Livingston Taylor headlines the Oswego Music Hall main stage with opening act Ash & Eric on Saturday, April 27. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St., Oswego.

Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, beginning a career that spans more than 50 years and encompasses performance, songwriting and teaching. He has written Top 40 hits recorded by his brother James Taylor and has appeared with Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac and Jimmy Buffet.

Described as “equal parts Mark Twain, college professor and musical icon,” Taylor is equally at home with a range of musical genres – such as folk, pop, gospel and jazz – and going from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads to full orchestra performances.

From Top 40 hits “Carolina Day,” “Get out of Bed,” “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman,” (the last two recorded by his brother James), Taylor’s creative output continues unabated, creating a varied repertoire he showcases at more than 100 shows every year.

He was also a professor at Berklee College of Music for 30 years – passing on his extensive knowledge to the next generation of musicians, including Charlie Puth, Liz Longely, John Mayer, Molly Tuttle, Gavin McGraw, Susan Tedesci, Matt Cusson, Grace Kelly, Clay Cook and Betty Who. His book, “Stage Performance,” based on his course and stage experience, has become the go-to book for those interested in elevating their performance from good to professional.

“Livingston Taylor: Life is Good,” a documentary feature film directed by Tracy Anarella, was released in 2018 and garnered much acclaim, including The Van Gogh Award for Feature Documentary at the Amsterdam International Film Festival. Now available on Amazon, see the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE0j7PMP8uk.

In 2019, American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television released “Livingston Taylor Live from Sellersville Theater: Songs and Stories” which broadcast nationally and featured Matt Cusson and Chelsea Berry, both former students and touring musicians. Go to https://www.pbs.org/video/livingston-taylor-songs-stories-3byjpc/ and see the trailer.

Ash & Eric open for Taylor. Hailing from the gritty heart of New England – Worcester, Massachusetts – the married couple have never shied away from life’s hard edges and are experts in discovering the beauty in life’s challenges. Their musings reflect the hope and pain we all experience, sung in voices as vulnerable and honest as their lyrics.

Their warm harmonies, swirling acoustic guitars and easy stage presence have earned them a dedicated following in the emerging U.S. folk scene, performing with legends such as Livingston Taylor, Vance Gilbert, Heather Maloney and Mark Erelli. Their independent nine-song release, “Sure,” was recorded, mixed and produced by Eric at a boarding school in Western Massachusetts and will be accompanied by a feature-length film to be released in June 2024. Go to https://www.ashandericmusic.com/ for more information.

The Oswego Music Hall’s spring season continues with Sam Robbins in the season finale on May 11. 

Ticket prices range from $33 to $36. 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. 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. 

LIVINGSTON TAYLOR COMES TO THE PORT CITY – Headliner Livingston Taylor and show-openers Ash & Eric perform at the Oswego Music Hall, 41 Lake St., Oswego, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Tickets range from $33 to $36 and can be purchased at any concert, online at www.oswegomusichall.org or at the river’s end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego. Pictured is Livingston Taylor at a past performance.