The Palladium-Times
Wednesday
January 7, 2009
A New Year, A New Look For Oswego Music Hall
In existence for more than 30 years, the Oswego Music Hall is getting a Web face lift, and with a web presence that will make it easy to access information about upcoming shows and artists, sign-up for the Music Hall e-mails, and purchase tickets online. The new Web site is www.oswegomusichall.org.
At a time when many small arts organizations are struggling to stay alive, this represents an important new initiative designed to increase ticket sales and awareness of the Oswego Music Hall as an important arts organization, both regionally and in the city of Oswego. Performances take place at the Roy C. McCrubie Building located at 41 Lake St., overlooking Lake Ontario.
On cold winter nights, the warmth of the venue is palpable as the community gathers to hear live acoustic music, sample homemade desserts and sip hot cider. While many coffee houses across the country have met their demise, the Oswego Music Hall has continued to thrive, and remains a favorite performing venue for American and Canadian musicians. Importantly, it is also a venue that is family-friendly as children are always welcome.
The new site and branding represent the culmination of a significant effort by members of the Oswego Music Hall’s board of directors, and was made possible in large part by a Technical Assistance grant received from the New York State Council on the Art’s Presenting Program. This made it possible to contract Jeff Welsh, an Oswego resident whose business, FolioType Design House, llc. (www.foliotype.com), is based in Oswego. Board member Thad Mantaro has spearheaded the project with the support of board president, Mary Avrakotos. Board member Colin Nektritz, a local freelance designer, assisted in extending the new branding to the Music Hall e-mail announcement and season flier.
To sign up for e-mail updates go to www.oswegomusichall.org. Even better, attend a show. It is a guaranteed panacea for the winter doldrums and a great way to start off the new year by trying something “new,” if you are not already among the devotees who attend shows on a regular basis. Phone reservations can be made by calling 342-1733. The first show of the winter 2009 season features indiesinger/songwriter Melissa Ferrick at 8 p.m., Saturday.
