THE USA BAND is a group of legendary Niagara Falls musicians, who have been performing classic rock songs and entertaining fans in numerous venues throughout Western New York for the past 40 years.
Over these years, the band built a repertoire of classic rock hits from the 1960s and 70s, winning numerous awards as the best WNY classic rock band.

Though the band had many talented local musicians join its ranks, they continued to evolve keeping their passion for classic rock strong. Bob LoTempio on vocals and Frank Geracitano on drums continue to lead their current lineup of Pete Zito on keys, Frank Catanese on bass, and Jim Jeckovich on guitar.

Formed in 1984 by Geracitano, inspired by the Olympic spirit of the Los Angeles Games; his goal was to create a group that captured the energy and unity of that event, dressing in red, white, and blue to represent the USA’s athletic spirit through music.

The USA Band has become a staple of the WNY music scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for their performances. Their achievements include sharing the stage with iconic acts including opening for The Beach Boys at the Seneca Niagara Casino in 2005, and performing with Creedence Clearwater Revival.

A unique aspect of the band is its connection to musical legends, Niagara Falls Music Hall of Famers, April Stevens and Nino Tempo are first cousins of vocalist Bob LoTempio. Solidifying the band’s status as local legends, members Geracitano, Jeckovich and Zito have individually been inducted into the NFMusicHOF.

Beyond their music, the band is also known for its commitment to community service. For the years, they have donated their time to perform at the annual Summerfest at Sal Maglie Stadium, helping raise over $12,000 each year for the Niagara Falls Fire Fighters Toy Fund, which supports underprivileged children. The USA Band is a close-knit group, bound by their love for music and each other personally.

With four decades of performances, awards, and community involvement, they continue to embody the spirit that inspired their formation. It is a pleasure to welcome The Fabulous USA Band into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

DARRYL TONEMAH, known simply as Tonemah, is an award-winning musician whose work blends folk, rock, and traditional Native influences into a style he calls “Native Americana.” Of Kiowa, Comanche, and Tuscarora heritage, he was born on the Tuscarora Reservation in New York.

Over the course of his career, Tonemah has released 11 critically acclaimed albums featuring hits. His songs, characterized by sharp emotion, humor, and thought-provoking metaphors, resonate with listeners and have earned him numerous awards including “Best Folk Recording,” “Best Male Artist,” and “Songwriter of the Year” from prestigious organizations like the Native American Music Awards and Indian Summer Music Awards. Whispering Wind Magazine praised his album “Welcome to Your Rainy Day” as a masterpiece.

Tonemah’s music draws from his life experiences growing up on and off reservations, combining storytelling with a blend of folk, rock, and traditional sounds. His organic style connects with audiences, creating relatable narratives of struggle, resilience, and hope. Recently, he released his album “Cardinal,” recorded in Buffalo with his band, The Hardcore Troubadours, a group of top Western New York Americana players he has collaborated with for over 20 years.

Beyond his music career, Tonemah has contributed to the arts and community. He has acted in theater, films, and TV shows such as “Nashville,” “Sliver of a Full Moon,” and “The Cherokee Word for Water.” He is also an author, with one book published and a second in progress. Tonemah’s commitment to supporting others is reflected in his creation of the National Native American Christmas Benefit Concert series, which has distributed over 40,000 toys to Native children in need over the past 24 years.

He also founded the Native Voices Tour, highlighting Indigenous singer-songwriters, and recently purchased the Lewiston Opera Hall to promote arts and music in the Northtowns. Professionally, Tonemah has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Cultural Studies, which informs his unique perspective as a songwriter.

Through his work with the Tonemah Consulting Group and First Nations Telehealth Solutions, he addresses mental health and wellness in Native communities. He also serves as President of The Native Legacy Foundation, promoting empowerment and suicide prevention. Tonemah’s podcast, “The Singing Psychologist,” offers a platform for discussing psychological topics and sharing inspiring stories. With a distinctive blend of cultural storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and diverse musical influences, Tonemah’s music remains a powerful expression of his heritage and experiences.

It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Darryl Tonemah into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

RICHARD SHULMAN is an accomplished keyboardist and composer, known for his music that inspires, heals, and uplifts. Over his career, he has released 28 solo albums and contributed to more than two dozen collaborative recordings as a composer, performer, and producer.

His work spans classical and jazz traditions, often focusing on meditation, healing, and inspiration. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Shulman began playing piano at age seven and was involved in church music, summer camps, and local bands. During his teenage years, he joined a rock band with future jazz artists and Niagara Falls Music Hall of Famers, Thom Rotella and Bobby Previte, forming early connections that would shape his musical path.

He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in music and psychology from the University of Rochester, where he studied jazz improvisation at the Eastman School of Music with mentors like Chuck Mangione and Marian McPartland. Continuing his education at SUNY Buffalo, he completed a Master’s degree in composition and performed alongside jazz legends such as Thad Jones, Freddie Hubbard, and Eddie Gomez. Shulman’s career has taken him to prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, and major festivals like the Kool Jazz Festival.

He performs across a range of styles, from jazz concerts with The Richard Shulman Group and Trio, to solo piano sessions focused on meditative and spiritual themes. His work with ensembles like “Theatre of the Heart” and projects such as Camelot Reawakened demonstrate his commitment to using music as a tool for community, spiritual connection, and peace.

An innovator in the realm of healing music, Shulman developed “Musical Soul Portraits,” personalized compositions aimed at spiritual alignment and healing. Albums such as “Bliss of Being” and “11:11 Piano Meditations” reflect this focus, combining serene melodies with subtle improvisation to offer a sense of calm and balance.

Currently based in Asheville, NC, Shulman remains active in the local music scene. He performs regularly, teaches jazz piano at UNC-Asheville, and serves as music director at Unity of the Blue Ridge. His recent projects showcase his continued evolution as a composer who bridges the worlds of jazz and spiritual music.

Through his extensive body of work, Richard Shulman has touched audiences worldwide, using the universal language of music to inspire peace, joy, and healing. We are thrilled to welcome Richard Shulman into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

RAMBLIN’ LOU SCHRIVER (1929-2016)
Louis Albert ‘Ramblin Lou’ Schriver was an iconic figure in the world of country music and radio broadcasting in Western New York. His journey began in 1947, when, fresh out of high school, he stepped into the world of radio at WJJL in Niagara Falls, NY.

His early days were filled with live performances, captivating audiences across Western New York with his heartfelt singing and guitar playing at shows, dances, and community events. In 1960, Lou married Joanie Marshall, an accomplished vocalist, guitarist, and violinist. Together, they not only formed a personal bond but also a musical partnership that flourished over the decades. The couple went on to establish the Ramblin’ Lou Family Band, which soon became synonymous with wholesome, multi-generational family entertainment. Lou’s contributions to country music extended far beyond his performances. He played a key role in promoting country music in this region where it was often underrepresented.

His efforts included hosting and presenting shows by legendary artists like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Hank Williams Sr., which were pioneering events in the area. Lou’s association with Hank Williams Sr. gained notable recognition when a live recording from a concert he presented in 1952 was released on CD as one of only two known live recordings of Williams. In 1970, Lou purchased WMMJ, a radio station in Lancaster, NY, and transformed it into WXRL, a station dedicated to country music. WXRL became a platform that championed local and national artists, ensuring the genre thrived.

Lou’s voice was a comforting presence on the airwaves, hosting shows until just before his passing, at the age of 86. His daughter, Linda Lou, recalls how he was “country when country wasn’t cool,” a testament to his dedication and love for the genre. Lou’s career was marked by numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1985, the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

Additionally, his contributions were honored by the Buffalo History Museum in 2015, and he was a lifetime member of the Country Music Association and Musicians Local 92 and Local 209/106. His career was celebrated with a gala evening, and he was also known for his unique, rhinestone-adorned performance suit, custom-made by the legendary Nudie Cohn. Beyond his accolades, Ramblin’ Lou’s legacy is deeply rooted in his family’s music. The Ramblin’ Lou Family Band, featuring Lou’s wife Joanie, their children, and grandchildren, continues to perform across WNY and beyond, keeping his spirit alive.

His radio station, WXRL, remains a beacon for country music lovers, a testament to Lou’s enduring love for the genre and his community. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a lifelong dedication to spreading the joy of country music. He brought people together through music, left a mark on the radio broadcasting industry, and built a legacy that lives on through his family, his station, and the countless fans who still tune in to WXRL.

It is an honor and pleasure to posthumously welcome Ramblin’ Lou Schriver into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

WILLIAM MASSELOS (1920-1992) was a pianist renowned for his versatile performances and commitment to contemporary music. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, to a Dutch mother and Greek father. At the age of 18, he made his New York debut at The Town Hall in 1938, and studied with Carl Friedberg, a disciple of Johannes Brahms, Clara Schumann, and Nelly Reuschel (another Clara Schumann disciple) at New York's Institute of Musical Art (later called Juilliard School).

At age 32, Masselos’s career began to soar after his 1952 debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto in D minor under Dimitri Mitropoulos. This launched a series of collaborations with major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Montreal Symphony, alongside conductors like Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Monteux, and Eugene Ormandy. Masselos was a pioneering advocate of contemporary music, premiering works by Charles Ives, Aaron Copland, Ben Weber, Alan Hovhaness, and many others.

Notable performances include the first renditions of Ives’ Piano Sonata No. 1 (1949) and Copland’s Piano Fantasy (1957). He was also the soloist for world premieres of concertos by William Mayer, Marga Richter, and Carlos Surinach. Despite his dedication to new music, Masselos retained a deep connection to classical repertoire, celebrated for his interpretations of Brahms, Schumann, and Chopin. His recordings of Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze and Brahms’ sonatas remain highly regarded. His performances, such as a three-and-a-half-hour concert at Carnegie Hall in 1969, showcased his commitment to broad, inclusive programming, inviting audiences to explore a diverse range of musical styles. Masselos’s approach to modern music mirrored his treatment of the classics, marked by an inquisitive and methodical exploration of new compositions.

He was one of the most respected pianists of his time. After one of his marathon concerts, Harold C. Schonberg of The New York Times described him “Always was one of the better American pianists, now he has developed into a great one. He is a pianist of tone, technique, musicianship, style, imagination, and sensitivity". William Masselos passed away in Manhattan in 1992 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. His legacy endures as a trailblazer in American piano music.

It is a pleasure and honor to posthumously welcome William Masselos into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame

PETE MALINVERNI, is a renowned pianist, composer, and educator who has been a fixture on the New York City jazz scene since moving there in the early 1980s from his hometown of Niagara Falls, where he started Classical Piano studies at the age of six.

First influenced by gospel music he heard in his local church, he would listen to his mother sing solos and later he would play piano for the congregation. In high school, he played in funk/rock bands, mentored by the NFHS band/choir director-pianist Douglas Monroe, and also privately instructed by Niagara Falls Music Hall of Famer, Ron Corsaro. Pete attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and earned his Masters from the Purchase Conservatory of Music.

Moving to NYC in 1981, he quickly became known for his work with jazz trios. Throughout his time in NYC, Pete has established performing, recording and inspirational contact with a host of masters on the scene, including Joe Lovano, Vernel Fournier, Charles Davis, Dennis Irwin, Leroy Williams, Mel Lewis, Karrin Allyson, Steve Wilson and many others.

He has collaborated with larger ensembles featuring Tim Hagans, Rich Perry, Joe Magnarelli, and Ralph Lalama and has recorded multiple albums as a bandleader. These collaborations happened in studios and on stages like Carnegie Recital Hall, the Caramoor Festival, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Rome Music and Image Festival, the Santiago (Chile) Jazz Festival and others, as well as in New York's great clubs, such as the Village Vanguard, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Village Gate, Bradley's, Smalls and Mezzrow. Pete has recorded 16 times as a leader, a solo piano, piano/violin duet, trio, quartet, quintet, big band and choral contexts.

All of his recordings have been received by critics and the public alike and have been seen/heard with heavy airplay on all platforms, from the radio to the internet. Pete’s contributions to music extend beyond performance. He served on the faculties of NYU, William Paterson University and SUNY Purchase, where he currently chairs the Jazz Studies program.

He has received the Marc Crawford Jazz Educators Award, and has been supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Meet the Composer Foundation. These experiences, along with his work in inspirational settings with the Devoe Street Baptist Church in Brooklyn (Minister of Music for 18 years), the Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, NY (Pianist and Conductor) and the Pound Ridge Community Church (Director of Music), have convinced him that music must be treated as a sacred gift, to be passed on freely to fellow musicians and listeners, with passionate control.

Throughout his career, he has remained a dedicated advocate for the power of music to inspire, educate, and connect people. We are thrilled to welcome Pete Malinverni into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame

LARRY LINDSAY has had a music career spanning over 60 years, making him a prominent figure in the greater Niagara Falls, New York, area. He was part of several bands, including Larry & the Lads (59-61), 8 O'Clock Vine (60s), Band from the Fran (60s), The Group (64-72), The Great Escape (72-78) and The Chazz Band (82-83), performing at iconic venues like The Tree House, Palazzos Place, The Stardust, The Club, The Hideaway, The Topper Tavern, Duggars, McVanns, The Main, The Grand Inn, The Rec, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, and many more.

Larry’s contributions extended beyond performing, as he supported the local music scene by offering opportunities for local bands to perform at his nightclubs, such as The Fran Lounge, The Marlin, and Cruisers. He also performed at many community events, including free outdoor concerts at Darien Lake.

Nationally and internationally, Larry is best known for his role as a drummer and singer in his band The Great Escape, who was the backing band for Grammy-winning and multi-gold and platinum-selling artists, The Coasters, for three years in the 1970s and support acts for legends like Chuck Berry, The Drifters, The Platters, Chubby Checker, Danny & the Juniors, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Della Reese and others. He and his band performed across 46 U.S. states, Canada, and Bermuda.

Memorable performances include playing with The Coasters at Kings Row at Fenway Park and backing Chuck Berry on drums at the Tennessee Valley Speedway. In the early 1980s, he continued this trend with The Chazz Band, supporting artists such as Jackson Browne and Stevie Nicks. Larry also managed The Marlin, which hosted world-renowned acts, including Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, and Engelbert Humperdinck.

In 1956, with his band Larry and the Lads, they recorded the songs “Teenage Doll” and “Please Please Baby,” which can still be heard on various music platforms today. Larry’s versatility shines through his roles as a drummer, lead singer, co-vocalist, and his ability to play piano, bongos, and conga drums. His passion for the local music scene helped elevate Niagara Falls’ reputation by collaborating with successful rhythm and blues and rock artists, earning respect and recognition nationwide.

It is a pleasure to welcome Larry Lindsay into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

RON LASALLE, is a singer/songwriter, bassist and producer, who by the age of 14 was playing professionally with adult black bands in blues and R&B clubs on Niagara Falls’ east side. At the time, this vibrant area of his hometown inspired him to later form and tour with his own band, The East Side Rockers. For ten years, at a pace of over 300 gigs per year, they filled clubs from Nova Scotia to California with standing room only crowds being the norm.

At the peak of that success, he took a break from the road and relocated to Toronto, Canada, to learn more about the music industry business and focus on his songwriting. During this time, he released his first single, “Only the Strong Survive,” under SBK Records. After the Toronto office closed, he moved to Nashville with EMI publishing, marking a new chapter in his career, where he wrote and recorded with some of the world’s finest writers and musicians such as Garry Tallent and Max Weinberg of Springsteen's E Street band, Alto Reed (Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band) Bucky Baxter (Steve Earle, Bob Dylan) George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby).

He has also had songs used in films like Jeff Daniels' “Super Sucker”. His collaborations led him to the form D’Ville Records in 1995 with Garry Tallent and Tim Coats. Being early forerunners of the Roots Rock/Americana genre, they released and promoted such notables as Greg Trooper, Steve Conn and the Floating Men.

LaSalle was taught ‘write what you know’ and that paid off for him with his critically acclaimed 2001 indie release; “Too Angry to Pray”, charting on the Top 20 Roots Rock/Americana lists in 15 countries. His 2007 album “Nobody Rides for Free” debuted at number five on January’s Euro Americana Charts, subsequently promoting and performing throughout Italy.

His 2012 release “When Hellhounds Meet Angels: And Other Sordid Love Stories” showcases his storytelling style of rock, country blues and ballads meet jazz. Ron has been tagged “The Bohemian Blues Man” for his eclectic blend of soulful poetics, musical honesty and the warm growl of his distinctive vocals. He has shared stages with Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, The Bo Deans, Eurhythmics, and Steppenwolf. In the late 70’s he played bass with Bo Diddly and in 2005 was a Bob Seger surrogate front man with the Silver Bullet Band at a benefit show in Detroit.

With a career spanning decades, playing to a total of over five million people, his signature ‘grateful to be here’ attitude continues to inspire and entertain fans everywhere.

CHRIS CRITELLI, born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, has had a diverse and accomplished music career beginning in the 7th grade at Our Lady of the Rosary elementary school, where his singing talent was recognized.

With parents who were both profoundly deaf, this discovery was a unique revelation for his family, and also very encouraging. As a teenager, Chris sang with local bands like The Syndicate, Beginnings, Zola, and Trax. His vocal talent caught the attention of a voice coach, who suggested he audition for the SUNY Buffalo Opera Department. His audition earned him a full scholarship, and he pursued both undergraduate and graduate studies in Fine Arts.

Soon after, he had a decade-long journey into the world of opera and classical music. A talented lyric tenor, Chris’s vocal range allowed him to excel in various classical performances. He graced stages at prestigious venues such as Artpark, Kleinhans Music Hall with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Shea’s Buffalo, and Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto.

His career also included a season with the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto, and he apprenticed with the Des Moines Metro Opera, Central City Opera in Colorado, and spent a summer at The Chautauqua Institute.

Throughout his career, Chris had the opportunity to work with the renowned composer and lyrist Charles
Strouse, of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and ‘Annie’, as well as jazz legend Dave Brubeck. In addition to his classical career, Chris was a versatile soloist, performing for churches and faith communities, and providing music for countless weddings and funerals. His talents extended to local community theater, and he was notably remembered for his role as God in the NFHS production of ‘Children of Eden’.

After spending several years in Dallas, Texas, Chris and his family returned to Niagara Falls, where he embarked on a new chapter as an educator. He obtained his Master’s in Education from Niagara University and taught General Music and Chorus at Gaskill Preparatory School for over two decades.

During this time, he also offered private vocal lessons, initially at the Niagara School of Music and later from his home. Chris’s journey is a testament to his versatility and dedication, as he seamlessly transitioned from local bands to opera stages, and eventually to the classroom, where he shared his love of music with
countless students. His impact on the local community through performance and education continues to resonate. We are honored to welcome Chris Critelli into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.