The Oswego Music Hall presents headliner Big Sky Quartet with SUNY Oswego a cappella group Octavia opening the show on Saturday, April 13. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego.

“The richness of Big Sky Quartet’s three-part harmonies is what really drew me to their performance as headliner artists at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) conference,” said Oswego Music Hall Artistic Director Tom Lambert. “It’s always a treat to be able to bring new musicians to our venue who have been so well received by the large audience at NERFA.”

Big Sky Quartet is an award-winning, original four-piece roots/folk music act based in central Pennsylvania. Now in its 15th year of music-making and performing throughout the Eastern United States, the band has been recognized for the best harmonies in the region, and was awarded Best Trio in 2019, Best Folk Band in 2021 and Best Album of the Year in 2021 for “Red Fire Rising” by the Central PA Music Awards.

All four members come together to bring music that has been called “beautiful, deep, uplifting and moving.”

Sarah Fiore is the band’s lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist, and has been writing melody, lyrics and guitar for the band since its formation in 2008. Named Best Female Artist in 2022 by the Central PA Music Awards, Fiore is known for her prolific stream of stand-out melodies, salt-of-the-earth vocals and true lyrical artistry. In 2023, she released an original solo album, “Appalachia Blues,” which showcases her signature songcraft and production talent. The opening track, “Lonesome Sparrow,” a bright, folk-pop love song, was selected as a finalist in the 2023 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest.

On vocals, accordion, penny whistle and autoharp, Jason Whetstone brings a depth of musical talent to the group with his professional background in sound engineering and years of experience in theater, singing and musical collaborations. Brilliant when building harmonies with the group, his ability to play multiple instruments throughout each performance is a joy for audiences to experience.

On drums, Kelly McClain is one of the founding members of the group. He brings a unique and powerful energy to the drum kit and lifts the music up to another level with his talents. Entirely self-taught, Kelly brings his passion for blues and roots music to the band’s folk genre.

On vocals and hand percussion is Jennifer Hara. Her deep love for moving people through music is easily seen and felt on stage with her passionate and powerful voice and her warm and uplifting energy throughout each performance.

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

SUNY Oswego’s treble a cappella group, Octavia, opens for Big Sky Quartet. Learn more on the group’s Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/people/Octavia/100090118802899/.

The spring season continues with Livingston Taylor on April 27 and Sam Robbins in the season finale on May 11. 

Ticket prices range from $15 to $18. Admission is $10 for college students, 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. 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.

For performance schedules, ticket details or other information about the Oswego Music Hall, 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. 

AWARD-WINNING HARMONIES ENCHANT LISTENERS – Big Sky Quartet, a folk/roots band hailing from Pennsylvania, performs at the Oswego Music Hall on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $18 and can be purchased at any concert, online at www.oswegomusichall.org or at the river’s end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego. The Oswego Music Hall is located at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego. Pictured from left are band members Jennifer Hara, Sarah Fiore, Kelly McClain and Jason Whetstone.