WCMF Enters Hall Of Fame
• Entercom proudly announced the induction of heritage Classic Rock WCMF/Rochester, NY into the esteemed Rochester Music Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held on Sunday, April 28 at the Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre in Rochester, NY. WCMF is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary on air — one of one of five rock stations in the country to still be in the same format with the same call letters a half-century after launching, we are told.
During the ceremony, WCMF midday host Dave “Kane-O” Kane (pictured, above) was also honored with a Special Merit Award in recognition of his remarkable 38-year run on the air and his overall contributions to music in the Rochester community. Kane was joined at the induction ceremony by The Break Room morning hosts Tommy Mulé, Pat Duffy and Kim Berntson, WCMF PD/afternoon delight Michael “Mud” Gross and SVP/Market Manager Sue Munn, who commented, “We are excited to be recognized by the Rochester Music Hall of Fame and celebrate with the community who has accompanied us on our 50-year journey. For WCMF to be inducted in the same class with such talented, accomplished, and widely regarded individuals in the music industry is truly an honor.”
Among the other inductees — Beach Boys‘ founding member Al Jardine and Jack Allocco, an 11-time Emmy Award-winning composer and record producer, local concert promoter Jeff Springut and noted folk singer Christine Lavin. Jardine performed, accompanied by his son and musical director, Matt, while Allocco and Prime Time Funk accompanied Gary Wright, who performed his hits “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive” (Allocco wrote the current arrangements). The event also featured performances by the “WCMF 50th Anniversary Rock Tribute Band” (pictured) featuring Guns N’ Roses‘ guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal; Talas lead vocalist Phil Naro; The Firm and Whitesnake bassist Tony Franklin; and Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice. A highlight video is posted at wcmf.radio.com.
Kane-O commented, “I am so grateful to have been acknowledged with such a prestigious honor. The Rochester community is my home and I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love each day. Thank you to the Rochester Music Hall of Fame for this incredible recognition and to my team at Entercom Rochester for their support.”
As Kane-O told RAMP several months ago when he was first informed of his Special Merit Award, “It’s very simple, and has been to me for a long time — I love what I do, I love where I do it, and I love whom I do it with and for.” [Photo Credit: WCMF Promotions Director Kaeleigh Beebe]
