Dave Ruch will be performing ‘Songs and Stories of the Erie Canal’ at the Earlville Opera House on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. (Submitted photo)

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ARLVILLE - Earlville Opera House (EOH) is thrilled to bring Dave Ruch to our historic 1892 Main Stage on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. to present a special concert entitled “Songs and Stories of the Erie Canal.”

The Opera House is located at 18 East Main Street in Earlville, NY.

Dave is a very unique musician who sings and plays music for all ages on an intriguing assortment of instruments including mandolin, banjo, guitar, jaw harp, bones, spoons, and more. His concerts are characterized by a warm rapport with the audience, excellent musicianship, enlightening historical tidbits and just the right amount of humor.

“Songs and Stories of the Erie Canal” is a concert featuring a treasure trove of music from Dave’s deep and continuing research into the musical culture surrounding the Erie Canal. Songs, stories, and dance pieces from the workers, captains, passengers, and crews of “Clinton’s Ditch,” along with related material from the Great Lakes and the Hudson River. This interactive program entertains and enlightens, combining uncommon musical instruments from canal days with great songs, fascinating regional history, liberal doses of humor and audience participation for all ages.

For this multi-generational concert, Dave presents some of the fruits of his decades-long research into music and life on the Erie Canal, offering classic singalongs and toe-tapping music along with rarely-heard pieces and stories from the old days.

A professional musician and educator based in Buffalo, NY, Dave Ruch gives over 200 concerts and workshops each year for schools, libraries, music festivals, historical societies, museums, and community events both at home and abroad.

Tickets to Dave Ruch are $30 general admission, $27 for members, with college students half off general admission and youth below 17 just $10. Premiums apply to select rows. Tickets are selling fast and are available at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or by calling 315-691-3550.

While onsite, concert-goers can view a specially-timed exhibit, “Drawings of the Erie Canal,” by artist Dana Hatchett in our West Gallery which creates a visual history of the Canal period through art. We also have two other unique Gallery exhibits on display for viewing which will be open before the show and at intermission. Gallery visits are always free and open to the public and this round is up through May 31. 

Concessions are on sale in our Arts Café including sweets, sodas, water, and an assortment of adult beverages, cash only. Guests can also visit our Artisan Gift Shop.

The historic Opera House has been upgraded to ensure accessibility throughout the building, including a hearing loop system in our 1892 theater provided by Hamilton Hearing LLC. EOH has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. EOH is also on Facebook and Instagram.  

EOH events are made possible by the Office of the Governor and NYS Legislature, with support from New York State Council on the Arts, and through the generosity of EOH members.

Thank you to performance sponsors: Mid York Foundation, NBT Bank, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, sfcu, Bruce Ward, Architect; Hamilton Community Chest, WAER 88.3 Syracuse University, Poolville Country Store and B&B.

To make a fun evening out present your EOH show tickets and receive 10% off dinner at Poolville Country Store, or receive 10% off your show ticket by presenting your Poolville dinner receipt at the Box Office.   Call the Poolville Country Store at 315-691-2677 for dinner reservations. Ticket holders can also show their tickets at the Huff Brau and receive the happy hour drink rate on your first drink at intermission or after the show.

- Information from EOH