THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME 43rd ANNUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY
AN EXCITING 2-DAY CELEBRATION HONORING THE BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES IN THE CLASS OF 2025!
BUFFALO, N.Y. Wednesday, October 8, and Thursday October 9, 2025: The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is excited
to announce its two-day 43rd Annual Induction Ceremony Celebration. We will be welcoming the newest members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in the Class of 2025.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 11 inductees will officially enter the “Hall of Fame” at a formal induction banquet at Samuel’s Grande Manor, located at 8750 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221. The induction celebration begins with cocktails at 6:00PM, and dinner will be served at 7:00PM.
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - The 2-day celebration continues - on stage with an exciting star-studded Class of 2025 Concert Performance at The Cove Seafood and Banquets, located at 4701 Transit Rd. Depew, NY 14043. The Inductee Concert Performance begins at 6:30PM with doors opening at 6:00PM.
Nashville guitarist, John Jorgenson - founding member of the Desert Rose Band, the Hellecasters and touring guitarist for Elton John, will be presenting a special tribute to Bob Burwell at the concert performance on Thursday October 9, 2025.
BMHOF President Anthony Casuccio, Vice President Tom Lorentz along with members of the Board of Trustees and fellow Alumni will be in attendance. Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inducted Alumni Linda Lombardo Appleby (BMHOF Class of 2015) and Bob Kinkel (BMHOF Class of 2007) will be the official co-hosts of the evening welcoming the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2025. BMHOF Executive Board Member Carolyn Moser will serve as Chairperson of the 2025 Induction Ceremony event.
The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is proud to introduce you to the Class of 2025:
The Balkan Serenaders - Established in 1948 The Balkan Serenaders are the ambassadors of tamburitza culture, blending traditional folk melodies—rooted in the Serbian, Croatian, and broader Balkan repertoires—with rhythms and harmonies that resonate with the American spirit.
Bob Burwell – A worldwide music industry executive whose work as an artist manager, concert promoter, label executive, and music publisher bridged the country and roots music industries from the 1980s into the 1990s. His impressive music industry career included managing and promoting the careers of Kenny Rogers, guitarist Steve Vai, America, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Garth Brooks, Dwight Yoakam, The Eagles, Merle Haggard, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, and many more.
The El Tempos – A vocal R&B and doo-wop group from Lackawanna who captured key sounds of the early Rock‘n Roll era, blending smooth harmonies with soulful instrumentation. Their contributions to R&B and doo-wop helped shape the sound of the WNY region, and they continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts of classic soul music.
Jim Beishline – A prolific and celebrated pianist and arranger, known for his versatility and his passion across a long and wide-ranging career. He performs as a solo artist, in duos, trios, quartets, and larger ensembles. He has shared the stage with iconic artists such as Chuck Berry, Danny and the Juniors, The Diamonds, Muddy Waters, and Aretha Franklin.
Johnny Soul – One of the legends of the Buffalo R&B community, with six decades worth of classic performances in every important soul venue across Western New York. His 55+ years in the Buffalo area has cemented Johnny’s status as a true legend in the Buffalo Rhythm and Blues scene.
John Bryans –He has spent over five decades as a drummer and has been the solid heartbeat behind many of the most prominent musicians in Westen New York including Barbara Sinclair and the Shadows, Nick Veltri/ Sam Guarino R&B Soul Revues, Shadows Reunion Shows, the Elisa Furr Show (Celine Dion Tribute), and The Twang Gang featuring BMHOF Inductees Dwane Hall, Jim Sweet, and Doug Yeomans.
Tina Parol - Tina Parol is an award winning, dynamic singer, songwriter, and record producer. She has written chart topping songs for major artists such as Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and Sabrina Carpenter. She wrote Lady A’s “Champagne Night”, and “Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking) for Tenille Townes.
Larry Covelli – Larry Covelli was a distinguished jazz tenor saxophonist whose career spanned both vibrant local scenes and prominent national stages. He became a sought-after studio musician who performed with esteemed composers and arrangers, including David Rose, John Williams, Chuck Mangione, and Quincy Jones. Notably, and he was a featured saxophonist on numerous recordings by Henry Mancini.
Michelle Thomas – Musician and choir director Michelle Thomas has made significant contributions to Buffalo’s musical landscape through her lifetime of work in education, performance, and community engagement. She has received accolades for her work in the production of “Dream Girls” at Shea’s 710 Theater.
The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus – A highly respected symphonic choir based in Western New York. The BPC was the winner of the 2020 GRAMMY® Award for Best Choral Performance, for their recording of Richard Danielpour’s The Passion of Yeshua, with the BPO and its Music Director JoAnn Falletta.
The Original Kazoo Company - Located in Eden, New York is the oldest—and today the ONLY—metal kazoo factory in the world with roots originating in 1907. Today, the factory continues to operate, preserving the legacy of kazoo manufacturing. They produce a complete line of kazoos, all handmade by people with intellectual or developmental disabilities through SASI, (Suburban Adult Services, Inc.).