We all know what kind of year 2020 turned out to be. So, as we make this early uphill trek through 2021, we can only hope that the light we see burning dimly at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train. We have seen, and continue to see, the emotional and physical toll the pandemic has taken on our families, friends, neighbors, and the nation as a whole. Because of this, we naturally look for glimmers of hope, and yes, normalcy.
Amongst the many casualties of the pandemic, the music scene has taken its fair share of hits. Although not critical to most people’s day-to-day survival, music has always proven to be a lifeline that gives people hope and succor in times of great peril and upheaval.
Therefore, it was refreshing and heartening to see that the Syracuse Area Music Awards Show (The SAMMYS) went forward, regardless of the challenges presented. With a “the show must go on” attitude, Ron Keck and his dedicated team at SubCat Studios, put forth an unprecedented show to honor the best in local music from last year. Although we all miss and yearn to return to, The Palace Theatre, it was inspiring to see so much love and care put into a presentation that respected the history and tradition of the live show. Although there were some glitches (as would be expected. I mean, even the millions poured into nationally televised events had snafus. I’m looking at you, Golden Globe Awards, Ron and his team kept a positive and hard-charging attitude to get things right. With 21 active ZoomRooms, and over 70 online “zoomers”, it was truly a monumental sight to behold.
Another key component to the success of the evening was inveterate local music icon, Dave Frisina, of TheRebelRocks.com. Acting as Master of Ceremonies, Dave kept things moving along the, at times, bumpy road. He used his years of on-air experience to help navigate the somewhat unpredictable evening.
We at CNYAlive were honored to be given access to this evening at SubCat. It was truly inspiring to be allowed to pull back the curtain and show the ardent dedication and valiant effort put forth to make this awards show.
A tremendous amount of creativity was needed and was on hand to continue in the tradition we are all used to and expect. A hearty congratulations to the SAMMYS Board, SubCat Studios, Dave Frisina, each of the nominees and award recipients, and all others who participated, for making this happen for all of us. That light coming down the tunnel may not be a train after all.
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