The executive director of the Syracuse Area Music Awards who’s been with the organization since 1991 is about to retire. This weekend’s event marks a full 35 year journey for Liz Nowak. In the early 90’s she was asked to help collaborate and create the annual awards show to honor Central New York musicians. Nowak recalls when the awards shifted from a public nominations format to asking bands and solo artists to submit their recordings.
“And it was surprising how many bands responded with their recorded music and we’ve stayed with that to go along with what the Grammy’s acknowledges," said Nowak. "And then we do have the People’s Choice and at last count we had 165,000 votes.”
Prior to the event Nowak was a concert promoter.
“My very first national act was Marshall Crenshaw at OCC. And then from there my next show two sellouts with Robin Williams," she said. "And after that was Stevie Ray Vaughn at Longbranch Park.”
The SAMMYS are set for 7 pm Friday, March 6th at the Palace Theater in Eastwood, and free online streaming. For more details, go visit our community calendar.
