Legendary Central New York vocalist Ronnie Leigh and his quartet showcase the third and final show of Oswego Music Hall’s Jazz by the Lake series Saturday, Nov. 11. The performance begins at 7:30 a.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego.

A founding member of The Atlas Linen Company in the early 1980s, Leigh went on to form Ronnie Leigh and Alliance with many of his previous band members. Since then, he has had one of the most successful careers as a solo artist, playing from Seattle to New York City to Europe. Leigh currently serves as artistic director for Fayetteville Jazz. He has won six Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYs) and is now a member of the SAMMY Hall of Fame.

The Ronnie Leigh Quartet includes pianist Dino Losito, bassist Peter Chwazic and drummer Joshua Dekaney.

Hailing from Elmira, N.Y., Losito has performed with such jazz notables as Eric Alexander, Houston Person and Harry Allen.

One of the most sought-after musicians in the Rochester area, Chwazic is equally adept at performing on both upright and electric basses. In Rochester, he plays with artists Rich Thompson and Clay Jenkins and in Central New York, Chwazic plays the nine-string electric bass with Paul Merrill’s group, Electrolyte.

A percussion professor at Syracuse University, Dekaney’s Brazilian ensemble, Samba Laranja, has been featured four times at Jazz at Lincoln Center. He has shared the stage with Jimmy Haslip, Wycliffe Gordon and Aretha Franklin, known to many as the “Queen of Soul.”

For more information, visit https://www.ronnieleigh.com/ or Ronnie Leigh’s Facebook page.

Jazz by the Lake is part of the Oswego Music Hall’s Guest Curator Program which introduces new line-ups outside the regular concert series. Many of these artists represent demographics and genres not typical in the organization’s programming. Curated events continue Dec. 9 with the Kerouac multimedia presentation.

Tickets prices range from $18 to $23. 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 at www.oswegomusichall.org or at the river’s end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego.

Oswego Music Hall shows start at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m. Located in the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego, the venue is wheelchair accessible. The building is adjacent to Breitbeck Park and overlooks Lake Ontario and 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 enjoyment of the show. Should conditions warrant, safeguards may be reinstated without notice. Please check www.oswegomusichall.org for updated information.

For performance schedules, ticket details or other information about the Oswego Music Hall, go to go to www.oswegomusichall.org, email ocpaoswego@gmail.com, or find it online on Facebook and Instagram.

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. 

 SMOOTH JAZZ ON THE SHORES OF LAKE ONTARIO – Vocalist Ronnie Leigh and his quartet take the stage on Saturday, Nov. 11 for the Oswego Music Hall’s Jazz by the Lake series finale. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego. Pictured is Ronnie Leigh at a past performance. Photo by John Herr.