A percussion educator, Melick built and performed on the first-ever Lego drum set, which was featured in the international magazine, “Modern Drummer.” He also holds several U.S. Patents for his custom designed percussion stands.

A versatile fiddler and seasoned ensemble player and singer, Frank Orsini has been a prominent acoustic musician on the Upstate New York music scene and a member of many long-standing established groups. His wide-ranging versatility comes from decades of studying and playing various styles of fiddling – from older, more traditional material to more contemporary styles.

Though a classically trained tubist, Scott Hopkins has kept his banjo nearby at all times. He became interested in bluegrass music from an early age – taking banjo lessons while playing tuba in the school band. He has played with a number of bands in New York and Vermont over the years and currently teaches middle/high school band classes outside Albany.

For The McKrells full tour schedule, visit https://themckrells.com/home or find The McKrells on Facebook for the latest news.

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 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 Guy Davis on Saturday, March 11 and Deeper Than Skin with Greg Greenway and Reggie Harris on Saturday, March 25. Concerts featuring Jonathan Byrd and the Burns Sisters Band are scheduled for Saturday, April 15 and Saturday, April 29, respectively. The Oswego Music Hall’s 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 ocpaoswego@gmail.com.

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 www.oswegomusichall.org/ or email ocpaoswego@gmail.com.

BRING ON THE MCKRELLS! – The McKrells bring their unique blend of Celtic, folk and bluegrass to the Port City on Saturday, February 25. The concert begins at 7:30 at the Oswego Music Hall, 41 Lake St., Oswego. Pictured from left are Brian Melick (percussion), Kevin McKrell (guitar), Arlin Greene (bass), Peter Pashoukos (guitar), Scott Hopkins (banjo) and Frank Orsini (fiddle). Photo provided by the artists.