2023 Capital Region Thomas Edison Hall of Fame Ceremony
Celebrate the legendary careers of Capital Region artists
and contributors to the local music scene
The Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame is holding the induction ceremony for its class of 2023 class – honoring eight legends of the local music scene – at 6 p.m. Monday, March 27 at Universal Preservation Hall.
Joining 24 individuals and groups inducted since the Hall’s founding in 2019 are two members of a pioneering late 1960s and early 70s alt-country band, John Tichy and George Frayne; Sister Mary Anne Nelson, CSJ, who helped launch the careers of hundreds of music industry professionals around the globe; one of the region’s most active and best-known bluegrass musicians over the past eight decades, Smokey Greene; Wanda Fischer, who has promoted bluegrass music through the local airwaves for over 40 years; legendary rock music photographer, Martin Benjamin; and Felicia Collins and Mike Campese, two guitarist virtuosos who forged careers that have generated international recognition.
The ceremony will feature live music, a presentation of a brief video about each artist, acceptance speeches and more. Tickets are $50 and are now on sale at universalpreservationhall.org; admission includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
“It is inspiring to think about the accomplishments of these men and women and what they represent,” said Jim Murphy, founder and producer of the Eddies Music Hall of Fame. “Weaved together, their stories represent an amassing cross-section of the American music scene. And collectively they reflect an amazing, vital music scene in the Capital Region.”
The Eddies Music Hall of Fame honors Capital District residents who have made outstanding contributions to, or significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of the music industry. These contributions can be national, regional, or local. Nominees must have been born in the Capital Region and / or have lived here and / or worked here professionally. As a rule, nominees must have been active in the music industry for a minimum of 20 years. Exceptions are made in the case of a candidate’s premature death or due to outstanding service or special circumstances.
For more information on the inductees and the Eddies Hall of Fame, visit at theeddiesawards.com.