Much like the Grammys, the SAMMYS is a special event that creates unique moments in music.
The 2026 Syracuse Area Music Awards recognized the best in local music Friday night during a ceremony at the Palace Theatre in Eastwood. Tim Fox of NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) hosted with a variety of guest presenters, plus live performances by Brass Inc., London McDaniel, the Nate Gross Band, New York Flyers and Stephen Douglas Wolfe.
Highlights included Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens honoring retiring SAMMYS director Liz Nowak; Owens joking with two-time SAMMY winner Joe Driscoll about his reported ultimatum as I-81 director when they presented an award together; and former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page in the audience, singing along as Nate Gross performed “I Shall Be Released.” Page, a Canadian Music Hall of Famer who now lives in Manlius, said it was his first time attending the SAMMYS as he presented a People’s Choice Award…