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.

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)

EPISODE 02 – November, Pause

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 02 SONGS

1. Fiction of a Real Life (J Oscar Bittinger)
2. The Waiting Garden (J Oscar Bittinger) & Lauran Hardin)
3. If Trust Breaks Down (J Oscar Bittinger)
4. Something Wild Inside (J Oscar Bittinger)

EPISODE 03 – The Day Before the Snow Fell

PLAY ⏯ RWD ⏮ FWD ⏭ is a 3-5 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 incarnation (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 03 SONGS

• The Day Before the Snow Fell (J Oscar Bittinger)
• Bright Winter Blue (J Oscar Bittinger)
• Holly Jolly Holiday (J Oscar Bittinger) & Lauran Hardin)
• A Winter’s Tune (J Oscar Bittinger)
• TBA (J Oscar Bittinger)

EPISODE 2021.01 – Back to the Beginning

PLAY ⏯ REW ⏮ FWD ⏭ is a 3-5 song show with extras and interactions presented as a public event on Facebook. J Oscar will do a song or two currently performed live, REW to a past song – played solo or in a previous band incarnation (Pillar of Fire, Oxter/Mahone, The Folk Bros, The Ruby Skies or other), then FWD 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.

As some form of “COVID conditions” are likely to continue over the next year PLAY ⏯ REW ⏮ FWD ⏭ will run for “12 shows, on the 12th, for all of 21”.

Shows will be archived if you miss them and songs from the show will available on Bandcamp for purchase.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1026210951190824/

EPISODE 2021.01 SONGS

• A REQUESTED REPRISE Bright Winter Blue -(J Oscar Bittinger)
• Carry On For Two (J Oscar Bittinger )
• Your Confidant (J Oscar Bittinger)
• Watcha Wanna Do Tonight (J Oscar Bittinger)

EPISODE 2021.02 – Hearts – Assorted Flavors

As February contains Valentine’s day, this episode will feature songs of love and romance.

PLAY ⏯ REW ⏮ FWD ⏭ is a 3-5 song show with extras and interactions presented as a public event on Facebook. J Oscar will do a song or two currently performed live, REW to a past song – played solo or in a previous band incarnation (Pillar of Fire, Oxter/Mahone, The Folk Bros, The Ruby Skies or other), then FWD 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.

As some form of “COVID conditions” are likely to continue over the next year PLAY ⏯ REW ⏮ FWD ⏭ will run for “12 shows, on the 12th, for all of 21”.

Shows will be archived if you miss them and songs from the show will available on Bandcamp for purchase.

https://www.facebook.com/joscarbittinger/videos/4071430902889945

Performed/recorded Feb12, 2021 @ 7:00 pm EDT

EPISODE 2021.02 SONGS

• Love Calling (J Oscar Bittinger )
• Take a Step with Me (J Oscar Bittinger)
• This Dance Will Have To Do (J Oscar Bittinger)
• The Lark Has Flown (J Oscar Bittinger)
• River of Delight (J Oscar Bittinger)
• Girl from Eastmanville (J Oscar Bittinger)

EPISODE 2021.02 – Hearts – Assorted Flavors

As February contains Valentine’s day, this episode will feature songs of love and romance.

PLAY ⏯ REW ⏮ FWD ⏭ is a 3-5 song show with extras and interactions presented as a public event on Facebook. J Oscar will do a song or two currently performed live, REW to a past song – played solo or in a previous band incarnation (Pillar of Fire, Oxter/Mahone, The Folk Bros, The Ruby Skies or other), then FWD 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.

As some form of “COVID conditions” are likely to continue over the next year PLAY ⏯ REW ⏮ FWD ⏭ will run for “12 shows, on the 12th, for all of 21”.

Shows will be archived if you miss them and songs from the show will available on Bandcamp for purchase.

https://www.facebook.com/joscarbittinger/videos/4071430902889945

Performed/recorded Feb12, 2021 @ 7:00 pm EDT

EPISODE 2021.02 SONGS

• Love Calling (J Oscar Bittinger )
• Take a Step with Me (J Oscar Bittinger)
• This Dance Will Have To Do (J Oscar Bittinger)
• The Lark Has Flown (J Oscar Bittinger)
• River of Delight (J Oscar Bittinger)
• Girl from Eastmanville (J Oscar Bittinger)