Oswego council approves summer concert series sponsorships, sets start dates

The Oswego City Council on a 5-0-2 vote authorized the use of public space for multiple summer concert events and accepted sponsorships to support the series.

The council authorized the Public Space Musicians Collective of Oswego County to host the Sunset Concert Series at Brightback Park on Wednesdays throughout the summer, accepted a $25,000 sponsorship from Constellation to directly support the summer concert series at Veterans Stage, and accepted $3,705 from Oswego County Tourism to support the summer concert series at Water Street Square. All three resolutions passed by roll call with five yes votes and two members excused.

Council members said the events are part of a larger seasonal offerings program that provides free waterfront entertainment. The resolution authorizing the Constellation sponsorship notes the company is a new sponsor for the event; staff told the council the Veterans Stage series will run eight weekly concerts and that the start date is June 26, 2025. The Water Street Square series was announced to begin June 27, 2025; city staff said promotional graphics are pending sponsor approval.

Council discussion included praise for the city bands and volunteers who organize the concerts. A councilor noted the city band’s long history and singled out band leader Stanley Gosek, who was not present and is reported to be ill. The council did not change programming or funding terms during the vote.

The approvals are part of a set of routine summer-event permissions and sponsorship acceptances on the council’s consent agenda.