A few years ago, rock guitarist Chuck Schiele transplanted himself from the west coast back to his old stomping grounds here in Central New York. He enjoyed a healthy performance career in Southern California where he received back-to-back wins in the prestigious San Diego Music Awards. Along the way, his compositions earned regional, national and international radio airplay.
Now Chuck lives in Liverpool and works a day job as art director at Bentley-Hall in Armory Square, but he still pursues music as a member of an all-star rock combo called the Salt City Chill.
The band also features veteran keyboardist Rhys Brigida, former Lou Rawls drummer Phil Smith and two Syracuse Area Music Awards hall of famers — guitarist Todd Hobin and bassist John Dancks.
Fun is all-important
This pack of old pros offer original music along with their own creative readings of cover material. “When we play,” Chuck said, “we have the confidence to let the music be what it wants to be. We want to offer something familiar in a fresh way. This is a band that understands that, regardless of all things, the point of music is to have fun.”
The Salt City Chill will celebrate the release of a new CD intriguing titled “And Another Thing…” at 8 p.m. this Saturday, March 31, at Uriah’s restaurant, 7990 Oswego Road, in the town of Clay. Admission costs $5; facebook.com/uriahs2016; (315) 622-2250.
“Yeah, we made a record, so we need to have a party,” Chuck explained. “A CD release party to a musician is like Christmas day to a 5-year-old.”
The disc showcases seven Chuck Schiele originals and two tunes by Rhys Brigida, who formerly entertained us as a founding member of Windsong and The Billionaires. Chuck’s songs include “Little Do They Know” and “Heads Above Water” while Rhys’ tracks are “Some Never Learn” and “Nothing is Right.” Chuck also wrote a tribute to the Chill’s bassman, “The Ballad of John Dancks.”
A couple of other Liverpool musicians, guitarist Richie Melito and teenage cellist Sean Penzo, make guest appearances on the new record.
Saturday’s show should be splendid. “We plan to open the evening with some fun hits per usual and get the evening rolling,” Chuck said. “Then we’ll play the album before rocking out with some more covers and originals.”
For band info, visit saltcitychill.com.
Directorial debut
Jessie Dobrzynski, who lives in Liverpool out on Morgan Road, has made her directorial debut with the CNY Arts Center’s ongoing production of “Twelve Angry Men” at the Cayuga Community College campus plaza in Fulton, at 11 River Glen Drive. The curtain rises at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 31, April 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2, and tickets cost $12, or $10 for students and seniors; (315) 598-2787.
Jessie joined the CNY Arts Center as an actress in the 2015 production of “Oliver.” She then became a dance captain, a choreographer before being appointed as a director for the 2017 season. The first thing she did was focus on Reginald Rose’s classic jury-room drama.
“While I usually lean towards taking part in musicals, ‘Twelve Angry Men’ has been the singular play that has always stuck with me,” she said.” Jessie likes the way the playwright reveals details of the juror’s lives as deliberations proceed. “Their arguments for the case are the focus, but many social problems arise, and you see each man beginning to support one another.”
Jessie also works an important day job managing websites for The Salvation Army throughout New York state.
Free pasta! No joke!
That’s right, it’s free, so you’d be foolish not to attend the April Fool’s pasta dinner at the Liverpool First United Methodist Church, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4.
Both meaty and meatless red sauce will be served over noodles along with tossed salads and Italian bread, desserts and beverages.
The Purple Door Church is located at 604 Oswego St., near the corner of Vine, and there’s plenty of free parking available; (315) 457-5180; liverpoolfirstumc.org.
Contact the columnist at [email protected].
