Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame

'Promoting fellowship and friendship among all musicians of the Wabash Valley'

Hall of Fame Class of 2017

The 24rd annual induction ceremony was held on March 12, 2017 at the Zorah Shrine in Terre Haute, IN.  Doug Mason and Toby Myers were unable to attend.

The Coon Holler Kids opened the ceremony with some great music.  They have been our opening act on past occasions, and have always been a big hit with the audience.

Terry Wenzel was presented with the Akers/Grindle Award, and Mark Bennet was presented with the Special Recognition Award.:

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List of the Class of 2017

Paul Bays William Kassis Jim Payne
Kevin Beel Leo Maesch Susan Pell
J. R. Combs Doug Mason George Phelps
John Dicenso Steve McCullough Gary Ready
George Egy Mary Lou Morris John Spicknall
Ed Ice, Jr. Toby Myers Brian Wendholdt

Pictures of the Class of 2017

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Paul Bays with Jeff Wisbey
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Paul Bays
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Kevin Beel with David Beel
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Kevin Beel
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J.R. Combs with Rick Waggoner
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J.R. Combs
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John DiCenso with Mark Wright
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John DiCenso with Jerome Cheatham
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George Egy with Brad Anderson
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George Egy
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Ed Ice Jr. with Tim Weer
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Ed Ice Jr.
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Willie Kassis with Brad Anderson
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William "Willie" Kassis
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Leo Maesch and Joe Cartwright
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Leo Maesch
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Steve McCullough and Tracy Richardson
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Steve McCullough
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Mary Lou Morris and Jimmy Hollingsworth
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Mary Lou Morris
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Toby Myers (photo from 2013)
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Jim Payne and Jesse Richey
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Jim Payne
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Susan Pell and Mark Wright
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Susan Pell
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George Phelps and Brad Anderson
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George Phelps
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Gary Ready and Rick Waggoner
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Gary Ready
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John Spicknall and Mark Wright
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John Spicknall
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Brian Wendholdt with Bill Heyman and Victoria Birchfield
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Brian Wendholdt with Bill Heyman and Victoria Birchfield
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Our Opening Act

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Coon Holler Kids
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Coon Holler Kids
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Coon Holler Kids

Presentation of Awards

The Akers/Grindle Award, the Hall's highest award, was given to Terry Wenzel in recognition of his outstanding service to the Hall.  Terry was among the musicians who helped Alva Grindle to restart the Hall of Fame in 2005.  He served on the Board of Directors, and was instrumental in helping the Hall of Fame grow into the organization that it is today, going above and beyond in donating his time, energy, and finances to make sure the organization would succeed.

Mark Bennett received the Special Recognition award.  For many years, he has played an important part in helping the Hall of Fame gain recognition and a good reputation in the community, and we are grateful for his efforts. 

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Terry Wenzel
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Terry Wenzel
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Terry Wenzel
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Mark Bennett
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Mark Bennett

Reading of the Band of Angels

Doc Long and Party Marty read the names of those who were added to the Band of Angels during 2016, followed by Dave Amerman and Eddie Davis performing "Tears in Heaven."

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Doc Long and Party Marty
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Doc Long and Party Marty
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Dave Amerman and Eddie Davis

Pictures from the Induction Ceremony

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