Discover The Legacy Of Oneonta Concert Association's Cultural Impact

For music enthusiasts and lovers of live performances, the Oneonta Concert Association is a treasure trove of delightful experiences.

With its rich history and dedication to bringing outstanding musical talents to the stage, the association offers a platform for both seasoned and emerging artists to showcase their talents to audiences in and around Oneonta, New York.

Founded in 1928, the Oneonta Concert Association (OCA) holds the distinction of being the Western Catskills region's oldest cultural organization. The OCA is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who hail from Oneonta and surrounding communities.

With a mission to provide diverse, engaging, and world-class cultural offerings of live music and dance at an affordable price, the OCA has been bringing remarkable performances to the community for decades. From Grammy winners to internationally renowned artists, the association has showcased an impressive lineup of talent over the years.

Some of the notable performers presented by the OCA include Grammy winners Ron Carter and Mark O'Connor, the Vienna Boys Choir, the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Scotland's Battlefield Band, the esteemed Trapp Family Singers, the captivating Alvin Ailey dance troupe, the National Ballet of Senegal, and many other celebrated artists from around the globe.

On September 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., the renowned premier acoustic blues artist, Rory Block, will be performing at the Goodrich Theater, located within the Fine Arts Center at SUNY Oneonta. Rory Block, a seven-time blues music award winner, has garnered acclaim for her most recent album, "Ain't Nobody Worried," hailed as an "acoustic masterpiece." She is recognized as an important "Power woman of the blues" and is considered a strong contender for the most influential acoustic artist of our time.

On November 1, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton will be taking the stage at the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY Oneonta. Blanton is known for her captivating blend of hooks, chutzpah, and revolutionary optimism. With her unique mix of humor, soul, and political wit, along with over fifteen years of experience on the road, she has gathered a dedicated fan base and an impressive collection of hits. Inspired by artist-activists such as Nina Simone and Woody Guthrie, Blanton's catalog spans American popular song genres, ranging from folk and swing to pop-punk.

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If you're a music enthusiast looking for a memorable experience, be sure to explore the offerings of the Oneonta Concert Association!

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Upstate Legends! Bresee's Department Store in Oneonta!

This is another addition to our series on Upstate Legends! This gallery looks at one of the most famous stores in Central New York. Bresee's Department Store was a retail icon for more than 90 years in Oneonta. It had 745,000 square feet of retail space, one of the first escalators in Central New York, and perhaps the most beloved lunch counter of them all! Look at these great photos!

(Although commonly known as the Oneonta Department Store, we refer to it in this gallery as Bresee's Department Store)

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio