LI Music Hall of Fame inductees announced: Steve Vai, Big Daddy Kane, more
Steve Vai performs during the 36th Guitar Festival of Cordoba in Andalucia, Spain, on July 16, 2016. He will be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Credit: EPA / RAFA ALCAIDE
Singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys, guitarist Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny and a representative from NYCB Theatre at Westbury were on hand at The Space at Westbury to hear firsthand that they would be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
Ernie Canadeo, the group’s chairman, announced the full, eclectic slate of honorees — which also includes guitarist virtuoso Steve Vai, music industry legend Charles Koppelman, rapper Big Daddy Kane, film score composer Carter Burwell and jazz bandleader Vince Giordano — set for the hall’s sixth induction gala set for The Space at Westbury on Nov. 3. Steven Van Zandt, the actor, influential DJ and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band guitarist, will receive the 2016 Harry Chapin Award for his contribution to music education, especially on Long Island.
“This year’s inductees are a unique and deserving group of people who show a part of what is one of the greatest artistic communities in the world,” said Denis McNamara, the hall inductee best known for pioneering new wave radio in America at WLIR. “History has been made by fellow Long Islanders.”
NYCB Theatre at Westbury marketing director Dan Kellachan said the honor for the venue where he has worked for 33 years is even sweeter because it comes at the same time as his Carle Place neighbor Vai. “Long Island keeps coming back to us to enjoy the shows because we offer something for everyone,” Kellachan said.
Proceeds from the fundraising gala will go toward building an LI Music Hall of Fame museum in Wyandanch, expected to open in late 2017. Tickets are $95-$250 through Ticketmaster.
