The SAMMYs held the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 6 at Middle Ages Brewery, celebrating a night of community and passion.
Prior to the event, guests gathered around tables greeting other attendants, seemingly mirroring a community reunion. Under the warm, comforting ambiance of the brewery, along with a bluegrass band in the background, a lively scenery of long-time friends, acquaintances and new faces brightened the room for a night of celebration.
The evening began with the host David Russet and Donna Colton and Sam Patterelli introducing the first inductee, Ron Keck. Joined by Cody Slade and TJ James, each person spoke highly of Keck, reminiscing on his dedication to music production, kindness, open-mindedness and patience. Keck, later joined on stage, thanked his wife and the Syracuse community for their continuous support and the induction.
The event followed with musician Gary Dunes introducing and inducting live band Wilkesbury Brigade. Dunes described music as “being a part of a community; a brotherhood and a sisterhood.” As the crowd joined together to give a warm welcome to Wilkesbury Brigade, it was clear that the band had not lost their spark, as they teased each other on their way up to stage: “Come on, old man!” The members reminisced their journey to their induction, including their one rule when starting out as a band – “Don’t go near the bar!” – and the Syracuse community’s vital part in their career and continuous success.
Russet introduced Erin Althin, a colleague and friend of Music Educator Of The Year recipient Holly McCoy. Althin spoke highly, similar to many of McCoy’s colleagues, of McCoy, saying, “If you get close to Holly, you’ll find yourself part of her magic. Being part of Holly’s musical and personal magic, friendship and collegiality, is one of the greatest blessings of my life.” In her speech, McCoy expressed her gratitude to the Syracuse community. When asked about her devotion to the Syracuse City School District’s brand-new marching band, she emphasized that “the number one thing is community.” Despite living in a time where the arts are underfunded, McCoy said that she “didn’t have to cross” her fingers – “the community came through.” Above all else, McCoy said that her students are deserving of her award. “It’s the kids that brought me to this point,” said McCoy. “I made the right choice in teaching music, because I get to do what I love, and I love what I do.”
Lifetime Achievement award recipient Matt Forger introduced Hall of Fame recipient Alecstar. “It’s great to be back in Syracuse,” said Forger, as the crowd warmly welcomed with applause. “I waited over a year for this, by the way.” Reminiscing on the past, Forger shared stories of driving back and forth from Upstate New York to their performances. Though one may think this task as dreadful, Forger thought otherwise, saying, “I always had great company when I was on those rides, because the guys in the band were close friends and people I thoroughly enjoyed being with.” As Alecstar joined Forger onstage, the crowd roared with excitement and a standing ovation. In a heartfelt moment, the band introduced the late Harold Mantor’s daughter, Harmony, to speak on her father, saying that “music consumed every single waking moment of his life,” emphasizing the band’s significance to Mantor and his continued legacy.
In a historic moment, Collin Aberdeen introduced the first venue recipient into the Hall of Fame, Shifty’s. Aberdeen had one word to describe Shifty’s: “Iconic.” With an emphasis on meeting “the best people at dive bars,” Aberdeen noted of Shifty’s welcoming atmosphere and continued historic legacy. Co-owner Ron Schultz and Vicky Richardson joined Aberdeen on stage, highlighting the most pivotal aspect of Shifty’s – “It’s all about the musicians and the people that make Shifty’s.” Schultz thanked not only all the musicians that have performed at the famed venue but also those who contributed towards the venue, making it what it is today.
The final award of the night was introduced by longtime friends of Forger, Tony Master(?) and Lou Segreti. Noting back to their teenage years, meeting Forger for the first time, the duo calls it “the best days.” “Throughout all of his accomplishments,” Segreti said, “Matt has always been great, and a loyal friend.” With a roaring applause, Forger joined the duo onstage to reflect on his career, working alongside musicians like Michael Jackson, and his Syracuse roots. “Whatever I do, I take part of Syracuse with me,” Forger said. “Syracuse is my home, and I love everybody from Syracuse.”
Ending the night with Jackson’s hit, “Thriller,” the night joyously celebrated the Syracuse community’s togetherness and genuine support for one another. As guests stood to congratulate award recipients and meet old friends, the SAMMYs Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony closed, celebrating the very thing that brought the guests to the event.
Comments are closed.