Following a three year intermission, the Bruce Grey Music Hall of Fame’s induction celebration is returning.
The HOF committee has had a lot to swallow over the past several months. First, the covid pandemic curtailed activities.Then in January 2022, the Hepworth Shallow Lake Legion, which was home to the HOF, was consumed by fire. The early morning blaze destroyed the entire collection of HOF artifacts and displays.
Difficult days continued with the passing of retired MPP, Bill Murdoch, who also was co-founder of the HOF and producer of Bognor Jam. HOF co-founder and Bognor Jam associate producer, Arnie Clark said he has been reminded many times since those dark days, have patience. “There’s a silver lining behind every dark cloud,” said one supporter. Clark admits there has been ups and down and a few cloudy moments, but he is optimistic that the return of an annual Music HOF celebration will signal a new start.
“We now have our 2023 Hall of Fame inductees selected and plans are well underway for the induction celebration,” he said. Clark added that the Owen Sound Legion, where the unique event takes place, has been extremely cooperative. He also added that the wider twin county population is very supportive of a HOF. “Everybody is positive,” he noted. “Many have made significant financial contributions to help with a new home that recognizes our entertainment heroes.”
The 2023 inductees include the late HOF founding member, Jim Merriam, notable country crooner, Jim Beech, the legendary original Tombstones rock and blues band, master guitarist, Lloyd Williamson, the very popular original Rainbow Country Band and entertainment promoter, producer and musician, Arnie Clark. The late Bill Murdoch will also be remembered. Murdoch was inducted last September during an entertainment memorial event in his name that featured many of the region’s top entertainers and special guests, including Larry Mercey, Al Widmeyer and Juno award winner, Crystal Shawanda. Sue Murdoch, who now sits as a HOF committee member, is hopeful a new home can be established that recognizes the entertainment legends of Bruce-Grey. ‘It was Bill’s wish that a new HOF rise up,” she said. “The Hepworth location was his first choice. We are looking at other options.” She also added the HOF hopes to host the return of some special country music events.
Co-hosts for the 2023 induction afternoon include radio personalities, Ross Kentner and John Christie. The Kemble Piper, Keith Davidson, will be participating while Bognor Jam’s Ridge River Ramblers band will provide live entertainment.
Date of the event is Sunday, June 25, 2023. Induction ceremonies and entertainment are being held in the Legion’s Memorial Auditorium, Owen Sound Legion, Br. 6, 1450 2nd Avenue West (519-376-7784). Auditorium doors open at 1:00 p.m. Tickets ($20) are available at the Legion office, Bayshore Country Feeds and at the door. Proceeds are being dedicated to reviving the HOF and its historical displays and to Br. 6 Legion projects. For more information, contact: 519-371-1152 or 519-371-3918
The Bruce Grey Music Hall of Fame
Honouring our entertainment legends
2023 HOF INDUCTEES NOMINATOR
__________________________________________________________________ Jim Merriam Music HOF Directors
Original Tombstones Band Christine Nelson, Gwen Arnold & Dave Edwards
Jim Beech Cyndy Abell
Original Rainbow Country Band Georgina Barnard Arnie Clark Kyle Lougheed
Lloyd Williamson Judy Jones, Ken Fromager Bill Murdoch Music HOF Directors
IMAGES: Lloyd Williamson ; The Tombstones
