Written
on 7.28.11
This is the twenty second edition of the Feature of the Month for the
South Dakota Rock & Roll Music Association. We are rock and roll
fans, and looking to write a feature each month, that will not only
bring back wonderful memories, but will also remind us all of the
history that was made in our great state of South Dakota. We are
hoping to write a feature each month selecting one of the many
talented Bands, DJ's, Radio Stations, and Dance Halls throughout SD.
For years it was just a dream but in 2009 it became reality. For the SDRRMA Board of Directors the vision was to establish a Hall of Fame to honor the many people and places that shaped our state's musical history. We started planning in 2007 with no money, no property, but lots of ideas. After many frustrating months of applying for various licenses, non profit status, and financial shortfalls, we finally thought everything was on track. Then we received a letter from the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame threatening to sue us if we didn't change our name. We were told they had a copyright on the name "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". We also copyrighted the name but theirs was nationwide and ours was statewide. Another minor setback was we just had business cards, stationary, etc printed up and we had to have them redone. But our six board members endured and refused to give up.
In the fall of 2008 the board announced our first year inductees. These included bands, ballrooms, DJs, and several other categories of musical significance. Our induction/concert was announced to the media with Memorial Weekend the time and the Shrine Mosque the place. Bobby Vee was the headliner. We didn't know what to expect and the prospect of competing with graduations, weddings, vacations, and a holiday weekend had us all very nervous. I still recall Doug Lund saying he hoped we had at least 400 people there. Ticket sales were slow and the worries mounted. After all, we were the new kid on the block with no track record and few people having any knowledge of our organization. The two weeks prior to the event we went on a media blitz, appearing on TV and radio stations, in newspapers, public appearances, and anything else we could do to publicize the event. We lined up a car club to display their old classics in front of the Mosque on the day and night of the concert.
When the big night came, much to our surprise, we had a turn away crowd of almost 1,000. The music and dancing lasted until well after midnight and a good time was had by all. For the past two years the Ramkota Exhibit Hall has been our new home and each year we have been sold out well in advance of the show, drawing around 1,500 die hard music fans for each induction. The 2012 concert will be the weekend of April 21st and if the first three years are any indication, you'd better get your tickets early.
Also in 2009, we approached the Washington Pavilion about locating a" Hall of Fame Museum" within their facility. An agreement was reached and soon items were on display. The SDRRMA spent over $7,000 to install a glass wall to protect some of the priceless and one-of a-kind items we had acquired. They include the late Mark Craney's drum set, a vintage juke box, historic guitars, original band jackets, and rare band posters. We also spent about another $3,000 on some glass display cases and wall coverings. The glass cases contain local records, photos, autographed items, and other interesting memorabilia. Through the generosity of people around the state we are continually adding new items but we're still looking for donations or loans so we can keep our displays fresh. If you have any memorabilia please contact our website.
We look forward to seeing everyone in April, 2012, and thank you for your continued support!
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