March 6, 2026

Last night the New York Flyers were inducted into the Sammy Hall of Fame. SO well deserved. (Mark Ballard took the above photo. And that’s Al Stirpe, a huge music supporter, presenting the award to the guys.) After all these years, this band still rocks. They still put on a great show. Congratulations!

Tonight, is the Sammy Awards Show. Brett and I will be there. We are presenting the Brian Bourke Award for new artist of the year. We have a couple nominees to cheer on in a few categories. In Jazz, there are a couple notables. Cheri Giraud and the Salt City Voices both produced albums with Brett. Cheri’s album is unique and beautiful. I’ve had the pleasure of nurturing her along, from voice lessons right through to producing this wonderful album. There are many friends, former students, and colleagues nominated this year. Take a moment to look down the list to see if you recognize some of your favorites: https://www.syracuseareamusic.com/2026-sammy-nominees-and-inductees/

The Sammy’s Award Show is always a blast. Most of us are working, so we don’t get to visit our compatriots. I look forward to hanging with one of the most dynamic and supportive communities on Earth. A lotta love way up here in Upstate NY. Yeah, I know. It’s CNY, but for those of us who are NYC centric, Upstate is anything north of Yonkers.

Sunday is the Jazzuits concert featuring Letizia, so getting my guitar rig ready and doing some practice will be my main adventures for the rest of today and tomorrow. Here is the info on that gig:

https://www.toddhobin.com/news/2026/3/5/letizia-in-concert

I will be in the studio today for a while, and I know I’ll be talking with my manager, Tom Honan, who is up from downstate for the Sammy’s. We have a lot to go over.

Be well, my dear friends.