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Celebrating Rochester's rich musical culture and the people who have made our region a mecca for musical excellence. Each year the Rochester Music Hall of Fame honors new members at the magnificent Eastman Theater and celebration their achievements.

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2020 Rochester Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is Canceled

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Latest slate of inductees to be celebrated next spring on April 25, 2021

The Rochester Music Hall of Fame has opted to push its 2020 ceremony until next spring, with the newest class being inducted on April 25, 2021 at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Originally scheduled to take place two weeks ago on April 26, 2020, the Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees at first intended to postpone until fall.

“With so many unknowns related to the pandemic regarding public gatherings, we believe it is the better part of valor to not reschedule in 2020, but to wait until next year,” said Jack Whittier, board president. “We want to ensure our inductees and our audience have the same incredible experience the Hall of Fame ceremonies have become known for.”

The plan is to honor in 2021 the five previously announced inductees. Guest stars joining the live event to honor the inductees will be announced a later date. The Rochester Music Hall of Fame’s inductees — now the Class of 2021 — are:

Those who purchased tickets through the Eastman Theatre box office were offered refunds, including service fees. The board intends to put tickets on sale in November for the 2021 ceremony, allowing music lovers to purchase tickets as holiday gifts.

The lead sponsor for the non-profit Rochester Music Hall of Fame, which is run by an all-volunteer board, is Canandaigua National Bank. To date, 49 musicians and music-industry innovators have been inducted.

What is still happening in 2020

The annual Douglas Lowry Award will still be granted to two graduating high-school seniors, who have excelled in music and plan on continuing their music education in college. The finalists will audition in late June and the 2020 winners will earn a $1,000 award for college expenses. The Douglas Lowry Award is named for the late Eastman School of Music Dean Douglas Lowry, who advised and supported the Rochester Music Hall of Fame from the beginning and was instrumental in the induction ceremony having a home at the Eastman Theatre. The award is underwritten by LVW Advisors.

If public gatherings are allowed before the end of 2020, the Rochester Music Hall of Fame may host events at its home location at 25 Gibbs Street. These events would be part of two series: Books Backstage, which launched in 2019, and a new series celebrating local singer/songwriters.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Be patient and kind.

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