March 7, 2023
Friday night’s Sammy Awards Show was one of the most memorable in the 30 history of the Sammy’s. Syracuse is a little city with a lot of heart. And at its heart, right here in the Heart of New York, lives one of the most vibrant music communities you will find anywhere. There are a lot of reasons for this. Let me explain.
CNY is beautiful. Especially if you love the seasons. But mostly, it sits right in the center of one of North America’s largest populations. Boston, NYC, Philly, Toronto, Cleveland, and so many more great cities are one car ride away. If you were to live in any one of those metropolises you might find yourself paying a fortune to live and raise a family. CNY is cheap, spectacular living, in a wonderful community with all the arts and amenities you might desire. Especially if you are raising a family.
A wise old business manager once asked me, as I sat in his office at 1775 Broadway, “How long does it take you to come in from Upstate?” Train, plane, or car, it’s only a few hours on a bad day. “Perfect, I have clients who take that long on the Long Island Expressway.”
CNY is my home. I can choose to live just about anywhere. Heck, I’ve been to most places. Nothing feels like the good ole 315. But, I digress.
Sammy Award night was a celebration of our scene. As young as 13 and as old as… dare I say, dear friends almost my age. Here’s a nice article at syracuse.com https://www.syracuse.com/music/2023/03/sammys-makes-history-with-youngest-winner-2023-syracuse-area-music-awards-winners-list-photos.html
I recommend that you visit this page and see who won. Although we were nominated in a number of categories, no tin. https://www.syracuseareamusic.com/2023-syracuse-area-music-award-recipients/
Drop the needle on some of these artists. You’re going to be surprised. Good stuff. John Cadley is amazing. Paul Case! One of the great moments of all. And Liz Nowak getting the Founder’s Award. There was a moment when I was standing with 25 or so of my fellow Sammy Hall of Famers when I looked out into the crowd and had a sudden realization. ALL of those folks were dear friends who I have known most of my life. (That’s a long time.) And the crowd was filled with youngsters. Yikes! Kinda felt like a passing of the torch moment.
There was another beautiful passing of the torch moment that only a few people recognized. I was asked at the last minute to present the Best Alternative Award. I handed the award to my neighbor Evan Sgroi. A kid I have known for most of his life. Sweet moment.
Sunday was another one of those moments. One of my great joys in life is teaching. I came to it pretty late in life. College Professor? Sounds strange, but I guess that’s what I am. I keep threatening to retire, but it’s the kids that pull me back in. Our Jazzuits concert featured Gina Lamparella, a Broadway star. I have known her most of her life as well. Watching her and working with her as a kid and then as an adult has been a real joy. Playing guitar in the concert with these kids? Priceless.
So now, I’m off to Omaha for their International Film Festival. Our movie, The Artist & the Astronaut is one of 11 films featured. We’re starting to pack on the laurels.
I will try to keep my journal updated. It’s hard with so much going on. But, at the tender age of 70-something, I’m not complaining.