The Oswego Music Hall presents Driftwood on Saturday, Feb. 10. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego.

“Driftwood has performed on the Oswego Music Hall stage several times, each time leaving us hungry to bring them back,” said Tom Lambert, artistic director for the Oswego Music Hall.

The title track and first single from Driftwood’s spring 2024 album, “December Last Call” is now out everywhere. Penned by guitarist-songwriter Joe Kollar, the track transports the listener to the middle of a rowdy, college dive bar.

“December’s a drink song, so much so I don’t remember writing it,” said Kollar.

After two years of starts and stops, a few pauses through the COVID-19 pandemic, one scrapped attempt and lots of late nights in the studio, the upstate New York folk musicians finally wrapped up recording sessions for “December Last Call” last fall. Recorded in the basement studio of Kollar’s parents’ Upstate New York home, the album concept was simple: “keep it organic.”

“We grew up making music in that basement,” said guitarist-songwriter Dan Forsyth. “After recording our last album with a well-known producer in an out-of-town studio, it felt so right to be back down there, growing the tracks from scratch on our own.”

The album is due out in the spring of 2024 and it’s definitely Driftwood’s most explorative effort yet. From full on, electric guitar-laden rock tracks to barren, stripped down acoustic ballads, the palette is big, but the offerings are sincere and purposeful.

“These songs are a snapshot of us over the last few years,” said violinist Claire Byrne. “They are a reflection on life – past, present and future. They portray a group of great friends who have continued to evolve together and separately over more than 15 years.”

Formed by two high school friends bent on traveling the country playing folk music together, Driftwood has turned into one of the hardest working original bands in the business. In 2008, they met Byrne and started touring full time in 2009. In 2010, bassist Joey Arcuri joined and by then they were regularly hitting the East Coast club circuit. Drummer Sam Fishman, a more recent addition, joined in 2021.

With three people sharing the vocal and songwriting duties, there are certainly some disparate elements at play reminiscent of other well-known, multi-singer bands. But it’s very apparent Driftwood has no interest in emulation; their focus seems to be purely on creation.

For more information, visit the band’s website at https://www.driftwoodtheband.com/.  

The spring season continues with Vance Gilbert and opener Cam Caruso 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. 

Ticket prices range from $17 to $20. 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, 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 6:30 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. 

DRIFTWOOD LANDS IN THE PORT CITY – Oswego Music Hall welcomes Driftwood to the main stage on Saturday, Feb. 10. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Pictured from left are band members Claire Byrne and Joe Kollar (seated) and Joey Arcuri, Sam Fishman and Dan Forsyth.