RI Music Hall of Fame inductions begin
PAWTUCKET – With ten inductees in Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame's Class of 2017, organizers have split the celebration into three separate events. On Sunday, April 23, at 2 p.m., jazz and R&B musicians Artie Cabral, Dan Moretti, Billy Osborne, and Frank Potenza will be inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame at The Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main Street, East Greenwich. Tickets for the April 23 event at the Odeum are $20 and include a performance by Dan Moretti, Billy Osborne, and Frank Potenza backed by an all-star trio consisting of pianist Tim Ray and 2015 Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame inductees Marty Richards on drums and Marty Ballou on bass. Tickets can be purchased at www.greenwichodeum.com .
Says Dan Moretti, “I am thankful and honored to be inducted into the R.I. Music Hall of Fame. Coming from a diverse jazz background, I have always been grateful for the way music lovers in Rhode Island have supported me and have understood the depth of musical history and talent that has come from the state.” Guitarist Frank Potenza adds, “I’m honored and privileged to be inducted into the Music Hall of Fame. Born and raised in Providence, I began my career there. I was blessed and nurtured by a loving family and a multitude of great players. Rhode Island has a rich musical heritage and it will always be home to me.”
Robert Billington, Chair of the RIMHOF noted, "Our Induction Ceremony and concerts in April have become the place for a 'who's who' in Rhode Island music. It is the place to be and be seen at as we continue to showcase the fascinating history of Rhode Island's musical heroes. As we celebrate our sixth year of operation, we are excited this year to present three events and to also shine the light on two of Rhode Island's premier music venues.”
The ten Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame's 2017 inductees are: Artie Cabral, Phil Greene, Dan Moretti, Neutral Nation, Billy Osborne, Plan 9, Frank Potenza, Rizzz, Throwing Muses, and The Wild Turkey Band / Hometown Rockers.
There will be two rock induction concerts held at The Met on the following weekend. On Saturday, April 29, at 8:00 p.m., the 2017 RIMHOF Rock Induction Concert – Part I will feature Throwing Muses, Neutral Nation, and Plan 9. On Sunday, April 30, the unveiling of all ten R.I. Music Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017 inductee exhibits will take place in the Hall of Fame museum space at 2:00 p.m. followed by the 2017 RIMHOF Rock Induction Concert – Part 2 featuring Rizzz, Phil Greene, and The Wild Turkey Band / Hometown Rockers beginning at 3:00 p.m. in The MET, 999 Main St., Pawtucket.
The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, formed in 2011, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and preserving the legacy of Rhode Island musicians, educators and industry professionals who have made significant contributions to both the national and Rhode Island music scene. This year's induction ceremony on April 30 will see ten more displays unveiled celebrating the 2017 inductees and bringing the total to 53 inductee exhibits produced in just six years.
Eventually, the museum will hold more than 100 displays as well as assorted Rhode Island music history memorabilia and interactive components for visitors to enjoy.