PAUL YATES

PAUL YATES is a bassist, music educator, and collaborator, who has represented Niagara Falls proudly throughout his dynamic music career. A 1998 graduate of LaSalle Senior High School, Paul’s musical journey began in his senior year, when he made an immediate impact, performing in the school’s jazz ensemble, concert band, wind ensemble, marching band, and musical theater pit orchestra.

Though he joined the program in his final year, his talent was undeniable, earning him the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. Shortly after graduation, he landed his first professional engagement at the historic Riviera Theatre in Frank Sinatra: Doin’ It His Way, performing alongside David Bondrow and legendary pianist Karl Koch, who had accompanied icons including Sinatra himself. This marked the beginning of an impressive career spanning decades and genres.

In the early 2000s, Paul became a fixture in Niagara Falls’ vibrant hard rock and metal scene with groups like Short of Breath and Plain of Ashes, sharing stages with national acts such as Chimaira and Switched, and local legends Stemm (2019 Inductees).

In 2009, he joined singer-songwriter Fred Shafer on a national tour including the cities of New York, Chicago, Boston, and Nashville, performing alongside many national recording artists. Later that year, he joined a Military Welfare and Recreation tour, performing at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and at military bases across South Korea, Japan, and Diego Garcia.

Choosing to remain closer to home to raise a family, Paul transitioned into education, teaching for five years at Lewiston (now Niagara) Music before joining Cadence Music in Clarence in 2017. His theater credits include performing in the Niagara University productions of 9 to 5 and The Pajama Game. As a bassist, Paul has shared stages with world-class tribute artists Rick Alviti and Irv Cass, blues and rock standouts like Faron Johns, the Pappy Johns Band, Indigenous actor-musician Graham Greene, and Broadway’s Syndee Winters.

His international credits include a 2019 tour of Iceland and Denmark with blues guitarist Tommy Z and a 2023 performance at Kleinhans Music Hall with the BPO and Grammy-winning gospel artist Donald Lawrence. A respected studio musician, Paul’s discography includes collaborations with Will Holton, David Jonathan & the Inner City Bedlam, The Mobile Hotspots, Windtree Theory, and Omeri Monroe II, with his work featured on iTunes and YouTube.

He is a four-time Buffalo Nightlife Music Award winner for Best Blues Bassist (2015, 2016, 2018, 2024) and remains an in-demand performer throughout Western New York and beyond. Currently, Paul performs with The Pat Harrington Trio, HYTS, Big City Horns, Queen City (A Tribute to Queen), Powertain, The Thomas Marinaro Quartet, Taylor Made Jazz, Melissa Kate and The Van Taylor Project.

Through his artistry, mentorship, and dedication, Paul Yates has not only elevated every stage he’s graced but has also inspired countless musicians to follow in his footsteps. For his lifelong commitment to excellence we are proud and honored to induct Paul Yates into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

EDDY TABONE SR.

EDDY TABONE SR. is one of Western New York’s most dynamic and enduring entertainers; a drummer, lead vocalist, and bandleader whose passion for music has energized audiences for more than four decades.
Known for his magnetic stage presence, high-energy performances, and commitment to excellence, Eddy has become a cornerstone of the region’s live-music community.

His journey began behind the drums, where his talent and charisma quickly earned him a reputation as both a gifted musician and a natural showman. As founder and front man of the powerhouse ’80s show band Nerds Gone Wild, Eddy brought together nostalgia, humor, and musicianship to create one of the most popular entertainment acts in Western New York.

The band’s lively costumes, crowd participation, and meticulous recreations of classic hits have made them a regional favorite, earning multiple honors including the 716 Music Awards for “Best Band” and recognition at the Buffalo Music Awards for outstanding live performance.

Eddy’s earlier project, Route 66, became a dance-rock staple across local clubs and festivals, blending strong musicianship with audience engagement. Through his production company, Eddy T Entertainment, he has continued to mentor rising talent, book regional artists, and build memorable live experiences across Western New York and beyond.

His leadership has made him a go-to figure for event organizers and a trusted name in professional entertainment. Never one to stand still, Eddy recently expanded his musical vision as drummer and vocalist for The Yachtfathers, Western New York’s premier yacht-rock tribute band. Performing the smooth soft-rock hits of the ’70s and ’80s—from Michael McDonald to Hall & Oates.

This group showcases yet another side of Eddy’s versatility and deep appreciation for classic American pop music. With more than forty years on stage, Eddy Tabone Sr. continues to bring people together through the joy of live music.

His dedication, creativity, and passion for performance have not only entertained generations of fans but helped define the sound and spirit of Western New York’s vibrant music scene. It is our pleasure to welcome Eddy Tabone Sr. into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

ED ROSCETTI

ED ROSCETTI, a 1977 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, is a renowned drummer, composer, author, and clinician based in Los Angeles since 1979. His lifelong musical journey of performing, recording, composing, and music education began in his parents’ basement at the age of five.

After early drum and piano lessons at D’Amico’s and DiRocco’s Music and performing in school stage concerts, marching and dance bands, Ed quickly made his mark in Western New York’s music scene. By age 15, he was sitting in with jazz veterans at the famed Ontario House and leading his own gigs with fellow local musicians.

At just 16, he joined Joe Ruggiero’s band Transition, performing across Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Canada. A pivotal moment came when he met legendary guitarist Tommy Tedesco (2017 inductee), who encouraged him to move to Los Angeles and offered to help him break into the industry. After a brief stint at Berklee College of Music, Ed followed that advice, and relocated to L.A. at age 18.

There, Tedesco introduced him to drum legend Joe Porcaro, who became Ed’s mentor and teacher. Ed quickly established himself in the vibrant L.A. music community, performing with Tedesco’s Quartet and recording his first albums in 1980, including Fighting Clowns (Firesign Theatre, with Jeff “Skunk” Baxter) and Naturally (Julius Wechter’s Baja Marimba Band). A longtime educator, Ed began teaching at the Percussion Institute of Technology (PIT) in 1980, later becoming a curriculum author for the Musician’s Institute (MI) in Hollywood and Japan.

Over his 36 years at MI, he mentored hundreds of drummers, including Ray Luzier (Korn), Curt Bisquera, and Toss Panos. By 1984, Ed expanded into composition and production for TV and film, studying under composer Lyle “Spud” Murphy. His work has been featured on shows such as Saturday Night Live, General Hospital, Family Ties, L.A. Law, Knots Landing, Biography (A&E), Fox Sports, Disney, The WWE, and The History Channel. As a drummer and percussionist, he has collaborated with legends including Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and The Crusaders, Benny Golson, and Robben Ford. An acclaimed author with Hal Leonard Publishing, Ed’s catalog includes 11 book/audio titles that have become staples in modern music education.

As a clinician, he has led over a thousand workshops across North America, appearing at NYU, UCLA, the Grammy Museum, Berklee College of Music, and at major industry conferences including NAMM, PASIC, IAJE, and TMEA.

He also co-created the World Beat Rhythms Interactive Drum Clinic and developed the NAMM Museum of Making Music Summer Camp Series and its Interactive Video Portals exhibit. Ed has remained deeply connected to his hometown roots, returning often to teach clinics at D’Amico’s Music, Lewiston-Porter School, Villa Maria College, Randy Andropolis’ music camp (fellow Inductee), Buffalo Guitar Center, Villa Maria College and the Tuscarora Indian school.

Grateful for his mentors and community, he continues to give back by inspiring and guiding new generations of musicians. He is deeply honored and we are proud to induct Ed Roscetti into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

PENELOPE

PENELOPE, a beloved cornerstone of Niagara Falls’ live music scene for more than five decades, is well known for their remarkable musicianship, precision, and versatility. Formed in the early 1970s, the group quickly became one of Western New York’s most respected and popular performing bands, admired for recreating every song they performed with extraordinary authenticity and attention to musical detail. The original lineup featured Bob Serianni (vocals), Bob Isaacs (guitar and violin), Frank Fracassi (keyboards), Willie Favero (bass), and Joe Rotella (drums).

Together, they became fixtures at many of the region’s most iconic venues, including the Pine Bowl, Armory Lounge, Tree House, Silver Coach, Switchyard, and C’est La Vie. Working with J.R. Productions in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Penelope brought their signature sound to audiences across Western and Central New York, from Niagara Falls to Rochester.

Under the musical direction of vocalist Bob Serianni, whose perfect pitch and deep musical insight guided the band’s intricate arrangements, Penelope made it their mission to perform every song as close to the original recording as possible. Their repertoire spanned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Lionel Richie, and Michael Jackson, all delivered with five-part harmonies, exact chord voicings, and the energy of a top-tier show band. Serianni’s impaired vision never stood in his way; in fact, it sharpened his ear with an ability to dissect complex chord structures and replicate the vocal nuances of legendary performers making him one of WNY’s top musical talents.

His creativity also shone through in Penelope’s original parody song “Nightly News,” written during the 1975 Communications Workers of America strike, a humorous and timely piece that became a local favorite. As years went on, Penelope evolved, with talented members such as Russ Previte, Pat Benvenuti, Bob Michaels, Rich Del Zoppo, Brian Young, Tim Bristol, and Carl Mayer.

Though life changes led the band to step back from weekly performances, Penelope never stopped sharing their gift. Today, they still perform at special events, bringing their timeless sound to audiences who appreciate their commitment to musical excellence.

Through every era and every lineup, they have remained dedicated to musicianship, collaboration, and our community. We are pleased to welcome Penelope into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

SCOTT NICHOLS

SCOTT NICHOLS For more than four decades, music has been at the heart of Scott Nichols’ life. A 1983 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School, Scott began his musical journey playing guitar in local high school bands, soon finding himself performing and running sound for rock groups in clubs across the Niagara Falls area.

In the late 1980s, he discovered his true calling, using his finely tuned ear for tone, pitch, and musical detail to bring sound to life behind the mixing console. After a brief pause in his musical career to move to Hawaii, where his wife, Darlene was stationed with the U.S. Army, Scott returned to Niagara Falls in the mid-1990s and quickly reconnected with the local music scene.

Working alongside Bob Hillman, a 2019 Inductee, he provided sound for both local and national recording artists, developing a reputation for precision, professionalism, and a deep love of live performance. In 2005, Scott launched Nichols Audio, a full-service sound and lighting production company serving local, regional, and national touring acts, festivals, and corporate events.

His work has been heard and seen at countless Western New York venues including the B-Bar, Evening Star, Club Paradise, Backstage Pub, Rock Starz, and the Showplace Theater, as well as during his tenure as Audio Engineer at the Rapids Theatre from 2010 to 2020. Scott’s dedication to his community is reflected in his long list of contributions to events such as the Niagara Falls Music & Art Festival, Niagara Falls Air Show, Canal Fest, Lovin’ LaSalle, Summerfest at the Sal, Summer of ’69, and the Salt & Light Festival.

His expertise continues to power many of the region’s biggest events, including Dyngus Day, Music Mania Mondays, and Thursdays on the Water at Gratwick Park. He has also toured nationally as an audio engineer, most recently with local artist Tony Tripi. Beyond the stage, Scott has given generously of his time and talent to numerous charitable causes including Relay for Life, Mercy Flight, Niagara Hospice, Roswell Park, Variety Club, JDRF, Meals on Wheels, Opportunities Unlimited, and H.A.R.T. Foundation.

Recognized for both his skill and his service, Scott has been honored with the LaSalle Business Association Small Business Award (2015) and the All WNY Music Award for Best Sound Engineer (2017). A lifelong learner and steadfast supporter of Western New York’s music scene, Scott Nichols continues to set the standard for professional live sound production.

His artistry, generosity, and dedication have made him an indispensable part of the region’s musical fabric. For his outstanding contributions to live music and sound production in Western New York, we are proud to induct Scott Nichols into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame

NED GREEN

NED GREEN (1947-2018) was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, known as a soul singer and R&B entertainer whose personality, humor, and heart made him a fixture across Western New York and Southern Ontario. He began singing while shining shoes downtown, engaging tourists and residents alike, and soon moved onto the local club scene, particularly at The Main on Falls Street, where his natural charisma and talent earned him a devout following.

Friend, fellow musician and 2020 inductee, Thomas Nelson fondly remembers Ned being a waiter there and one night was told that Ned would be performing. “The first time I saw Ned perform was mesmerizing. . . When Ned showed up, you knew it was going to be something special, he made everyone feel part of the show”. Inspired by his idol, James Brown, Ned’s performances were highly energetic, interactive, and relentlessly entertaining. He leapt over chairs, dropped into splits across the stage, told jokes, danced with abandon, and encouraged the audience into full participation.

In the 1990s, after moving to Canada, Ned was already known throughout Southern Ontario for his live shows of theatrical flair and showmanship. Joe’s Place in Niagara Falls Ontario hosted The Ned Green Show for many years and it became an entertainment institution. Joe Ruicci recalls “Audience participation was his thing and he did it well; pulling audience members on stage or inciting singalongs making every show interactive.

Ned and his singers often donned vibrant, flashy outfits, sequined jackets, bold colors, tailored suits and stage attire that glowed under lights. In the rich tapestry of Niagara’s live music history, few acts commanded the kind of local legend status as the Ned Green Show.” Generous with his time and talent, Ned often used his own money to buy prizes for dance contests at his shows, turning them into community celebrations. His ever changing ensemble kept the show fresh and electric over decades.

Thomas Nelson also says “that Ned provided an opportunity for so many local musicians to hone their skills in the performance of “Motown Rhythm & Blues” music, his signature saying.” He always had a variety of great musicians backing him who could adapt on the fly with a blend of soul, funk, and R&B with touches of pop, gospel and blues.

Music being his true calling, he brought his soulful style into gospel at Morning Star Church of God in Christ, transforming classic songs with praise-filled spirit and making the congregation dance with joy. At his induction ceremony, his sister Priscilla Green honors him by singing one of his signature songs ‘Stand By Me’, reflecting the bond he felt with his family and fans, standing by him, as he always stood by those he loved.

It is a pleasure and honor to posthumously welcome Ned Green into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

TIM DONAHUE

TIM DONAHUE is a pioneering guitarist, composer, and instrument designer from Lewiston, New York, renowned for his revolutionary contributions to modern guitar artistry. A 1982 graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has become one of the most respected and innovative figures in the world of electric and fretless guitar performance, pushing the boundaries of what the guitar can express across genres and continents.

A true visionary, he is credited with creating the Tim Donahue Signature Harp Guitar, the world's first production electric harp guitar, which debuted in 2010. This groundbreaking instrument solidified his place as a global leader in musical innovation. His performances at major international festivals like the G-TARanaki Festival in New Zealand, where he shared the stage with legends such as Joe Satriani, Vernon Reid, and Uli Jon Roth, have earned him recognition as one of the most forward-thinking musicians of his time.

Donahue’s career spans jazz, rock, and progressive fusion, with early albums like The Fifth Season (Avalon Records), which was nominated as one of Jazziz Magazine's Top 5 Jazz Albums of the Year. He has worked with music icons like Paul Rodgers (Queen, Bad Company), James LaBrie (Dream Theater), and Mike Mangini (Extreme), blending their influences with his own unique voice on the guitar.

His albums, including Voices in the Wind, Into the Light, and Madmen & Sinners, showcase his mastery in merging rock, jazz, and symphonic sounds, earning critical acclaim across the U.S., Europe, and Japan. His compositions and technical innovations also extend into the world of film, television, and product design.

He scored the acclaimed orchestral soundtrack for Marks No Yama (Shochiku Films, Japan), composed for national commercials for Honda, Nissan, and Mild Seven, and patented his DR. HOOK guitar accessory, distributed by Fernandes Guitars Japan. As a passionate educator, he has hosted and instructed at major seminars including the Tim Donahue Signature Harp Guitar Seminars at Buffalo State University, served as a guest instructor at Kunitachi Music Academy (Tokyo), and headlined both the 1st and 2nd Annual KMA Tokyo Guitar Shows and at guitar festivals across Asia and Europe.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, his contributions to relief efforts following the Great Northern Japan Earthquake further proves his dedication to using music as a force for positive change. Shaping the future of music with a legacy that bridges generations, genres, and cultures, we are honored and thrilled to welcome Tim Donahue into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

TONIO DiPAOLO

TONIO DiPAOLO was born Anthony DePaolo in North Tonawanda, who became a leading operatic tenor, performing on many of the world’s greatest stages. From an early age, he had a natural gift for singing, performing at weddings by the eighth grade and in the Ascension Roman Catholic Church Choir by ninth.

After encouragement from his high school music teacher who introduced him to classical choral works, his musical passion ignited. A scholarship student at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, he later participated in masterclasses with Luciano Pavarotti at the Juilliard School in NYC. Suggested by his Italian teacher, he took the professional name Tonio DiPaolo.

Debuting as a baritone in the 1970s, he soon transitioned to tenor, and launched an international career that spanned over three decades. He performed leading roles with many of the world’s premier opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Hamburg State Opera. His repertoire encompassed opera’s greatest heroes, from Rodolfo (La Bohème) and Cavaradossi (Tosca) to Don José (Carmen), Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor), and Calaf (Turandot). A strong advocate for contemporary opera, he also created roles in world premieres by distinguished American composers; Samuel Adler, John Harbison, Augusta Read Thomas, and David Carlson.

His concert appearances featured collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, and the New York Choral Society at Carnegie Hall. Among his career highlights was a performance of Verdi’s Requiem with the London Symphony at a command performance for Princess Diana; which he fondly remembers sitting and talking with her for nearly an hour.

He was singing LaTraviata in Berlin when the wall came down, and he actually pounded on the wall and came home with some of the pieces. While singing Il Trovatore in Israel with the Israeli Philharmonic, he had the opportunity to visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem, read a newspaper in the Dead Sea, and climbed Masada. Being an avid sports fan, he had the opportunity to sing our National Anthem at multiple professional baseball stadiums.

With so many experiences, he is especially grateful for being the tenor soloist with the BPO at Kleinhans with Maestro Semyon Bychkov; a very emotional and rewarding time to be able to sing to friends and family in his home town. He retired from singing in 2010 remaining deeply connected to his roots.

He often recalls the kindness of the North Tonawanda community during his family’s difficult times and still cherishes every visit home, never missing a stop at DiCamillo’s Bakery or Viola’s Subs. It is a pleasure and honor to welcome Tonio DiPaolo into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

CHRISTINA CUSTODE

CHRISTINA CUSTODE, a native of Niagara Falls, New York has built a musical career that bridges artistry, education, and service. She grew up surrounded by music, trained as a classical pianist & vocalist and went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

With her strong musical foundation she has established a career as a performer, songwriter, and recording artist. She has released a catalog of original songs to include her debut EP, full‐length recordings, and singles such as ‘Fire’, ‘High Water’, ‘Light of Day’ and ‘Just in Case’ all showcasing her thoughtful lyrics, emotional depth and sophisticated musicianship. Her recordings have earned recognition on regional and national levels, and her live performances, whether solo at the piano or fronting a full band, have been featured at venues and festivals along the East Coast.

Christina has received multiple ‘Buffalo’s Best Female Vocalist’ awards and ‘Best Original Music Act.’ She has performed with noted ensembles and artists, and has collaborated with acclaimed veteran producer Stuart Epps, known for his work with Elton John, George Harrison and Led Zeppelin to name a few. With local and international recognition, she remains grounded in her community and connected to the place where her journey began.

In addition to her achievements as a performer, Christina is a dedicated music educator in the Niagara Falls City School District. She also operates a private teaching studio, offering instruction in piano, voice, and percussion. Her commitment and leadership in music education, especially during challenging times for schools, has strengthened the cultural fabric of this community, fostering creativity and confidence in the next generation of artists.

Rooted in family, faith, and love of music, Christina follows in the footsteps of her father, 2018 inductee Lew Custode Jr. She thanks her husband, parents & mother-in-law for their support, respecting the value of community behind the artist. She is a musical trailblazer whose blend of musical talent, educational leadership and community engagement embodies the very essence of this institution’s mission; to honor those who preserve, enrich and elevate the musical heritage of our community.

Her multifaceted career, from the classroom to the recording studio, from solo stages to collaborative endeavors, makes her not only a representative of Niagara Falls’ rich musical heritage, but also a beacon for where it can go next. It is an honor to welcome Christina Custode into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

RANDY ANDROPOLIS

RANDY ANDROPOLIS is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and musical director whose work has shaped the greater Niagara Falls community’s artistic landscape for more than four decades. He began studying piano at age 4½ with Alfred DiRocco; later studying with Glenn Tilyou, and then notably with Beveridge Webster, head of the Piano Department at Julliard School of Music in NYC.

Degreed in Music Pedagogy from St. Louis Institute of Music, he returned to Niagara Falls in 1972 and began a seven-year stint teaching piano (and guitar, under John Mameli) at D’Amico Music. Randy is a private music instructor in multiple instruments & recording, also tutoring composition, theory & instrumentation, specializing in preparing students for college. He has taught privately for decades, including at Generations Music and Lewiston Music (now Niagara Music).

A former studio arranger (Earthland Studio, Niagara Falls, Ontario ) he has many recordings to his credit, including 23 full length original albums and CDs, and has contributed to many others, both in the US and UK. His catalog of copywritten songs numbers nearly 200. Randy was band leader of many groups in WNY, including ‘Hardgrove’ and ‘Alias’; an eclectic wedding band, exclusively booked by Jerry D’Amico, that prospered for nine years, performing at many diverse functions, to include the opening act for Tommy Tedesco. Randy administered The Music School of Niagara in Niagara County from 1990 until 2008, employing well over 20 music instructors. Its final location was at the NACC. His Celtic group ‘Heirloom’ toured the UK and Northern Ireland in 2000, co-sponsored by the BBC.

He also served as a U.S. liaison and road manager for Green Linnet recording artists. He adapted a two-part musical for children, ‘Character Matters’, and directed it for Lew-Port IEC as their 2010 Spring Production. Randy was once featured live on mandolin by the world-renowned Irish group ‘The Chieftains’, at ArtPark. He was also the director of ArtPark’s annual Rock Camps for teens, from 2010 to 2015.

For many years, Randy has been an adjunct professor of Music Histories at Niagara University, also having been a musical director, sound designer and composer with Niagara University Theatre and Shakespeare in Delaware Park in Buffalo. He has composed & performed 13 original full-length scores. In 2017, Randy gave the testimonial address when Robbie Robertson (guitarist for The Band & Bob Dylan; also Martin Scorsese’s musical director) came to Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario to be placed on the Indigenous rolls and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2024, after Robbie passed, Randy also delivered a memorial address for Robbie’s entire family. Randy is absolutely honored and delighted to be included among the many outstanding and inspirational musicians in the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.

Undoubtedly, he has inspired countless students, colleagues, and audiences. It is not only an honor to celebrate his lifelong dedication to music but also his lasting impact on the creative spirit and the classrooms, where he shares his love of music with countless students and future musicians. It is a pleasure to welcome Randy Andropolis into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.