Hall of Fame Wall added to The Palladium in Carmel

Did you miss the Gala? Has it been a while since you've seen the inside of The Palladium?

Now you have a good reason to make that visit.

The Center for the Performing Arts installed a new Wall of Fame during its 2014 Encore Gala Weekend presented by Krieg DeVault. The wall display is dedicated to past and present honorees in the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame, and is located in the Palladium concert hall. It showcases framed photographs of Cole Porter, Barry Manilow, Liza Manilow, and eight additional honorees.

Funding support for the exhibit was provided by Dr. Charles and Mrs. Alice Simons, of Kokomo, IN. 

“The Great American Songbook encapsulates our humanity,” said Dr. Simons. “I believe the arts are a reflection of our history, an expression of our present, and a predictor of our future. Michael Feinstein’s work as a performer – and Songbook ambassador – inspired us to be a part of the Hall of Fame. The awards performance is a one night event. Now, the gallery will provide hundreds of guests the opportunity to be a part of the Hall of Fame any time they visit.”

The free exhibit, adjacent to the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative Gallery, is open to the general public weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The Center for the Performing Arts has earned its reputation as the home of the Great American Songbook,” said President/CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. “We’re continuing that tradition with a standing tribute to our Songbook legends. Their talents have shaped America’s music. Now, thanks to the Simons, Palladium guests will have a Hall of Fame experience every time they visit. It is a prestigious addition to the Center for the Performing Arts.”

The June 20-21 Great American Songbook Hall of Fame performance was led by Michael Feinstein who inductged a new round of honorees into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. The concert performance honored the musical contributions of Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt, Shirley Jones, and Johnny Mathis. Feinstein, the Center’s artistic director, was be joined by “American Idol” vocalist Jessica Sanchez, Broadway star Laura Osnes, singer-songwriter-pianist Peter Cincotti, and Canadian vocalist Denzal Sinclaire who paid tribute to the honorees. Julia Goodwin, the 2013 winner of the Great American Songbook High School Vocal Competition also performed.

In case you were wondering, Hall of Fame honorees are selected by the following criteria (inducted annually):

>>> An artist who made a significant contribution to the Golden Age of American popular music, typically defined as the period from the early years of the 20th century through the 1960s (awarded posthumously).

>>> Living songwriters, both lyricists and composers, who have made a significant impact on American pop culture by creating the most beloved songs from the American popular songbook.

>>> An  artist, songwriter and/or performer, who continues to create the soundtrack of our lives by writing and/or performing music that will stand the test of time and become the pop standards of tomorrow.

Songbook Hall of Fame honorees are:

·         Alan and Marilyn Bergman, 2012

·         Barry Manilow, 2012 

·         Cole Porter, 2012

·         Liza Minnelli, 2013

·         Rita Moreno, 2013

·         Frank Sinatra, 2013

·         Jimmy Webb, 2013

·         Nat King Cole, 2014

·         Shirley Jones, 2014

·         Johnny Mathis, 2014

·         Linda Ronstadt, 2014

The Great American Songbook Hall of Fame will elevate the Great American Songbook, inducting new members annually. The Palladium concert hall in Carmel, Indiana serves as the official home of the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative and the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. The awards will be displayed in the Shiel Sexton Lobby on the gallery level of the Palladium concert hall.

For more information, visit the website here.