The community is in for a treat come August when a multi-award winning musician comes to the village as part of the Concerts in the Park series.
Pop-rock performer Anthony Snape, whose songs have been played on shows including General Hospital, ABC News and The Biggest Loser, will take the stage at noon Sunday, Aug. 26, in , 65 N. Harrison, located on the north corner of Washington and Harrison streets in downtown .
“We learned that Anthony Snape was doing a private show in the area from a resident from one of the surrounding communities and while in town was interested in other performances,” Oswego Community Relations Coordinator Michele Bergeron said. “So we checked out his website and agreed that he would be a great fit for the village’s Sunday Concerts in the Park series.”
Snape, an Australian native, learned how to play guitar from a Tommy Emmanuel instructional book, according to a press release. Little did he know that years later guitar virtuoso Emmanuel would become his friend and mentor.
At age 17, Snape moved from his small town to Sydney to pursue his musical career. There he played the club and bar scene and recorded his first CD, Disappearing Day. During that time he also received many awards from the Australian press, including Acoustic Artist of the Year and Best Pop Artist.
After Emmanuel received a copy of Snape's CD from a friend, in 2008 he invited Snape to open for his United States tour. Snape was more than happy to oblige.
Since then Snape has moved to Nashville and performed hundreds of shows in the United States as Emmanuel's opening act. He was also a featured performer in Emmanuel’s 2011 PBS special Tommy Emmanuel and Friends: Live from the Balboa Theatre, in San Diego.
Snape said he draws inspiration from artists such as Crowded House, Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas, and Coldplay.
He said ever since he was little he has wanted to share stories through music that really resonate.
"In my head every performance is a stadium show, every song is like a part of my soul that is bursting to get out," he said.
Snape is currently working on his fifth album which he funded through a Kickstarter.com campaign. His fans rallied to more than $26,000 to bring his newest album to life.
Oswego officials are looking forward to his upcoming visit.
“We were excited for the opportunity to bring an international recording artist to downtown Oswego,” Bergeron said. “We also felt that our residents would truly enjoy his music and this experience.”
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the free show.
For more information on the Oswego’s Concerts in the Park, call 630-554-3618 or visit www.visitoswego.org.
