Kenny’s Castaways, 157 Bleecker Street in New York City was the place to be for Blues and R&B lovers, to celebrate the talent, artistic contributions and legacies of over a dozen legends of the New York Blues scene. Hosted by Roxy Perry, the room was packed throughout the five-hour program, which featured performances and Blues Hall of Fame inductions for the stellar roster of New York artists, who in order of appearance, were Charles “Honeyboy” Otis, Robert Ross, Arthur Neilson, Michael Powers, Big Ed Sullivan, Roxy Perry, Michael Hill, Ivan Bodley, and Angel Rissoff.

Also on this night, special tribute was made to honor the contributions of four New York greats, posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Certificates were accepted amid cherished remembrances, admiration and respect. Drummer, Wally “Gator” Watson’s wife accepted the induction on his behalf. Jerry Dugger received the induction certificate on behalf of R&B vocalist, Moe Holmes. Marsha Mayer accepted on behalf of drummer, Tyrone “Crusher” Green, and Tony Spinale on behalf of his father, R&B vocalist, Frankie Paris. A special tribute set in memory of Frankie Paris was performed by honorees, Angel Rissoff and Ivan Bodley.

Kenny’s Castaways was also awarded the distinction of “Great Blues Venue of New York”, accepted by Maria Kenny, daughter of the venue’s founder, Patrick Kenney. Opened for business in 1967, Kenny’s Castaways is one of the few remaining New York music club icons still thriving today. The sentiment expressed by Maria on the venue website (http://www.kennyscastaways.net) sums up the spirit of the room: “My dad was always dreaming and gambling on ideas. He had so many wonderful stories and dreams of what music was about, what Kenny's was about at its core. He always said it was about creating memories for people and creating a sense of possibility. He believed and by sheer force of his personality he made you believe in the possibilities. He is greatly missed.”