Larry DiMarzio; Courtesy of Long Island Music Hall of FameThe 2016 Long Island Music Hall of Fame Induction Awards Ceremony takes place tonight in Westbury, New York, and this year’s honorees include rock-guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, Meat Loaf songwriter Jim Steinman and late Blue Öyster Cult producer/songwriter Sandy Pearlman.
Vai, who played with such artists as Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake before launching an acclaimed solo career, tells ABC Radio that as a Long Island native, being honored by the institution is “quite a thrill.”
“I grew up on Long Island and I loved it,” says the 56-year-old musician. “It’s this little jewel, really. I just feel comfortable there. It’s got so much. It’s right outside of the city. You’ve got the really great beaches.”
Vai also explains in regard to his music career that “everything fell into place so perfectly,” and that had a lot to do with where he was brought up. Steve says he was lucky that fellow guitar whiz Joe Satriani lived in the next town and became his teacher and mentor.
In addition, Vai says that some of his favorite musical memories are of playing in Long Island clubs as a teenager with his early rock bands.
Besides being honored at the ceremony, Steve tells ABC Radio that he’ll help salute one of his fellow inductees, Santo & Johnny, by performing the duo’s classic tune “Sleep Walk” at the end of the event.
This year’s other honorees include singer/songwriter Garland Jeffries and hip-hop star Big Daddy Kane, while E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt will be presented with the 2016 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for his charity work.
Several well-known artists also will serve as presenters at the gala, including The Rascals‘ Eddie Brigati, David Johansen and Patti Smith guitarist Lenny Kaye. Tickets for the ceremony can still be purchased via TheSpaceatWestbury.com.
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