http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/newyork/articles.sec-733-1-music.html Skip Murphy, a newly inducted Syracuse Area Music Award (Sammy) Hall of Famer, has been active in the Salt City music scene since the early 1970s. He's played harmonica with a wide variety of groups, emceed events, worked behind the scenes and written programs.]]> In 1986, after years of club gigs and a few staff songwriting jobs at publishers in Nashville, the singer released his debut solo LP, Guitar Town (MCA Records). Earle’s neo-traditionalist country style and rock leanings—Springsteen fans dug him—made the record a hit.]]> There are plenty of musicians in the world that make cool instruments even cooler. Just think of all the sexy, idolized guitarists, vocalists and even drummers and bassists out there (I’m kidding, rhythm section. Relax).]]> Garland Jeffreys is a New Yorker through and through - to the point that he states it within the first 30 seconds of an interview. (The Brooklyn accent gives it away, too.) But Jeffreys' New York City roots go further upstate than the borough he lives in.]]> In 2001, the singer––his credit card applications read Andrew Wilkes-Krier–– released I Get Wet (Island), an epic solo debut stuffed with bombastic arena rock cuts, including “It’s Time to Party,” “Party Til You Puke” and the immensely popular single “Party Hard.]]> The word of the day is “collaboration,” when it comes to the first-ever Central New York Mozart Festival happening throughout this month.]]> Timberlake, 32, is far removed from his post-*NSYNC, self-discovery days. Recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, fashion designer, sketch comedian, husband—the guy does everything. Karl Rove’s super PAC probably has some slick attack ads ready lest Timberlake runs for senator.]]> It came and went in a flashing flurry of activity: More than 2,000 bands, a long list of heavy-hitters and a longer list of new kids on the block, day parties, night parties, unexpected surprises and long-awaited events finally came to an end. It was an overwhelming disaster and a perfect storm.]]> ]]> The 2013 Syracuse Area Music Awards (Sammys) were all about balance. They were a careful and perfect combination, bringing together newer bands like the VanNorstrand Brothers, Soul Risin' and Sophistafunk beside longtime pros such as the Paul Case Band and Out of the Blue.]]> The final honoree to be recognized that evening was Jimmy Van Heusen, a Syracuse native and one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Van Heusen died in 1990, so his nephew Brook Babcock accepted the award on his behalf and aptly captured the importance and beauty of the Sammys.]]> Meet this year’s class on Thursday at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Qu]]> Bands and artists submit recorded material, which is evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Winners are chosen in categories spanning pop, country, jazz, hip-hop, rock, blues, rhythm 'n' blues, metal, Americana, alternative, modern rock and other.]]>  There will always be a flavor-of-the-month child performer whose popularity peaks sometime after puberty. That’s just the cruel nature of show business, where talented kids fall by the ways]]>