The Illusion, one of the original bands that helped create the famed “Long Island sound,” has announced it will be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF).
Set to take place on Oct. 7 starting at 7 p.m., Illusion band members John Vinci, Mike Maniscalco, Rich Cerniglia, Chuck Alder, and Mike Ricciardella will be inducted into the history and family of Long Island’s musicians & entertainers. The group will also perform together publicly for the first time in 51 years! Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.
During a time when it was considered inconceivable for record executives (and concert promoters alike) to give a band from Long Island the time of day, The Illusion came onto the scene. They were a force to be reckoned with, wowing crowds with crazy stage shows, custom-made clothes, five-part harmonies, and untouchable musicianship.
In time, The Illusion would get the attention of hit writing producer Jeff Barry, who signed them to his label Steed Records and penned their first hit “Did You See Her Eyes?” which shot up the charts reaching number one in 15 cities. The Illusion would go on to release a total of three albums for Barry’s label, with the first selling over 200,000 copies.
The Illusion would go on to share the stage with such acts as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Allman Brothers Band, Chicago, The Temptations, Richie Havens, Alice Cooper, and countless others. Acts and artists like Kiss, Aerosmith, The New York Dolls, and Billy Joel, not only followed the Illusion but would go on to cite the band as one of their major influences.
The Illusion induction is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 7 starting at 7 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook Museum. This event is open to the public with limited tickets available for purchase.
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