2026 Capital Region Thomas Edison Hall of Fame Ceremony
Celebrate the legendary careers of Capital Region artists and contributors to the local music scene
The eighth class of inductees into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame honors artists, educators, and cultural stewards whose work has shaped the Capital Region’s music scene across genres, including blues, jazz, gospel, rock, and metal. This year’s honorees reflect both deep local roots and global reach — from internationally touring performers to the visionaries who have preserved and sustained live music in the region.
Joining 48 individuals and groups inducted since the Hall’s founding in 2019 are the visionary owners of the Van Dyck — Marvin Friedman, Don Wexler, Peter Olsen, the McDonald family, and Chris Sule; influential musician, producer and audio engineer Dominick Campana; beloved blues icon and “Ambassador of the Blues” Ernie Williams; revered pianist, composer and educator Lee Shaw, the Capital Region’s “First Lady of Jazz”; Grammy-nominated metal frontwoman of In This Moment Maria Brink; record shop founder and vinyl culture champion Jim Furlong; Grammy-nominated guitarist and founding member of Los Straitjackets Eddie Angel; and enduring gospel ensemble Heavenly Echoes.
The Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame is holding the induction ceremony for its class of 2026 class at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23 at Universal Preservation Hall. The ceremony will feature live music, a presentation of a brief video about each artist, acceptance speeches and more. A plaque honoring each inductee will be permanently displayed at UPH following the ceremony. Tickets are $50 and are now on sale; admission includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
The Eddies Music Hall of Fame honors Capital District residents who have made outstanding contributions to, or significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of the music industry. These contributions can be national, regional, or local. Nominees must have been born in the Capital Region and/or have lived here and/or worked here professionally. As a rule, nominees must have been active in the music industry for a minimum of 20 years. Exceptions are made in the case of a candidate’s premature death or due to outstanding service or special circumstances.
For more information on the inductees and the Eddies Hall of Fame, visit theeddiesawards.com.
Tickets on sale at 12 p.m. Wednesday, January 21.