This past week was a time for Syracuse to celebrate the people and history of The Syracuse Music Scene. The 25th Syracuse Area Music Awards, THE SAMMYS.
We have a fantastic variety of genre’s and performers through out Central New York. Thursday, March 1st was exciting to say the least, The SAMMYS Hall of Fame Inductees Dinner. This was a night to honor the people who are the foundation of Syracuse music. John Cadley, Maryjo Spillane, Stacey Waterman, DOVE as well as Music Educator Award Monk Rowe and Life Time Achievement Award Dave Frisina, these were just the ones on stage.
The upstairs room of the Dinosaur was filled with who’s who of Syracuse Music. Listening to the award recipient’s tell their stories of their life in music was, for me, stories never to forget. I have always listened to Dave Frisina on the radio since I can remember, I have been lucky enough to have met him in person. Dave’s achievements I think we all know because we have heard him for, lets say many years, but to learn about other’s, who are often behind the scenes with their untold stories who keep the music moving such as Maryjo Spillane and Stacey Waterman. All they spoke of was there love for Syracuse and the Syracuse Music Scene, even with a Winter Storm on it’s way for the next evening.
Our unsung heros are always our educators, Monk Rowe earned his rewards tonight, without educators’ music can’t expand and grow, and most of all our performers like John Cadley and DOVE. The friendships created by bands playing for decades together is impressive, to hear their band mates, speak of the time together shows the honor and love that is created. The night was finished down stairs where the Barndogs and friends were playing.
The next evening, Friday March 2nd, brought feet of snow to Syracuse but it couldn’t stop the music from playing, the presenters presenting and the crowd celebrating with the Award recipient’s. While many events were cancelled around the area, THE SAMMYS were not. The people came and filled the theatre.
Performances from The Merry Pranksters, Elephant Mountain, Count Blastula, Professional Victims and Hall of Famers DOVE (30+ year reunion) made a night to remember. On a personal note, I was honored to be asked to be a presenter and be apart of a fantastic evening. CNY Alive is new to the area and to be a part of the 25th SAMMYS was amazing. I might not have been an impressive presenter, but thanks to Ross Tarby from Eagle Newspapers, it wasn’t too bad. My place is on the other side of the mics. with the crowd, getting their point of view of performances. I really looked forward to hearing DOVE and was not disappointed. Below is a video of their version of Cross Eyed Mary by Jethro Tull. For a band that hasn’t played together in years, GREAT JOB Guys! GREAT EVENING!
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