Events Directory

Friends and musical compatriots for over 30 years – Ralston & J Oscar will represent the tradition of original songs that go deep, yet bring uplift.

“In addition, as these two continue to push the envelope with their music, they are also tireless proponents of musical community building – which is at the core of why the Grand River Folk Arts Society was created and founded in 1975.”

J Oscar & Ralston will play tunes to set moods while singing stories of today, yesterday and tomorrow – a few you can sing along to. They will likely tell a few winding tales – expect a bit of verbal mischief and other good craic.

The Concert of “NEW and Traditional Songs for the Winter Holiday Season” returns in a new location – Studio Park’s LISTENING ROOM!

Your live-streamed variety show for the new Roaring 20’s.
With comedic co-host Stu McCallister, Comedian Dwayne Gill, Musician J. Oscar Bittenger, A message of “Love & Light” with Tina Derusha of Luna Zen, A new “Homeschool w/ Gene Heartfield, A New “Funky Trunk”, Billy Jack Pt.4 and a 2nd promo for “Party Time!”

Watch live performance video of “Hot Night“ sometime between 4:30 and 5:30 –  Click for schedule

As with “physical” Festival of the Arts – stick around, there’s always something to see!

Watch live performance video of “Hot Night“ sometime between 4:30 and 5:30 –  Click for schedule

As with “physical” Festival of the Arts – stick around, there’s always something to see!

Musical guest – Singer/songwriter J Oscar Bittinger

Storytelling around a fire – based on the authentic oral tradition, an engaging evening of entertainment.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, set up under the summer stars and listen to or share a story, poem or song. There will be room a-plenty for safe, social distancing, and sound reinforcement so you won’t miss a word. When have we ever needed something like this more?

EPISODE 01 – Begin, Review, Continue

PLAY ⏯ RWD ⏮ FWD ⏭ is a 3-4 song show with extras and interactions presented on Facebook. J Oscar will ⏯ a song or two currently performed live, ⏮ to a past song played solo or in a previous band (Pillar of Fire, Oxter/Mahone, The Folk Bros, The Ruby Skies or other), then ⏭ to “workshop” a NEW song. The short show will include a mix of live performances, blarney, vintage recordings and new videos, and interaction with the Facebook audience. Songs may be augmented with additional performers or machines of loving groove.

PLAY ⏯ RWD ⏮ FWD ⏭ is a series of TEN themed episodes presented over 10 months on the 10th of each month, begun in the 10th month of 2020.

EPISODE 01 SONGS

1. Gravity [instrumental] (J Oscar Bittinger)
2. Hand in Hand (J Oscar Bittinger) & Lauran Hardin)
3. Big Blue Sky (J Oscar Bittinger)
4. Walkin’ Down a Country Lane (J Oscar Bittinger)