rochestermusic.org

What Did You Think?

Kathy — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:13:24 +0000

Right now, as a board member, I am feeling pride and gratitude. Pride for being part of an amazing tribute last night to Rochester’s Music Heritage. Gratitude for living in a community that really came out in support of this grassroots effort. I got this email today and it said it all for me: “Thank you so much for sending out a shout about last night’s event. Missing that would’ve been like missing Woodstock. I did miss Woodstock and I can’t forgive myself for that. Last night was historic, educational, entertaining, and wonderful.”

So what did you think? And please follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you become part of the community and find out first who our next Inductees will be!

The Power of Music: Cab Calloway

Kathy — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:42:22 +0000

One of our board members, Tracy, just posted this video on her Facebook page. It is a very moving video of a man in a nursing home coming to life when he listens to Cab Calloway. Once again, I was struck by the incredible power of music. For this old man, music transports him to a time of youth, hope and dreams. It brightens his eyes and lifts his spirit.

For all of us in Rochester, music has been a unifying guide to who we are as a community. While we honor individual performers, what we are really honoring is the talent and work of performers that pulls us all together as human beings. On April 29th, we have the opportunity to rejoice in the power of music and thank those who have made it possible. Please join us.

Entering the home stretch. It’s time to step up to the plate.

Kathy — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 01:02:13 +0000

It’s really remarkable to see a dream become reality. On April 29th, we will honor a remarkable group of people and launch in a big way the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. For three years, I have been part of this dream, working with the most dedicated bunch of people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Talk about a working Board! For many of us, this labor of love has become a second job and one we find intensely fulfilling.

Now I ask all of you who love music, love Rochester and love ideas that happen when people decide to make something happen, to stand up in support of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. This means spreading the word, buying tickets, taking out an ad in our program book, becoming a patron and getting your business to become a sponsor. It’s all easy to do at this website or by contacting us through the Contact Us form. You will get a very quick reply and a very big thank you.

The Start of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame

Rochester Music Hall of Fame — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:59:02 +0000

What is the Rochester Music Hall of Fame? Why have I never heard of it before? Who’s involved with it? These are all questions that rushed into my head when I was told as part of my internship with CUSTOMERicity I would be managing the social media for the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. From that point forward I learned everything I could about the Rochester Music Hall of Fame and the people involved with it.

In March 2009, local musician, Karl LaPorta, wrote in the Democrat and Chronicle about his desire to have a place in the city of Rochester where local musicians and their accomplishments could be recognized and celebrated. Karl’s editorial received so many positive reactions that Karl immediately went to work to assemble a group of supporters. With their help and the support of others Karl’s vision has become a reality.

The Rochester Music Hall of Fame was put in place to celebrate those with ties to Rochester whose musical talents and creativity contributed to the creation of musical excellence. Each year new members will be inducted with a ceremony to celebrate their contribution to music and the city of Rochester.

On April 29^th the Rochester Music Hall of Fame plans on honoring their first class of inductees at a musical gala. The gala is being held at the Eastman Theatre and begins at 7 p.m. All inductees are expected to attend and many plan on performing that night. If you are as excited as we are for this event join us! Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 8^th.

The Enthusiasm Builds Because Music Touches All of Us

Kathy — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:54:37 +0000

We had our first press conference yesterday. Local officials, sponsors and board members all talked about the inductees and the big night on April 29th. What was so cool about the press conference, however, was the stories. It seemed like everyone had stories about how music in Rochester touches their lives now and in the past. This passion for our music heritage and pride in Rochester is what has made our little band of volunteers so dedicated to making sure that Rochester has a place to honor the people, places and events that have made this community so wonderful. Many people used the words “quality of life.” What is so wonderful is how music is so integral to all of us. We can’t wait until the big event with all the musical surprises it will have for everyone. Please join us.

Oh, what a night!

Rochester Music Hall of Fame — Sat, 01 May 2010 06:51:53 +0000

A quick note about tonight’s (well, it’s last night, now) Launch Party. There was a steady flow of people in the door starting right at 6:30 and going well into the evening. By the time that Prime Time Funk took the stage, the people were ready to dance! The dance floor was packed, the room was also packed, and downstairs was going well too.

A lot of effort, time, talent and love went into tonight’s event. I am proud to be a part of all of it.

Tracy Kroft, blogging for RMHF

Loving Rochester and Music

Rochester Music Hall of Fame — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:33:27 +0000

I think I may be one of the few non-musicians who has been involved with the launch of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. Can’t play a note (despite the valiant efforts of a piano teacher) and babies and small dogs start to cry and howl when I start to sing. But, damn, I love music. Almost any kind. It is essential to my soul.

I also love Rochester. Sometimes, I can’t really tell you why (especially in February). But it is a good town with good people. And that has never been proven to me more than during this grassroots effort. A bunch of people saw a gap and following the vision of Karl LaPorta, they decided to turn an idea into action. Makes me proud to know them and be part of them.

So now, it’s your turn. If you love music and love Rochester, embrace the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. Give us some money if you can. Come to events. Sign up for our updates. Volunteer your time. Argue about the nominees. Debate who should be inducted. Tell us your stories. Send us pictures. Join in the fun.

Kathy Palokoff, blogging for RMHF

Little did I know . . .

Rochester Music Hall of Fame — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:51:16 +0000

I used to think I knew a little bit about the music scene, past and present, here in Rochester. Since becoming involved in the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, I’ve found out how very little I really know! The selection and criteria committee did so much research, spanning over 200 years, and compiled a list of people and places I didn’t even know existed and/or didn’t know were connected to Rochester. The imprint that Rochester has made on music the world over is truly amazing.

Since reading some of that research, I’ve done a little exploring. I went to some places where these Rochester music icons once lived; I took photos of a location where a very important venue once stood. After Friday night, when the first slate of nominees is announced, I will begin to post some of the photos I’ve taken, and I will continue to explore this amazing music city.

This Friday, the Rochester Music Hall of Fame Launch Party is the place for our community to come together to begin celebrating and honoring Rochester’s rich musical heritage. I hope to see you there!

Tracy Kroft, blogging for RMHF

This Friday!

Rochester Music Hall of Fame — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:41:44 +0000

Nominees for Hall of Fame to be Announced at April 30th Launch Event! Be There to Find Out Who Has Been Nominated!

Rochester Music Hall of Fame Launch Party!

Friday, April 30, 7pm-1am
The German House Theatre / Keg Sports Bar
315 Gregory Street, Rochester

A Variety of Music by:
John Akers (Acoustic Americana)
Atlas (Soul, Funk, R&B)
The Buddhahood (World, Jam Band)
Crescent City Connection (New Orleans Jazz) – CCC debut show!
Cross Roads Project (Modern Country)
Mambo Kings (Latin Jazz)
Paradigm Shift (Jazz)
Prime Time Funk (Funk, R&B, Soul)
Red Line Zydeco (Zydeco)
Smalltown (Danceable Rock)
Spencerport High School Jazz Band (Jazz) – Award winning jazz band!
Tinted Image (Pop Rock)

Come out to support this Grassroots cause.
$15 advance / $20 door. Proceeds benefit the brand new Rochester Music Hall of Fame.
Tickets on sale April 14 through Ticket Master, Aaron’s Alley, The Bop Shop, The Music Store, and The Keg.

Click here for a pdf of the Launch Party poster.

Rochester Music Hall of Fame Launch Party!

Rochester Music Hall of Fame — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:34:24 +0000

Nominees for Hall of Fame to be Announced at April 30th Launch Event! Be There to Find Out Who Has Been Nominated!

Rochester Music Hall of Fame Launch Party!

Friday, April 30, 7pm-1am
The German House Theatre / Keg Sports Bar
315 Gregory Street, Rochester

Click here for a pdf of the Launch Party poster.