The Oswego Music Hall kicks off the new year with a mission and the Adam Ezra Group on Saturday, Jan. 13. The event includes talks with local veterans’ services agents about the support available to veterans. The talks begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego.

The Adam Ezra Group’s commitment to social change and earnest desire to support veterans is what spurred Tom Lambert, artistic director for the Oswego Music Hall, to arrange for a special meet-and-greet with representatives from the Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency and Clear Path for Veterans.

“It’s a unique opportunity for the community to experience the Adam Ezra Group in a listening room environment and also to show their support for the amazing work done by local organizations like the non-profit Clear Path for Veterans,” said Lambert. “We take a lot for granted, like being able to go out and listen to great music. But the experience is even better when you can give back to the community and feel good about helping others too.”

The public is invited to come early, meet the band and show support for both veterans’ services organizations. Both agencies will have tables and information about the services and support available for veterans. Clear Path for Veterans will be accepting donations to help further its work in the area.

Bandleader Ezra founded his own non-profit organization RallySound, which presents the annual Ramble Music Festival. Each year, 100% of the money raised from the event goes toward providing shelter to homeless veterans in the Northeast. Last year, they raised $143,000 for this worthy cause.

The Adam Ezra Group consists of Ezra and bandmates Corinna Smith (fiddle), Alex Martin (drums) and Poche Ponce (bass). A non-traditional band with Boston roots, the group has built a strong fan base over the past two decades with its fusion of folk, upbeat rock and soul-felt tunes that cross genres and generations. 

The band’s popularity gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ezra created “The Gathering Series” and brought his show online. Since it started, the show has reached approximately 15 million viewers and continues to connect fans each week. For more information, visit the band’s website at https://www.adamezra.com/home.

The winter/spring season continues with Mile Twelve on Jan. 27, Driftwood on Feb. 10, Vance Gilbert on Feb. 24, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen on March 9, Shawna Caspi & Rachael Kilgour on March 23, Big Sky Quartet on April 13, Livingston Taylor on April 27 and Sam Robbins in the season finale on May 11. 

Tickets prices range from $16 to $19. Admission is half-price for children aged 6 to 16 and free for those aged 5 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online at oswegomusichall.org, or in person by cash or check at any concert or at the river’s end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego. The community is encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time to ensure seating.

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. 

ENJOY A SHOW AND SUPPORT LOCAL VETERANS JAN. 13 – Come to the Oswego Music Hall in the McCrobie Building, 41 Lake St., Oswego on Saturday, Jan. 13 for a performance by the Adam Ezra Group and learn more about local veterans’ services. Representatives from the Oswego County Veterans’ Services Agency and Clear Path for Veterans will be at the event to talk about programs and support for veterans. Pictured are members of the Adam Ezra Group. From left are Poche Ponce; Corinna Smith; Adam Ezra; and Alex Martin. For event details, go to www.oswegomusichall.org.