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Arista Nashville National Country music singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann recently helped kick-off the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame's (BMHOF) brand new Musician Medics Initiative on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.

Music has long been regarded as source of healing for patients faced with illness. Modeled after other similar programs across the country, the visits are quite simple. Local and national musicians volunteer their time to perform several songs acoustic and talk to patients in an up close and personal setting.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer this outstanding new program to patients and their families in our community," said Heidi Raphael, Chair of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame's Musician Medics Initiative." "We are very grateful to Jerrod for taking time out of his busy tour schedule to help us launch this wonderful initiative and look forward to continuing to provide more events with local and national artists in the future." Committee members also include BMHOF Hall of Famer Bruce Moser, Board Member Bob Silvestri and Ross Catalinofrom Back II Back Promotions.

Niemann, who is best known for his national country top charting hits, including "Lover-Lover," "What do You Want," Only God Could Love You More" and "Shin'in on Me" was in town to perform at Club Infinity as part of his current national tour. The singer/songwriter stopped by to spend time and play a few songs for the patients, families and nursing staff at Roswell Park.

In addition, WYRK-FM Morning Personality Clay Moden was on hand to say hello to everyone and interview Jerrod about his current tour.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame recently elected the following officers and board members for 2012:

President, Rick Mathews of Mathews & Associates Construction Services; vice president, Anthony Casuccio, Xtream Audio Mastering; treasurer, Kevin Flint, Sagemark Consulting; secretary, Diane Strawbrich, associate broker, Century 21 Balestreri Inc.; sergeant- at-arms, Nick Veltri, musician/producer.

Members of the board of trustees are: Greg Hennessey, Chakra Communications; Steve Kantor, Kantor Law Firm; Chuck Eckert, Channel One Media; Ed Strawbrich, Preferred Services Residential Remodeling; and Van Taylor, Taylor Made Jazz.

Advisory board members are: Al Hury, musician; Bob Luterek, LK Pro Web Services; Joyce Wilson Nixon, executive director of National Inner Cities Youth Opportunities; Brenda Peters, retired school superintendent; Terry Peters, retired health care administrator; and Bob Silvestri, Best of WNY.

Public relations committee members are: Teresa Reile, PR by TR LLC; Heidi Raphael, vice president of corporate communications for Greater Media Inc.; Brian Springer, executive vice president, Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Dennis McCarthy, marketing communications executive; and Eddie Tice, promotions director for DunnTire Raceway Park.

Michael Meldrum, 2006 Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame Inductee passed away Thursday May 5, 2011

James M. Kurzdorfer, of East Amherst July 7, 1947—April 26, 2011

A classically trained double bassist who was an original member of the jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, died April 26 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, after a 1z-year battle with cancer. He was 63.

Born in Buffalo, he grew up in a musical family. His father played cello in various local ensembles. After attending St. James Elementary School and Bishop Turner High School, he studied double bass at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Mass.

Returning here, he played with various groups, including Phil DiRe’s Buffalo Jazz Ensemble in the mid-1970s. Spyro Gyra began as a jam session among a few of its members. He played on the group’s first four albums and toured coast-to-coast and internationally.

After Mr. Kurzdorfer left Spyro Gyra in 1980, he became a familiar figure on electric and stand-up bass in numerous jazz and rock bands around the Buffalo area. Noted for his versatility and ability to play in many styles, he appeared on many local recordings.

He played annually behind tenor saxophonist Don Rice in his summertime appearances in The Buffalo News Jazz at the Albright-Knox series and accompanied keyboardist Bobby Jones when he returned to performing in 2009 after suffering a near-fatal brain tumor.

In the 1980s, Mr. Kurzdorfer joined the faculty of Villa Maria College and was a music professor and the coordinator of its jazz program until illness forced him to limit his teaching to a few private students last year. He founded Villa Maria’s Summer Jazz Camp for high school musicians in 2001 and directed it until last year.

He earned master’s degrees in music performance and music theory from the University at Buffalo in the 1990s. He received the Thomas J. Clifton Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in music theory in 1994 and was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the music honor society.

Surviving are two brothers, Joseph and John, and his longtime companion, Patricia Armstrong.

A memorial service will be at 1 p. m. Wednesday in the main auditorium at Villa Maria College, 240 Pine Ridge Road, Cheektowaga.

March 29, 2011 Ned Wood lost his life to cancer this morning at the age of 57.
(http://www.thebbcband.com/press.html)

Since being diagnosed with terminal cholangiocarcinoma last summer, Ned fought a valiant fight and showed those close to him and all of those treating him, what he was all about. He accepted the news, put on his armor and never gave up his battle, never complained and even said he was glad that this had happened to him because it was making him a better person.

With a sense of urgency, Ned squeezed every ounce of every day in working on and in his studio. He passionately recorded, painted, reached out to friends, travelled and radiated his spiritualism and positive attitude, all while undergoing chemo and its side effects.

He will truly be missed by all that have come to know him.

Nestor J. Wood Obituary

Sportsmen's Tavern Presents Posse Reunion Show Sunday April 3, 2011

Legendary local seventies rock band blends Americana, Gospel, Blues and includes five Buffalo Hall-of-Fame-members

The Sportsmen's Tavern presents a reunion show by legendary local band, Posse, on Sunday, April 3 at 4pm. Posse was active in forging the Buffalo sound of the early 70s, and created a unique blend of funky blues, rock, gospel and country. The group was one of the first in the area to tap into the Americana roots movement of the time ala the Band, Dylan and Leon Russell, creating an imposing gospel sound with its two-keyboard lineup.

The band is comprised of vocalist Billy McEwen, bassist Joe Giarrano, drummer Peter Holguin, guitarist Doug Morgano, pianist Jim Ehinger and organist Ronnie Davis. Holguin took over on drums after the passing of original drummer, Richard Calandra.

The band played throughout New York State, including a longstanding residence at Bill Miller's Club on the lake in Angola. Posse also recorded original tunes at Blue Rock studios in New York City, a facility of Columbia Records where Bob Dylan recorded. Tickets for the show are priced at $10.

Third Annual Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Music Scholarship

Attention All WNY High School (9-11) Students: Applications for the Third Annual Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Music Scholarship are now available. Applications are being sent to all Western New York schools, public and private. Students can check with their Guidance Office and/or Music teachers to obtain an application.

All applications are due by a deadline of April 22, 2011. They may be submitted electronically to the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame web site, or by mail to: Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Scholarship P.O. Box 256 Buffalo, New York 14205.

Click Here for More Information

Updated: February 20, 2011, 6:31 AM

Blues musician Robert Robinson—better known as “Count Rabbit”— died Saturday after a lengthy illness. He was 78.

His death came one day after being honored in a Black History Month tribute in City Hall. Mayor Byron W. Brown declared it “Count Rabbit Day” in Buffalo.

Brown said calling Robinson a “count” was appropriate.

“Because when you hear him play, you know you’re listening to royalty,” the mayor said to a crowd that included some of Robinson’s children and grandchildren.

“He was definitely an inspiration,” said George Scott, executive director of the Colored Musicians Club. “A lot of guys who played the blues around town learned a lot from him. He was the guy, the man, Mr. Blues.”

TOM HAMBRIDGE (BMHOF Class of 2001) WON A GRAMMY

Tom Hambridge from Amherst, NY won a Grammy this weekend for producing & writing every song on "Living Proof" by Buddy Guy. Grammy Winner for: Best Contemporary Blues Album of the Year. Tom will be opening for Buddy Guy @ UB Center for the Arts on April 4th. Tom also has a track appearing on the upcoming BMHOF CD Volume 3. Visit his website at www.tomhanbridge.com.

"NOTE-WORTHY" MUSIC STUDENTS TO RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS AT "CONCERT FROM THE HEART" FROM BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME

Buffalo, New York: No doubt you’ve heard of Buffalo’s 27 year-old Music Hall of Fame. They’re most noted for inducting professional regional musicians who have achieved success in the music industry, often on an international scale. This year, however, BMHOF is increasing its community outreach efforts by doubling the number of scholarships given to outstanding music students in Western New York.

Michael Tumiel, 16, of Cheektowaga, is the winner of the $500 First Place for his performance on clarinet and guitar. Julie Sonne, 18, of East Bethany, has been named recipient of the $250 second scholarship for her performance on cello. The announcement was made today by Rick Mathews, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame President, and will be presented September 26^th at the BMHOF-sponsored “Concert from the Heart” at Kleinhans Music Hall. Proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Western New York. “Scholarship applicants submitted essays,” explained Mathews, “and all were scored without judges’ knowledge as to the applicants’ names. We received a record number of applicants, so we are especially pleased to be able to increase our funding for future musicians.”

Michael Tumeil was first exposed to clarinet when, he explained: “Our elementary school band director and a few high school students walked into my third grade classroom to recruit students for band the following year. I didn’t think I’d be interested... but as soon as the clarinet began to play, I looked up, listened intently, and watched her fingers. I knew then that I did want to play, join the band, and play the clarinet.”

That was Michael’s enthusiastic start. Two years later, in fifth grade, he was accepted into the school band, the jazz band, and his first All-State competition. The next year, he discovered guitar. “Today in my house,” he added, “there are eight guitars, a ukulele, a mandolin, harmonicas in various keys, a drum kit, an alto flute, bass clarinet, my beloved B-flat clarinet, a sousaphone (that drives my mother crazy) and a piano.” Guess who pays them all. Well. Michael aspires to attend the Eastman School of Music and to becoming a professional clarinetist in an orchestra.

Julie Sonne is a classically trained musician who began her studies at age 3. An admirer and student of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki whose philosophy that anyone at any age can learn the universal language of music, Julie put Suzuki’s teaching to work at age 6 when she traveled to Japan. There, although she attended a class of mostly Japanese children with a Japanese-speaking teacher, she was able to participate without any trouble. Her music had become, indeed, a universal language!

Julie has played with the Buffalo Youth Orchestra, Buffalo Suzuki Strings and other musical groups, and has traveled with the Buffalo Suzuki String Ensemble to Italy in 2006, Spain in 2008, and will tour in Argentina in 2011. “In the future, I want to take the stage and solo with orchestras around the world,” stated Julie. “Performing exhilarates me; it is something I have dreamed of for a long time. I also envision using the stage to somehow better the world through music.”

 “It’s particularly fitting that Michael and Julie will receive their presentations during our ‘Concert from the Heart’,” added BMOH 1998 Hall-of-Famer, Van Taylor of Taylor Made Jazz. “In March, 2009, the local 92 American Federation of Musicians, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, BMHOF and Taylor Made Jazz featured a first-time Spotlight ‘Concert from the Heart’. It was at this time that we were able to present our first scholarship in an outreach concert that combined the Philharmonic with some of the area’s greatest jazz musicians. We’re going to do that again on September 26th, but more musical genres and musicians than ever before!” he added.

“Concert from the Heart” tickets are $25.00 with lower prices available for groups. Sponsorships are available at the Presenter, Titanium, Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels that range from $10,000 to $250. “Angel” sponsorships to purchase individual tickets are encouraged to help attendees who might not otherwise be able to attend, and/or for those who may have never heard a Philharmonic Orchestra perform.

General ticket Information is available through the Philharmonic Ticket Office at 716-885-5000. For Corporate Sponsorships, contact BMHF President, Rick Mathews at 716-400-8934. Checks should be made payable to “Concert from the Heart, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. P.O. Box 256, Buffalo, NY 14205.

For Group Tickets, contact Ron Daniels at 716-912-1365. Checks should be made payable to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra c/o Kleinhans Music Hall, One Symphony Circle, Buffalo NY. 14201

Angel Sponsors should contact Van Taylor at 716-855-1754. Checks should be made payable to: “Concert from the Heart, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.” P.O. Box 256, Buffalo, NY 14205.

Induction to the 2010 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Gala will be held on October 7, at 7PM at the Tralf, 622 Main Street, Buffalo. Tickets for this event are available by calling 852-2860.

THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME IS CURRENTLY SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR VOLUME 3 IN THEIR SERIES FEATURING INDUCTED MEMBERS

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is currently seeking submissions for Volume 3 in their highly successful CD series featuring members of the BMHOF. Hall of Fame members may submit their tracks to the BMHOF for consideration to the below address. At the close of the submission deadline various tracks will be selected from the submissions for inclusion on the disc. While not necessary we would prefer to have an unreleased or live recording. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2010. Questions email Bob Silvestri at BobSilvestri@BMHOF.org  or Anthony Casuccio at AnthonyCasuccio@BMHOF.org 

Send your submissions to-

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 256
Buffalo, NY 14205

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Announces
Honorees for 27th Anniversary Induction Gala

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2010 will include the following:

JACK BLANCHARD & MISTY MORGAN: A performing duo who have been perennial country music favorites. They received the Billboard Magazine Country Duet of the Year, 1970 and were selected over other high-profile stars including Johnny and June Carter Cash. Their crossover hit, "Tennessee Bird Walk", topped the charts for weeks, they been made Lifetime Members of The Country Music Association and they have appeared on numerous national television shows.

RAY EVANS: The songwriter of such enduring standards as "Mona Lisa", "Silver Bells", "Que Sera, Sera", and "Buttons and Bows". Among his many achievements, he and his partner, Jay Livingston, received 3 Academy Awards for Best Song, and were nominated for 4 others.

JO ANN FALLETTA: Since stepping up to the podium as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in the fall of 1999, Maestro Falletta has been credited with bringing the Philharmonic to a new level of national and international prominence. The JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition has brought international acclaim and attention to the classical guitar, the Buffalo region, and the BPO.

JESSIE GALANTE: With her first band, "Actor", she rapidly became the number one female singer in the region and was crowned the city's "First Lady of Rock". She is a prolific recording artist with a following in both the U.S. and Europe where her latest CD, SPITFIRE, is a major hit.

KATHY LYNN AND THE PLAYBOYS: Originated in WNY in 1963. Their recordings from '64 through '66 were local and regional hits, and received national airplay. Their recording deals included Motown Records as the first non-black artist released on that label.

EDDIE TICE: Is being inducted as a life-long promoter of concerts in the Buffalo area, first with Festival East Concerts & then with Harvey, Corky & Tice Productions. Fans of sellout performances of national and international acts at Rich Stadium or the Memorial Auditorium have Eddie Tice to thank for bringing these acts to Buffalo.

MARK WINSICK: As an energetic performer as a singer and guitarist as well as producer and song writer, Mark Winsick defines the Sound of Buffalo Blues. An award-winning blues guitarist, his guitar licks are equaled only by his searing vocals, especially during his popular live performances.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame was created for the cultural enhancement and enrichment of Buffalo and Western New York. Inductees have achieved success is the music industry on a national and often an international scale and are chosen by a formal nomination process. Nominees are rated in several different categories including longevity in Western New York, community service in music, and musical versatility.

Bob Silvestri, Chair of the Nominations Committee of the BMHOF notes: "This year's Induction gives us the opportunity to reach back and honor some long-time performers as well as to enjoy the workings of some of our great contemporaries." Greg Hennessey, Chair of the Gala observes: "It's a real array of Classical, Show Tunes, Country & Western, Old and New Rock, and Blues performances - and a great Hall of Fame Induction.

Members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame from previous induction classes will be in attendance to honor and induct the Class of 2010 on October 7th 2010 at The Tralf Music Hall. Food and refreshments will be available through the Tralf facilities. Tickets are $20 at all Ticketmaster locations; charge by phone 852-5000, or through the Tralf Box office.

The Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is seeking new members and those interested in sponsorship opportunities. Those interested in supporting membership or board membership should contact Rick Mathews 716-400-8934 or email at: info@bmhof.org.

BUFFALO, NY, One M&T Plaza - The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame announcement naming the members of its Class of 2010

Music Scholarship Announcement

Attention All WNY High School

Applications for the Second Annual Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Music Scholarship are now available.  Applications have been sent to all Western New York schools, public and private. Students can check with their Guidance Office and/or Music teachers to obtain a copy, or the application is also available online at The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame‘s web site.
Click Here for More Information and a PDF Copy of the Application

• Stan Szelest’s (1986) Piano and Organ arranged in a setting as if Stan was going to sit down and play
• Tom Calandra’s 1959 Fender Precision Bass
• Junction West (1998) Jump Suit and Photos
• Enlarged Photos of various Members by Bob Mussell
• Shakin Smith (1985) autographed harmonica and photos
• Big Wheelie (1985) leather belt and photos
• Goo Goo Dolls (1995) signed guitar loaned by Steve Kantor
• A Moog Corporation Mini-Moog Synthesizer – owned and played by Van Taylor (1998), designed by Robert Moog (2001), and developed by Anthony Marchese (2008)
• Autographed photos by Ani DiFranco (1996), Brian McKnight (1998), Lance Diamond (1992), Goo Goo Dolls (1995), The Scintas (1999), and others
• Musical Instruments of historical value from Dave Elder (1991), Tommy Z (2007), Doug Morgano (1996) , Joyryde (2004), and others

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1983 to recognize groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on WNY music and/or have achieved success in the music industry on a national or international scale. The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame annually recognizes these outstanding Western New Yorkers at its annual induction gala which will be held October 7, 2010.

For more information on the BMHOF visit http://www.buffalomusic.org. For press information contact Rick Mathews, President of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame at 716-400-8934 or rickmathews@bmhof.org.

The Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is seeking new members and those interested in sponsorship opportunities, supporting membership or board membership should contact Rick Mathews 716-400-8934 or email us at: info@bmhof.org.

Please note: SOS is only available to New York State artists EXCLUDING residents of the five boroughs of New York City.

2009-2010 Deadlines:
September 24, 2009; January 27, 2010; and May 25, 2010
To apply Visit www.nyfa.org/sos

 HARD ROCK FREE MUSIC FRIDAYS

 Featuring Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductees:

 Friday November 6th, 2009 - WEEKEND

 Friday November 13th, 2009 - JOYRYDE

 Friday November 20th, 2009 - THE HEADERS

 All Shows start at 8:00PM - ALL AGES

 Click Here for More Information.

THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES THE CLASS OF 2009 TO BE HONORED AT ITS

26th ANNIVERSARY INDUCTION GALA

BUFFALO, NY - Join the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame at 7 PM on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Tralf Music Hall located at 622 Main Street in Buffalo's Downtown Theatre District for a festive evening of live music and entertainment.  Fans and friends are welcome to honor the 2009 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductees, many of whom will perform.  Local entertainer and radio personality Rob Lederman will emcee the event.  Food and refreshments will be available through the Tralf facilities.  Tickets are $20, at all Ticketmaster locations; charge by phone 852-5000, or through the Tralf Box office.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2009 includes the following: 

THE BUFFALO BILLS BARBERSHOP QUARTET - 1950 International Quartet Champions, and famed quartet in the Broadway and film versions of “The Music Man,”;  

JACK CIVILETTO - Long-time WNY Blues guitarist/vocalist/band leader. Winner of many local music awards and seen around town performing as “Old Blue Eyes,”; 

GLENN COLTON - Highly regarded, popular children’s entertainer and a veteran of over 300 live shows in schools though out his 25 year career;  

HIT n RUN – “Buffalo’s Premier Party Band” brings their high energy and immense local following to the event;

McCARTHYIZM - Alternative Rock Band will take its place in the BMHOF upon earning numerous awards for their original music and presentation;

moe. - Formed in Buffalo in the early 90's and since has become known as one of the hardest working bands in the country. Over their last 19 years they have won several awards for their live performance.

RAVEN - Legendary 60’s band that established the “Buffalo Sound” that became nationally renowned includes Hall of Fame members Tony Galla, Jim Calire, J R Weitz, Tommy Calandra, and Gary Mallaber;  

JERRY RAVEN - Godfather of Buffalo’s Folk Music scene and mentor to countless musicians that include a number of previously inducted BMHOF Members;  

JOEY REYNOLDS - “Mr. Nice Guy”, also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Known for his groundbreaking work in radio – in Buffalo and nationally;

DR. LONNIE SMITH – Master of the Hammond B-3. After setting the standard internationally, he returns to confront his humble roots on Buffalo’s East Side and takes his place in the BMHOF.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1983 to recognize groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on WNY music and/or have achieved success in the music industry on a national or international scale.  The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame annually recognizes these outstanding Western New Yorkers at its annual induction gala.

Bob Silvestri, Chair of the Nominations Committee of the BMHOF notes “This year’s class ranges from performers who have become internationally renowned to long-time mainstays of local music.”  Members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame from previous induction classes will be in attendance to honor and induct the Class of 2009.

Co-chairs of the event include Patricia Kirisits and Richie Derwald. For press information contact Rick Mathews, President of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame at 716-400-8934 or rickmathews@buffalo.com.  The Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is seeking new members and those interested in sponsorship opportunities, supporting membership or board membership should contact Rick Mathews 716-400-8934 or email us at: info@bmhof.org.

BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME HOSTS FREE CD RELEASE PARTY AT HARD ROCK CAFÉ
 

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at 8 p.m., at the Hard Rock Café – Niagara Falls, USA (333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls, NY – across from Niagara Falls State Park). The evening features live performances by Hall of Fame inductees The Headers, Gretchen Schultz with the Morvells, Joyryde, and Terry Sullivan. The all-ages event is free and open to the public.

Click here for more info

MUSIC INDUSTRY NETWORKING EVENT
GCR Audio Studio

MINE (Music Industry Networking Event), hosted by The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Recording Collective, held their inaugural event at the newly remodeled GCR Audio Studio at 564 Franklin Street on August 5th, 2009. The event was a way of starting a collaborative conversation of the Western New York entertainment and media communities. The relaxed event allowed industry professionals and musicians a chance to check out the new facilities and mingle in a casual environment. The Franklin Street facility hosts the Buffalo Recording Collective made up of business associates GCR Audio www.gcraudio.com, Xtream Audio www.xtreamaudio.com, Jay Zubricky Productions www.jayzubricky.com, Good Charamel Records www.goodcharamel.com and Bob Mussell Photography www.bmusphoto.com. The lower and upper floors of the building have an impressive selection of Mussell's concert and still photos lining the walls. This one stop operative encompasses all aspects of your recording needs. This event was sponsored by Hard Rock Café-Niagara Falls, NY www.hardrock.com/niagarafalls, Vetter Vineyards www.vettervineyards.com, North American Breweries www.labattusa.com, Chakra Communications www.chakracentral.com and Sagemark Consulting kevin.flint@LFG.com You can sign up for future Mine events by going to www.gcraudio.com and clicking on the Mine event button. Sign up now to become a part of this exciting event.

BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME AT THE HARD ROCK

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame took part in the Hard Rock Café hosted Battle of the Bands at the Niagara Falls Hard Rock location. Esteemed judges of the competition included Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls, Anthony Casuccio, vice president of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Hard Rock Café General Manager Dominic Verni, and James Kurdziel, Program Director for 103.3 The EDGE. Audience members were also distributed ballots to vote for the "fan favorite" who will be given the opportunity to play at the Hard Rock Café in Pittsburgh, PA.

The winner of the competition was Son of the Sun who also won the fan favorite vote. They will move on for a chance to play live at the Hard Rock London with major label artists.

Thank's to everyone who attended!
April 26, 2009 Spotlight Series Event
Theme:  Let’s get stimulated with Hot Guitars!
Lafayette Tap Room, 391 Washington Street, Buffalo

  Performances by:
  Tommy Z 

  Dave Constantino
  Willie Haddath 

  Doug Morgano
  John Riggi
  Special Guest Vocalists
  With the Cruizin Deuces - Nick Veltri, Jim Ehinger, Mike Phelps
 
  The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame (BMHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to recognize groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on the WNY music scene and/or achieved success in the music industry on a national and often an international scale. Inductees are chosen from nominees which are rated in several different categories. The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame annually recognizes and inducts outstanding Western New Yorkers who have made major contributions to the music industry at their  annual induction gala.  In addition to recognizing outstanding local musicians, the BMHF also sponsors an early childhood music appreciation program in the Buffalo Public Schools and, pending resource allocation, hopes to expand that program in the near future. 
  After much success in producing the annual Gala, the BMHF has implemented four ‘Spotlight Series’ concert events  showcasing the talent of Hall of Fame inductees.  The Spotlight Series Event on April 26, 2009 is entitled ‘Buffalo Hot Guitars.’  The concert is free (although a donation to the BMHF is suggested) to the general public and food will be provided.

BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME MEMBER TONY SCOZZARO RELEASES TRIBUTE TO TIM RUSSERT

Tony Scozzaro a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame has released a sizzling version of the Bruce Springsteen classic "Born to Run" as a tribute to the late Tim Russert. You may recall that Scozzaro who was also Russert's brother-in-law played the Springsteen classic at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC at the Russert memorial.

Click Here to View Tony Scozzaro pay tribute to Tim Russert at the Funeral Service in Washington DC.

Russert had stated that "Born to Run" was his favorite song. After the memorial Scozzaro went back in the studio and recorded the track with Springsteen's blessing and has now made it available on iTunes. Go to iTunes to listen to a sample of the song and most important to purchase the track. The track is paired up with a stellar version of "Amazing Grace" that Scozzaro has made available as the B-side with "Born to Run".

BENEFIT "CONCERT FROM THE HEART"

March, 17, 2009, The American Federation of Musicians Local 92 and The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Conducted by Paul Ferrington, Present: A Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Spotlight Concert: "Concert From The Heart"

This is benefiting The Buffalo City Mission and The Food Bank of Western New York commencing on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at Kleinhan's Music Hall, Buffalo, New York USA.

A pre-concert mingle will begin at 7pm with music by The Bar Room Buzzards at the main stage at 8 pm, when doors open and during intermission. Post-concert dance will feature The Jim Tudini Big Band. Tickets available at Kleinhan's Box Office 716-885-5000, $25 open seating

This concert will feature Inductees of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame performing on stage with The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The Hall of Fame Performers are: The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Lance Diamond, Van Taylor and his international touring band Taylor Made Jazz, and The Historic Colored Musicians Club, represented by the George Scott Big Band, musical arranger Phil Sims with special guests: The Old School B Boys with Mark Mazur and his Little Big Band.

We are proud to announce the organizations that this concert supports:

The Food Bank of Western New York: The Food Bank needs help more than ever due to these difficult economic times. On a monthly basis, they provide food to more than 90,000 people through over 400 local member agencies. We are encouraging everyone to bring canned goods or dry products to the concert as a donation. For further information, you can call (716)852-1305 or go to www.foodbankwny.org

Buffalo City Mission: The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization providing preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of people who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes: Women and Children's Shelter (Cornerstone Manor); the Men's Community Center; the Mission Motors Vehicle Donation Program; and two thrift store locations to better serve our community.For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org. Many people have found themselves in need of clothing and shelter for the first time in their lives. We are encouraging everyone to bring gently used clothing or canned good donations to the concert or our drop off site at 100 East Tupper Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.

Proceeds also used to Fund a Scholarship

* A scholarship donation for a music student via contest. The selection will be made via a contest hosted by New York Talent - Music students must write an essay - How does music enrich my community, my dream in music is to be, and what can I do to make a difference with my talent?? Please send your essay to NY Talent 3053 Delaware Ave Buffalo NY 14217, 716-877-6565, info@newyorktalent.org

* In keeping with helping the student fulfill this dream, the check will be made out in context to the winner's essay. Example: studio recording time, music books, music classes, school tuition.

Anyone who wants to support or sponsor this event directly can make out a check to:

Concert from the Heart c/o of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame

P.O. Box 256 Buffalo NY 14205,
or call Rick Mathews 716- 400- 8934

The BMHF is a 501c3 not for profit organization, your cancelled check will serve as your receipt, for tax purposes a letter will be provided upon request.

BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME INTERVIEW ON ARTVOICE
Video Credits: Matt Quinn

On Thursday Night the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame had their 25th Anniversary at the Tralf and the party included live music and a host of new inductees, including the entire Schultz family. Artvoice's Matthew Quinn interviewed Hall of Fame president Rick Matthews the day before the big event.

Click Here for Video

Buffalo News Article

HALL OF FAME GALA IS ONE FOR THE AGES
Anniversary event honors ties that link family of musicians
By Dale Anderson NEWS STAFF REPORTER

Family values and hometown pride prevailed among the inductees at the 25th anniversary Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Induction Gala Thursday evening in the Tralf.

Big rounds of applause arose from the full-house crowd when Lockport native Jimmy Sacca of the hit ’50s group the Hilltoppers spoke of his love for his wife of 55 years and when Jeff Whiting introduced his father- in-law, Tony Marchese, who developed and refined the Moog synthesizer when it was manufactured on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga in the 1970s.

Admiration greeted songwriter and producer Bob James when he was joined on stage by his daughter, Emmy, for a song after he was introduced by Robbie Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls, who thanked James for providing the group a place to practice in the early days when they were kicked out of all their other rehearsal spaces.........Click Here for Full Article
 

THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME 25TH ANNIVERSARY INDUCTION GALA

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame celebrated 25 years of honoring the music and performers of Buffalo and Western New York at its 25th Anniversary Induction Gala at the Tralf Music Hall.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1983 to recognize groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on the WNY music scene and/or achieved success in the music industry on a national and often an international scale. The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame annually recognizes and inducts outstanding Western New Yorkers who have made major contributions to the music industry at their annual induction gala. Members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame from previous classes were in attendance to honor the Class of 2008 and in some cases to induct the new members.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2008:

• Ed Bentley: Rockabilly music performer, Inductee/National Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
• Bob James: Songwriter guitarist/singer, local music producer and educator.
• Richard Kermode: 1970's keyboardist for Janis Joplin (posthumous award).
• Jerry Livingston: National Recording Artist with: Miki Howard Atlantic records, Stephanie Mills – MCA Records, Liberty Silvers RCA Records/BMG and Billy Phillips/MCA Records and he recorded (5) albums 2 of them Gold with Rick James on Motown Records. Jerry is also a local Jazz Bassist.
• Tom Reinhardt: Local rock and blues bassist.
• Joe Rozler: Internationally sought after keyboardist.
• Schulz Family: Generations of great musicians represented in one of Buffalo's premier musical families.
• Joanie Sommers: 1960's radio star & "Pepsi Girl."

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT INDUCTEE:

• Jimmy Sacca: Lead Singer of the world famous Hilltoppers – national vocal group from the 1950's and 1960's.

NON-PERFORMING INDUCTEES:

• Mack Luchey: Buffalo music store owner and promoter of Buffalo music.
• Anthony Marchese: Synthesizer pioneer.
• Richard Sargent: Local record producer.

Performances by: Van Taylor, Joe Rozler & Bob James, Gretchen Schulz, Dave Schulz & Robert Schulz, Jerry Livingston with Dave, Gretchen and Robert, Ed Bentley, and The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame band - Willie & The Reinhardts.

BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME ON "ALL THAT MATTERS"

Buffalo Music Hall of Fame President Rick Matthews and Board Member Bob Silvestri appeared with Pete Anderson in the Time Warner Studio on "All That Matters", promoting The 2008 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Induction Gala. "All That Matters" airs live Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:00PM and replays Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00PM on Time Warner Cable Ch 13.

LEONARD PENNARIO, ACCLAIMED PIANO VIRTUOSO WAS BORN IN BUFFALO : OBITUARIES : THE BUFFALO NEWS

July 9, 1924 - June 27, 2008
Leonard Pennario, who transcended his humble roots on Buffalo's West Side to become one of the great piano virtuosi of the 20th century, died Friday in his home in La Jolla, Calif. Mr. Pennario, who had been battling Parkinson's disease, was 83.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Pennario attended Holy Angels School. Though he moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was 10, he was proud of his ties to this city. He made his last visit here in October, when he was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. Mr. Pennario gloried in the award, exhibiting it in his home on a shelf above the Grammy that he won with violinist Jascha Heifetz and cellist Gregor Piatigorsky.
 

Click Here for more...http://www.buffalonews.com/obituaries/story/380584.html

BENEFIT THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND THE HISTORIC COLORED MUSICIANS CLUB

TAYLOR MADE JAZZ 21st ANNIVERSARY PARTY

On April 25, 2008, Taylor Made Jazz an international award winning group will perform at the Tralf Music Hall to celebrate their 21rst anniversary.  This group is known for their service to our troops overseas, their community support of charities and their workshops to support music in the schools. Many of the members that performed through the years will return for the performance that night.  We are pleased to announce that the proceeds from ticket sales for this concert will benefit 2 organizations.

We often hear in the news about the problems with children in the schools and on the streets, we do not hear enough about the organizations trying to do something about it by providing alternative methods to confront the issues head on.

N.I.C.Y.O.  National Inner Cities Youth Opportunities serves Erie County with a special focus on the City of Buffalo.  The main mission of this 501-c -3 not-for-profit agency is to reduce the Minority High School Drop-out Rate.  Their Objective is to address youth delinquency, by providing alternative to violence and an alternative to incarceration programming. NICYO’S target population is school age youth between the ages of 4 – 21 for whom they provide After School Homework help, School and Court Intervention and Counseling just to name a few programs along with safe structured Recreational Programs such as their Inner City Little League Baseball, Summer Basketball League,

Girls Sports Foundation Basketball, General Bass Instructional Tennis Program, Instructional Judo and Crusaders Marching Units.  This organization has suffered from far too many funding cuts and the community is in great need of their services.   We thank you in advance for your support and commitment to our youth and look forward to your sponsorship and much needed partnership to assist this wonderful organization.

S.A.V.E.  Students Against Violence Education. This organization started in 1994 by Connie Cavanaugh.  Their mission is to educate all students about making safe healthy and positive life choices.  They provide the workshops to help youth learn about conflict resolution to prepare them for the world around them.  For example bullying has become a common problem in school and this can impact a person for the rest of their life.  Our programs are geared to educate today’s youth about bullying, violence, learning how and where to get help, drugs/alcohol, peer pressure, decision making and consequence.  In short when we see shooting in schools on college campuses let this remind us of our responsibility to protect us all by addressing the issues ahead of time. This organization has also suffered too many budget cuts.

We are asking you to join us at our 21st anniversary celebration and support these 2 important organizations. Both organizations are 501c3. You can help change a life which can help save a life.  We hope you will share this with your co workers.

Sincerely,

Van Taylor

BUFFALONIAN INVOLVED IN TWO GRAMMY NOMINATED ALBUMS

When this year’s Grammy nominations were announced, Buffalo’s Anthony Casuccio was very pleased. Two albums that he was involved in the production of were nominated: Louisiana - A Pianist’s Journey, Kenneth Boulton (Cambria Master Recordings) was nominated for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without Orchestra), and 30 Songs of the Russian People, Joseph Banowetz and Alton Chung Ming Chan (Toccata Classics) was nominated for Best Chamber Music. Casuccio mastered both of these albums, which were produced by the famed team of Victor and Marina Ledin, and with whom Casuccio has done many projects; “mastering” is the final stage of the recording process, where the final polish is added.

Born and raised in Buffalo, Casuccio has held a number of high- profile positions in the music industry and has been widely sought after for his highly-trained technical ear during his 15 years in the industry.

After graduating from Fredonia State University in 1991, he was recruited by Reader’s Digest, in partnership with BMG, to join their record label in New York City as a producer. During his 9 years there, he worked with several major record labels, remixing and remastering over 400 albums of world-renowned artists such as Tony Bennett, Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstandt, Glenn Miller, and Johnny Cash.

He then joined the Sony Music Company in San Francisco, California to lead its audio production department. For the next 2 years, he engineered and produced live music mixes for Sony’s Music Backstage show, which featured major artists such as Lifehouse, Kasey Chambers, and Eliades Ochoa (Buena Vista Social Club). Also, while in San Francisco, he sat on the Board of Governors for the San Francisco chapter of the Recording Academy, being elected to the office of 2nd Vice President.

Returning to Buffalo in 2004, Casuccio founded Xtream Audio Mastering; among his clients is fellow Buffalonian Robby Takac’s (Goo Goo Dolls) Good Charamel Records label. He teaches Recording Technology at Villa Maria College, as well as being a frequent guest speaker for Takac’s nonprofit Music In Action organization. Locally, he currently serves as Vice President of the Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame, and nationally, he has remained very active within the Grammy organization.

Casuccio’s work has been featured in Mix Magazine, Billboard Magazine, The New York Times, Gramophone, and International Piano. He mastered the 2005 Grammy-nominated Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without Orchestra) Night Breeze, Sarah Schuster Ericsson (Cambria Master Recordings), as well as To Call My Own, Barton (Netsphere), the artist’s 3rd Top 40 hit and a featured break-out single in the Billboard Dance Charts, breaking into the top 20.

The Grammy Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2008.

FRANK BRUNSON, SINGER, IN BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME
From the Buffalo News
 

March 19, 1929 — Nov. 24, 2007

Frank Brunson of Buffalo, a Top 40 hit maker with one of the most dynamic voices to come out of Buffalo, died Saturday in Veterans Affairs Medical Center after a long illness. He was 78.
 

Mr. Brunson, inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2002, made the Billboard charts 10 times during the 1970s and into 1980 with his band People’s Choice. The band specialized in a brand of funk that was huge in the discos, and its biggest hit was “Do It Any Way You Wanna,” which went to No. 11 on the Billboard pop singles chart and No. 1 on the R&B charts. It was a gold record.
 

But Mr. Brunson’s legacy went way beyond the hits. He started his career as a pop and R&B singer in the 1950s, cutting singles on Gee Records.
 

Bob Skurzewski, who is nearing completion of a book on the early years of Buffalo rock ’n’ roll, interviewed Brunson several times and became a close friend. He said Mr. Brunson told him that he walked away from the Gee deal because Gee was distributed by RCA and RCA was putting too much energy into pushing another new performer — Elvis Presley.
 

Mr. Brunson also was a good friend of the legendary Jackie Wilson. Wilson, Mr. Brunson related, had him open a show, and when he walked off into the wings to huge audience reaction, Wilson asked him what he was doing.
 

Mr. Brunson told Wilson that he was finished with his set.
 

“They don’t think you’re done,” said Wilson, sending him back onto the stage.
 

“Frank was always amazed that a star like Jackie Wilson would do that for him,” said Skurzewski. “Frank was talented . . . that little guy, that big voice.”
 

The stature gave him the nickname “Little Frankie Brunson” early in his career. The voice earned him the name “Big Daddy” when he recorded for Wilson’s label — a deal he walked away from after he released “Big Daddy’s Blues” and all of the songs he wrote had other people’s credits on them.
 

Mr. Brunson was born in Buffalo, the son of the Rev. John A. and Sarah Brunson. He began singing at his father’s churches in Dunkirk and Silver Springs.
 

After he developed heart problems in the mid-1980s, he returned to Buffalo in 1990 and wound up back in church, becoming the family man he hadn’t been able to be while on the road. For most of the 1990s, he was the rock that anchored most of the music groups at St. John Baptist, one of the city’s largest churches.
 

“It seemed to make the service; the whole service culminated at his solo,” said Gregory Treadwell, who was music coordinator for the groups Mr. Brunson worked with — the Radio Choir, Men’s Choir, United Mass Choir, St. John United Voices Choir and Frank Brunson & the Hitmen.
 

The latter group was formed specifically to perform with Mr. Brunson in the Tralf. He continued singing even after he had to use a wheelchair after suffering a stroke in 2002, Treadwell said. “He couldn’t sing as long as he wanted to, but it was a joy just to hear him sing,” said Treadwell. “Just seeing his face could cheer people up.”
 

In addition to performing, Mr. Brunson also worked with two programs affiliated with St. John Baptist — Project Gift, a program for special education students, and Project Promise — and helped form a youth choir. He took the students to perform at hospitals and for shut-ins, Treadwell said. The choir is still going today.
 

Mr. Brunson was a Navy veteran of the Korean War.
 

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, the former Shirley Seals; three sons, Mark Brunson, Eddie J. Champion and Nathan D. Hemphilll; and four daughters, Marian Hailstock, Diane Girtman, Monique Williams and Sherida Alston.
 

A funeral will be held at noon Thursday in St. John Baptist, 184 Goodell St.

— Elmer Ploetz To listen to a song by Frank Brunson, go to http://www.buffalonews.com/webextras/story/216024.html

GORDON HIGHLANDER CHANGES THE GUARD

Major Bruce A. Henderson presents flowers to his wife, Dawn, left, and mother, Jane, during an emotional farewell ceremony Saturday, when he relinquished command of the Gordon Highlanders after 20 years at the helm. John Rexinger III assumed command of the pipe band and color guard, a mainstay of many local parades and celebrations, during a brief ceremony in the West Side Rowing Club.

THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME PROUDLY PRESENTS THE RELEASE OF THEIR CD ENTITLES "VOLUME 1."

This is the first disc in a series aimed at showcasing the talented members inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. Western New York has a diverse, rich musical history and this series was created to pay tribute to some of the artists inducted into the Hall of Fame who represent the amazing musical talent found in this area.

The album is a musical journey featuring 12 great artists who have made an impact on Western New York's music history. Artists include Lance Diamond, Soul Invaders, Castellini & Andriucci, Tony Galla, Hernandez, Morgano/Veltri R&B Soul Revue, The Road, Shyboy, Stone Country Band, Weekend and Wendell Rivera.

Click Here to Listen to the BMHOF Vol. 7 CD

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2007 BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

This year's honorees included internationally renowned pianist, Leonard Pennario; Broadway producer, Elizabeth Swados; world renowned keyboardist, Jim Ehinger; performer/writer/producer, Robert Kinkel; blues musician, Jim Wozniak; blues guitarist and singer, Tommy Z; musical stylist, Andy Kuhlberg; and guitarist, Frank Grizanti. U-Crest Music was the recipient in the Non-Performer category.
 

Click here for photo's from the 2007 Induction Ceremony

GUITAR RAFFLE WINNER

Congratulations to Eric Jelstrom of Lakeview, New York. He was the winner of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Guitar Giveaway at this years Music Is Art Festival at the Erie County Fair on August 11 2007. The Ibanez guitar Jam Pack was donated by the Guitar Center of WNY on Niagara Falls Blvd. It included an Ibenez AEG5EBK Guitar, AC A15 amp, guitar tuner and gig bag.

REMEMBERING MARK FREELAND - (May 1, 1957-June 14, 2007)

It is with great sadness that The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame announces the passing of one of our most beloved members Mark Freeland. Mark passed away in his sleep after a lengthy battle with cancer on Thursday June 14, 2007. He was 50. Always on the cutting edge of the local music scene Freeland left his mark with such seminal Buffalo bands as Electroman, Pegasus and The Fems and as a solo artist. He was also well known for his photography, performance art as well as a distinguished artist. He has been an unsurpassed influence on the local music and art scenes for years and will continue on thru his legacy. He is survived by numerous relatives and friends. A true pioneer, Mark will be sorely missed.

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