HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 176- PENSABENE'S FINAL HISTORY OF SYRACUSE ROCK & ROLL "THEN AND NOW" - GALA CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR- DECEMBER 4, 2016 WITH COACHMEN, LOREN BARRIGAR & MARK MAZENGARB, SHEELA TUCKER, BOB BROWN & HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC ALL-STAR BAND BEFORE A PACKED HOUSE.

The History of Syracuse Rock n Roll "Then and Now" live shows continued December 4, 2016 at Pensabene's Casa Grande on State Fair Blvd here in Syracuse. This event was the 17th in this tribute to our amazing Syracuse, NY Music History.

This jam packed Christmas Spectacular's Show lineup included the amazing Loren Barrigar & Mark Mazengard who were joined by special guest Sheela Tucker. Followed by the Coachman one of Syracuse's longest performing bands- Joe Neri, Michael Davis, Rock Falcone, Rob Sherwood,  Dave Frateschi, John Saltamach, and Dickie Cappotto, .they were also join for a few turns by songstress Sheela Tucker. And finally to complete the jam packed holiday show The History of Syracuse Music All-Stars band that included - Dave Novak, Mark Hoffmann, Bill Weiss, Don Shoudy, Mike Ferrante, Ted Storto, Shane Storto. Ed McBannon,, Steve Schad, and guest Hall of Fame drummer- Dave Hanlon with special vocalist- Bob Brown & Sheela Tucker.

An amazing  three+ hours of fun, dancing, and great music performed by a long list of Syracuse finest musical performers. The Shows Mc- was Nick Caplan of Dinosaur Radio and show produced by Syracuse Music Historian. Ron Wray. Dinosaur Radio was represented by staff  on the air  personalities- Craig Fox, Tony Fallico, Bob Brown, Lee Goodman, Dan Elliott, Bretagne Pidgeon, Chris Weidman & Nick Caplan 

The sad part of this awesome event was this was going to be the final show held at Pensabene's Casa Grande, as our good friend owner Terry Pensabene was retiring as of December 31, 2016. We had teamed with Terry Pensabene for 14 of our 17 live show event. We brought Terry on stage to say thanks you for his efforts and great friendship.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE "- CHAPTER 175 - RONNIE JAMES DIO INDUCTED INTO HALL OF HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY HALL OF FAME- JANUARY 18, 2017

It was announced (December 6, 2016) that our great friend Ronnie James Dio  will be inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History -Hall of Fame on Wednesday eventing January 18, 2017. The ceremony was held at the NAMM Convention at Anaheim Expo Center, 1960 So. Anaheim Way,  Anaheim, California. MC for this great event will be Eddie Trunk. 

Other inductees will be Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead), Rudy Sarzo, Vinnie Appece, by the way all three Dio friends, along with Randy Rhoads, Don Airey, Andy Zilfjian, Frankie Banali and Ross "The Boss" Friedman.

This event will be open to the public. Tickets aval now on there website - general admission ticket $25, VIP General Admission along with meet and   greet, plus Merch item $100. Time On January 18th - Induction 7-8:30 PM,  9 PM Live music to close. Congrats Ronnie ++++

Photo credit- Ron Wray Collection- Dio with Elf 1974 in Syracuse , NY

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 174 - THE DAY ALL BROADCAST MEDIA JOINED TOGETHER TO AID THE MARCH OF DIMES- JANUARY 17, 1965

Just flashback a little over 50+ years ago back to January 17, 1965 the Syracuse Broadcast community came together in one cause. a variety show...to aid the "March of Dimes". That day radio and television personalities joined forces in a 90-minute telecast on WNYS - TV 9 (now WSYR TV-9), starting at 5:30 PM.

The following performers were all presented by media and guest celebrities- Sam and the Twisters (Al Wolf, Jan Fetterly, Sam Amato & Mickey Palumbo), The Madisons (Jimmy Foran, Terry Golden, Carl Irving & John Whipple), Jamboree Boys, Bob Popyk, Dick Kowell and his Orchestra, Soda Ash Six, "Sox" Tiffault combo, The Four Closures, The Crestwoods, Mac Clafflin and his Country Rhythm Boys, New Techniques, famed vocalist Charlotte Hale, Franciscan Sisters, Men of Onondaga Singers, Banjos players from the Hutch House and some Polish Dancers,

Television personalities included WNYS TV-9's Baron Daemon (Mike Price), Red Parton, Phil Market, Charlie Featherstone and Carl Eilenberg. Other station were represented by- Ed Murphy & Carol Johnson from WSYR, Deanne Parkhurst, Bill Fortune, Doug Webster and Brian Madden from WHEN. Dave Mann, Ted Downes, Lenn Allen, Jerry Sanders, Dave Barker , Sally Sample from WFBL Radio.

WOLF Radio AM 1490 represented by- Windy  Craig, Dale Dorman, Jim Sims and Don Lancer. WNDR Radio AM 1260 by Dandy Dan Leonard, Jim O'Brien, George Plavocas, and Count DeCreep (Fran McGrath). WQSR Radio by Stan Maziuk (the Polka King), Leo "Mr Jazz" Rayhill and Aubrey Williams, WSQR by Ray Boyce, Nick Sanches and  Ron Vener, 

Also on hand for this unique event was Ed Brown chairman of Syracuse's Local 1965 drive. Fans who contributed in advance could go to the station and meet the stars. As a bonus for those who contributed the equivalent of a ticket were given a ticket to the WNYS- TV-9's premiere next Thursday of "Mary Poppins". 

An amazing and historic time for a wonderful charity the "March of Dimes".

PS- Channel 9 did hold this event again on January 22, 1966 with media hosts Bud Ballou, Phil Market, Carl Eilenberg and other Syracuse media members from WOLF (Windy Craig), WNDR (Dan Leonard & Jim O'Brien) & WFBL along with great musical talents as Sandy Bigtree, Sam and The Twisters, All Night Workers w/ Otis Smith, Fallen Angels, Bobby Green, Si Simpson plus others.

So Sorry to Hear of The Passing of Four Great Central New York Musician Recently - MIKE SECRETI , DAVE OLSEN, CHRIS SWEET & LEE OLICH

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE' CHAPTER 173 - SATURDAY NIGHT - NOVEMBER 12, 2016, ONE AMAZING EVENT - "LADIES NIGHT AT THE PALACE THEATER" 18 VERY MUSICALLY TALENTED LADIES PERFORMED IN A VERY SPECTACULAR SHOW- "ONE NIGHT ONLY".

One of those very special spectacular historic events was  held on November 12, 2016 "Ladies Night at the Palace Theater" in Syracuse, NY. at 7 PM  This packed event was a coming together 18+ of Syracuse's very-very talented musically gifted ladies who took the Palace Theater stage performing 26 songs for "One Night Only". Here is a list of those who performed...first the vocalists-

Ashley Cox, Donna Colton, Carolyn Kelly, Jess Novak, Joanna Jewett, Letizia, Lisa Romano, Joanne Troy Perry, Kate Kolb, Maureen Henesey, Moe Harrington, Susan Royal, Liz Friedich,  Robyn Stockdale, Kat Dooley- Wandersee, Tamaralee Shutt, Terry Bender and Anna Marle-Lopez White.

These ladies were backed up musically by talented Kristopher Heels, Chris Notarthomas, Frank Neubert and the great Jimmy Cox. During these performance others assisted musically they are- Bob Kane (drums), Liz Friedel (violin), Peg Newell (guitar), Tamaralee Shutt (trumpet), Melissa Gardener (trombone), Sam Patterelli (bass), Langston Masingale, 

Audio- Mike Angiolillo & Steve Schad.

Event MC- Amy Robbins

Produced by Red Shoes Black Bag Productions (Julie Briggs, Joanna Jewett).

Here's just a few of the many folks that came up to say hi that night- Julie Briggs, Jordan Davies, Mark Nanni, Kate Kolb, Tom Rozzano, Kate Dooley-Wandersee, Greg Gannett, Royce McMannis, there are many others.

Another in a long line of great Syracuse Musical Historical events. You all made our CNY Music scene proud. Congrats++++

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 172 - WILKESBURY BRIGADE BAND REUNITES CELEBRATING 40 YEARS REUNION- SUNDAY Sept 25, 2016

Wilkesbury Brigade Band was born in a small unheated garage in Liverpool, NY (just north of Syracuse_ in the spring of 1969, Always known for its steady beats and great hi-harmonies honed music during a great time in our Syracuse Music history those early 1970's.

Their original members included- Paul Bradbury (lead vocals), Tom Nelson (guitar), Joe Rao (organ), Gary Goal (bass) and Joe Maggio (drums).

Members changed frequently during those first two years. In 1972, Wilkesbury had the fine distinction of having of the finest vocalist in the land in the band together- Dan Elliot and Ronnie Leigh. Both are now member of the Syracuse Music Hall of Fame (SAMMYS). 

Beginning in 1972, this awesome band performed at the Poorhouse North on Old Liverpool Road for over 200 consecutive weeks. Including an all-time record of 756 fans on one warm summer night. Here's just a few more names that were band members during their great ride- Garry Jenkins, Bob Petta, Dave Sperra & Brian Meegan.

Wilkesbury Brigade celebrated its 40 year anniversary with a special one-night only live concert in front of a jam packed Pensabene's Casa Grande Rest on State Fair Blvd in Syracuse- September 25, 2016 (5-8 pm). As part of the Dinosaur Radio's History of Syracuse Rock n Roll 'Then and Now" Music series. Members taking the stage this special evening were together in Wilkesbury for the longest period, they are- Two time Sammys Hall of Famer- Tommy Forest (lead vocals), Mike Campbell (drums- formerly with The Alligators and currently tours with Tommy Roe), original member Joe Rao (keyboards), Tim Cleary (bass) and Warren Paschetto (guitar).

 Also taking the stage that evening was Sammy Hall of Famer- Dave Novak & The PartyNuts (John Dancks (another Sammy Hall of Famer) along with , Ed McBarron, J.T. Hall, Mike Kallet, Tom Link Dave Novak and special guest Dave Hanlon)

Roses were given to the first 100 ladies attending as well as digital download of the bands newest release.

The band finally separated in late 1975, with Tim Cleary joining "Loose' and later "Too Loose'. Mike Campbell left to become the new drummer for "The Alligators" later "Pretty Boy" before touring the country with Tommy Roe.

Through the years Wilkesbury Brigade was known for their incredible diverse song list. Thei set list included songs by the Beach Boys, Four Tops, Seals and Croft to a nearly 30-minute Beatle medley. More recently the band released its first Cd "Movin On" recorded a few years ago at the LeMoyne Manor. 

Can you imagine a band that had three of CNY's all-time greatest vocalist- Tommy Forest, Dan Elliott and Ronnie Leight. Well that was Wilkebury Brigade...

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 171 - RIDGESTOCK MUSICAL EVENT AUGUST 27, 2016, A MUSICAL GEM AS 50+ OF CNY's TOP MUSICIANS GATHER TO CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF THE 1969 WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL

On August 27, 2016-  50++ of Central New Yorks Top Musicians gather to once again join forces to celebrate performing the music of the original Woodstock Festival held back in 1969 in Bethal, NY. This is the second year Jordan Davies has transformed the Ridge Golf Course in Chittenango, NY into the festivals ground. Event tickets were $25. I'm going to try and list here the following musicians who tool the stage-

Skip Murphy & The Merry Pranksters, The Barndogs, Grupo Pagan, Skip Murphy, Edgar Pagan, Charley Orlando, Kim Monroe & Chris Eves, Donna Colton & Sam Patterelli,, Loren Barrigar, Kevin Dean, Liz Friedel, Todd Fitzsimmons, Maureen Henesey , Mark Hoffman, Tim Robinson, Ron Spencer, Bernie Clarke, Ashley Cox, Mark Nanni, Dave Hanlon, Brian Golden. Mark Westers, Lisa Romano, Miss E, Wendy Ramsey, Butternut Creek Revival Band, Pearly Bakers Best, Andy Comstock, Sarah Hiltbrand, Eric Brown, George Newton, Mark Gibson, Mike Ranger, Sharon Allen, "Big D" Dave Schneider, Dave Liddy, George Devaney, Jeffrey "Pepper" Rogers, Joanna Nix Jewett, Kris Heels, Ronnie Leigh, Rick Chisholm, Nick Finley, Frank Neubert, Bill DiCosino, Wayne Stevens, Jose Verona, Riley Mahon, David Donley, Jim O'Mahoney, Rhonda Paduaro, Paul Davie and I'm sure there are a few names I may have missed, and will add soon....

Congrats goes out to the committee and staff for an amazing event....