The Easy Ramblers. Easy Does It (independent). The bluegrass trio, which took home the 2011 Syracuse Area Music Award (Sammy) for Best Country, offers a CD debut filled with relaxed origin

Rock and respect distinguish the Sammys Hall of Fame induction

were beards and bandannas, sequins and shawls. Attendees at Friday night’s Syracuse Area Music Awards (Sammys) wore all sorts of styles from classic tailcoats to leather fringe jackets. Many guests were there not only to honor great local musicians, but for an excuse to dig out their most fashionable outfits from the back of their closets.

Attendees of the 2011 Syracuse Area Music Awards (Sammys) were fortunate to witness the show that they did on Nov. 11. Not only was the Friday evening ceremony filled with glitz, glam and happy award surprises, but the performers took the night to new levels, rolling from soulful to exciting to loud.

Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a musician. I picked up a guitar at age 13, learned a few power chords and discovered distortion and reverb. I planned on being the next Jimi Hendrix. It wasn’t until I grew up that I realized I lacked a crucial component: talent. So I gave up and decided to write about musicians instead. And thank God for that, because—as I learned at the Music Industry Conference, held last weekend at the OnCenter—being a musician is tough as hell.

There are plenty of reasons for Syracusans to think of their hometown as a great city for music. The vibrant current scene grew out of a rich and diverse history. The Syracuse Area Music Awards (Sammys), an event that has been honoring local musicians for their talent and dedication since 1993, is another boost for that image.

An impressive variety of genres will be inducted into the Sammys Hall of Fame this year, ranging from the heavy, hard rock of David “Rock” Feinstein and The Rods to the classical genius of the now-defunct Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

By pairing lesser-known local groups with larger regional acts, Morrison is helping to give them an opportunity they might not get elsewhere. “I try to get young, local bands who don’t normally play on a lot of shows because they’re usually very deserving artists too,” Morrison says.

Formed in 2010, the trio performs a collection of originals and covers from artists including Gillian Welch, Allison Kraus and Peter Rowan. On Thursday, they’ll also be joined by some of Syracuse’s finest including Tim Herron, Mark Allnatt, Scott Ebner.

A soundman is an electronic conductor. They are the unsung heroes of the music world, the men behind the soundboards. In a profession dominated by males, Doug Quin, Ron Keck and Jeremy Huntley stand out for their innovation, prowess and passion. They live, breathe and eat sound waves and electrical cords.