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[March 26, 2007] 

The Cleveland Icon Perseverance Awards  2007 

This event, the second annual, once again took place at the Agora and was hosted by the venerable “Host of the North Coast” - Peanuts (who still won’t reveal his real name).

The Cleveland Entertainment Coalition puts on a truly worthwhile event, but unfortunately, it’s still a well-kept secret. Their mission is to honor longtime veterans of the local music scene, including musicians, media, and behind-the-scenes movers and shakers. But more people are needed to shake things up and get their mission moving. President Londi Viccarone told me he needs more volunteers, particularly concerning this event. So if anyone is interested in being involved in this noteworthy organization, go to their website at www.clevelandec.org

Although the crowd Sunday night was lean at times, the music and the distribution of awards was entertaining, and the many reunions among friends created a party-like atmosphere.

It also gave you hope for the future musical generation. The first band that played, Nostalgia Cleveland featured a young boy, Alex Raz, who was just nine years old. He started things off in true rock-and-roll style by playing guitar like Jimi Hendrix (he did a near-perfect rendition of  “Star Spangled Banner” - not an easy feat at any age) and then, out came 7-year-old Vincent Fondale, who did a medley of Journey songs and he was absolutely amazing. Not just his voice, but his whole demeanor - he worked the crowd (who couldn’t take their eyes off of him) like a true professional at the top of his game. Wow.

I’m going to do a Jane Scott right now (for those who recall this veteran Cleveland rock reporter proclaiming Bruce Springsteen as the next big thing, back when most had never heard of him). So Remember the Name – Vincent Fondale. He’s going to be a star… 

I was also thrilled to finally meet Michael Calhoun, of the great Dazz Band, and even more honored to present a Perseverance Award to Carlos Jones, indeed an icon of the reggae music scene, as one of the members of I-Tal and First Light (yes, reggae has been alive and very well in Cleveland, Ohio since 1979) and whose band, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S Band, performs regularly throughout the North Coast. He’s not only an amazing percussionist/guitarist/vocalist, he’s a really nice guy (and regular readers of this blog know how I feel about nice).   

It was a fun night and I only hope that word spreads more widely for next year’s event, and more people show up to honor, as the Coalition says “Cleveland’s Own,” and our Rock City maintains its claim to fame.