The Ripcords, Irv Lyons Jr. and West Side Social Club Among Nominees at Native American Music Awards

Three of Central New York’s most notable Native American music artists were announced as nominees for the Native American Music Awards. Notable nominees include The Ripcords, Earl Slick, Pete McMahon and the West Side Social Club.

Native American Music Awards

Irv Lyons Jr., of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, is nominated for four Native American Music Awards, including “Best Rock Recording” and “Artist of the Year” for his EP, Private Invitation, not to mention nominations for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Song of the Year” for “Save The Planet.”

Irv Lyons at Blues Fest Native American Music Awards
Irv Lyons Blues Fest

Rex Lyons of the Onondaga Nation, Eel Clan., along with Irv Lyons and The Ripcords are also nominated for “Group of the Year” and “Best Blues Recording” for their album, “Unmasked (Live).” Along with this, they’re nominated for “Best Blues Recording” with the group West Side Social Club. This includes Earl Slick, Pete McMahaon and Liz Strodel. 

The Ripcords in the studio Native American Music Awards
The Ripcords in the studio

The Ripcords are a musical collaboration from cousins, Rex and Irv Lyons. Along with members Jay Gould, Tom Witkowski and Steve Palumbo. They are a versatile group who can deliver various genres of music such as blues, rock, swing and jazz, they even write their own songs as well.  

Joanne Shenandoah, Native American singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the New York, is also on the Private Invitation EP for the song “Save The Planet” which received a “Song of The Year” nomination. She belonged to the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, and passed away November 22nd, 2021.

Irv Lyons at Blues Fest
Irv Lyons Blues Fest

“I’m honored and excited to be up for a couple of NAMMY awards!” adds Rex Lyons. “We’ve been making original music for over 2 decades, hopefully 3rd times a charm and we bring home the hardware. Congrats to all my fellow nominees. Good luck!”  

“To be nominated for the Native American Music Awards is an amazing honor and great privilege,” says Irv. “Private Invitation is my best work to date. The most complete in lyrics and music. It is a snapshot of my experiences in love, friendship and the heart. These songs are all radio ready as any of them could be on the charts now. My true labor of love that hopefully people will enjoy and play over and over.” 

Voting for the Native American Music Awards is now available to the public now through March 31st here.

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