About
The Rochester Music Hall of Fame (RMHF) is a non profit organization currently awaiting its 501(c)(3) status.
OUR HISTORY:
In March 2009, an editorial appeared in the Democrat and Chronicle authored by local musician, Karl LaPorta. He wrote about his vision to have a place in the city where local musicians and their accomplishments could be honored. A place where Rochester’s proud musical history could be celebrated and put on display.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive reaction to his editorial, Karl quickly assembled an eclectic group of supporters, each bringing a different set of skills and a unique perspective to the table including: a prominent local politician, members of the media, business people and of course, musicians. With their help, in less than two years, Karl’s vision has become a virtual reality.
OUR MISSION:
The Rochester Music Hall of Fame recognizes those with ties to Rochester whose talents, efforts, perseverance and creativity have contributed to the creation of musical excellence. Each year new members will be honored through ceremony and celebration and their achievements memorialized to promote an appreciation for the greater Rochester area’s rich and diverse musical history and culture.
OUR GOALS:
- To annually induct new nominees from all walks of musical life and across the wide spectrum of musical styles and disciplines.
- To hold annual induction ceremonies to welcome new inductees to the Hall.
- To be a repository for awards, artifacts, memorabilia, displays, and information regarding inductees in particular and the musical heritage of Rochester in general.
- To be a community resource for musical education and research.
- To inspire and encourage current and future generations to explore their own musical potential.
- To provide a forum to spotlight local musical talent.
- To sponsor, promote, or participate in local musical events and concerts.
OUR OFFICERS:
Karl LaPorta – President
Gerald Brongo – Treasurer
Donna LaPorta – Secretary
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Karl LaPorta, President – Karl has been a professional musician for over 40 years. He has been a Piano Technician for almost 30 years. Raised in a musical family – his dad was a piano and violin teacher – Karl’s dream, always, was to have a Rochester Music Hall of Fame.
Bill Hunt – Bill is a professional musician, and works for the United States Postal Service. Bill is a local music history buff, and has researched local music going back more than two centuries. Bill is the chairman of the RMHF Criteria and Selection Committee.
Alex Carroll – Alex has been the manager or booking agent for several local top music acts. He was instrumental in the development of the Downtown Alive at Five, which brought music downtown. He has also been on several local entertainment committees including the annual March of Dimes music fundraiser. Alex owns his own company, Alex Carroll Associates, which is an event planning corporation.
Donna LaPorta, Secretary – Donna, who has been married to Karl for 37 years, is a music lover, and of course belongs to the same musical family as Karl. Donna is the Town Clerk, for the Town of Gates, and as a result she brings a wealth of experience to her position as Secretary for the RMHF.
Marc Provenzano – Marc is a professional musician, band leader, has his own recording studio, and is a producer and engineer. He is also the co-founder of RAM (Rochester Area Musicians) which is an organization that keeps local musicians in contact with each other and has annual meetings. Mark is also the owner of MPRO, Sales & Marketing Company.
Kathy Palokoff – Kathy was the first inspiration in helping get Karl’s dream of RMHF off the ground. Her experience was integral in helping form the RMHF. Kathy is CEO of CUSTOMERicity and a passionate fan of Rochester and music.
Gerald Brongo, Treasurer – Jerry is a professional musician and a Certified Public Accountant. Jerry has been instrumental in all areas of the RMHF finances. Jerry and Marc Provenzano are also bandmates in Brass Taxi.
Steven Feder – Steve is a professional musician and plays in several different bands. Steve is also the band leader of the Time Bandits, one of Rochester’s longest running bands. Steve is an Attorney- At-Law, handling all of the legal matters for the RMHF.
Jack Whittier – Jack is a professional musician and is also on the board for the Organization of Missing and Exploited Children. Jack is the Chief Financial Officer for Palmer Food Services.
David LaPorta – Dave is Karl’s brother and is also an accomplished musician. He received the same music training from his dad. Dave is retired from his job of 30 years of service to the County where he excelled in several areas.
Jim Richmond – A founding member of the ten-piece band, Prime Time Funk, Jim Richmond was a child who entertained the neighborhood kids by imitating Elvis on his front porch. He led his own band, The Echomen, while still in high school, then went on to major in music at SUNY Fredonia. Jim’s serious vocal, songwriting and arranging talents have kept him in demand over the years, sharing the stage with acts including George Benson and Tower of Power, among others.
Tracy Kroft – A communications and public relations professional, a long-time supporter of the Rochester music scene and a writer of a music blog, Rochester Music Scene (And Heard), Tracy has a passion to recognize, celebrate and honor the tremendous musical tradition of Rochester.
