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.
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.
