Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame welcomes 2023 inductees
(Photos by Seth Boyes)
Officials welcomed the 2023 inductees into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Hall of Fame over the weekend. Musicians, DJs and others individuals who have made their mark on the state's music scene gathered outside the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Museum in Arnolds Park Saturday morning. Rebecca Peters, director of Okoboji Tourism, greeted inductees past and present on the museum's outdoor patio ahead of that morning's performances.
"Music has had such a big role in welcoming people to our community, specifically rock and roll music," Peters said, encouraging each inductee to take in as much of the special weekend as possible.
Jon Pausley, CEO of Arnolds Park Inc., echoed Peters, saying live music has been part of the park's legacy for many years. He noted the park's landmark Roof Garden Ballroom celebrated its centennial this year, and Pausley said the park was glad to be able to recognize many of the people who helped make magical memories for many music fans over the years.
"It's amazing to know that 100 years of live music have been taking place right here in Arnolds Park," Pausley said.
And the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association isn't just focused on the past. Not only have officials begun recording interviews with some of their hall of fame inductees, IRMMA Board President Ralph Kluseman noted the association is helping connect young musicians with experienced stage performers — in fact several top acts from the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association's annual Iowa Rocks Talent Competition recently performed during a showcase at the Iowa State Fair.
IRMMA Executive Director Clay Norris said the association hopes to raise funds to install a retractable cover for the museum's outdoor patio in order to provide a better performance space for young musicians. Norris said the upgrade will include expanding a stage area on the north side of the patio, which will ideally give budding musicians the practical stage experience needed to further their music careers. The association is selling table sponsorships for the patio space for a donation of $1,000. Norris said Saturday that a donor has also made $25,000 in matching funds available for the effort.
Saturday's patio performances and indoor workshops were followed by Sunday's official induction ceremony at the Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts in Spirit Lake, and this year's induction concert took place that same evening in the Roof Garden Ballroom.