SYRACUSE -- Tommy Nast of the former 94 Rock (present-day Y94FM / WYYY) was back in town last night, recounting some of the battles he waged against 95X (WAQX) back when the two stations were bitter rivals. Nast spoke at the Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYs) Hall of Fame induction ceremony last night.
Galaxy Communications, the Syracuse-based owner of several stations in the Syracuse and Utica-Rome markets, was among the inductees honored at last night's ceremony, which was covered by Mark Bialczak for the Syracuse Post-Standard.
Dave Frisina and "Big Mike" Fiss accepted the award on Galaxy's behalf. Frisina, a hall of famer himself since 1994, is the midday host for Syracuse's TK99/105 (WTKW/WTKV) and Utica's 96.9 WOUR. For nearly 31 years, he's also hosted the Sunday night show Soundcheck, which focuses exclusively on music produced by local talent.
Fiss, individually a hall of famer since 1996, is the morning drive host at Syracuse's Sunny 102 (WZUN) and Utica's Mix 102.5 (WUMX). In addition to his longtime involvement with the SAMMY awards, Fiss has helped to promote local musicians -- and local charities -- through his "Christmastime in Syracuse" albums, featuring a new collection of holiday favorites performed by local artists every year.
In addition to the ways Frisina and Fiss have helped to promote local talent, Galaxy's stations have featured local bands alongside national acts during major events such as the K-Rockathon and the Disfunctional Family BBQ, just to name a few.
While the SAMMY Hall of Fame induction took place last night, the "regular" SAMMY awards ceremony is slated for tonight at the Oncenter and tickets are $10 through the SAMMY website.