Dave Fry & ‘Jolly’ Joe Timmer to Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards
at March 6 Awards Ceremony at SteelStacks

lvma17_logoFolk musician and Godfrey Daniels co-founder Dave Fry and Polka legend “Jolly” Joe Timmer are among the artists who will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the region’s music scene during the Lehigh Valley Music Awards presented by Tri Outdoor Advertising March 6, 4 p.m., at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Timmer and Fry will both receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, while three local schools will be honored with Board of Directors Awards for the key roles they play in providing music education programs and experiences for area youth.

Dave FryA resident of Bethlehem, Dave Fry began performing folk music while in college at Lehigh University in the early ‘70s. In 1976, he cofounded Godfrey Daniels, the 100-seat coffeehouse and listening club on Bethlehem’s SouthSide that remains a well-respected stop on the international folk circuit today. Fry continues to perform at folk clubs and music festivals, but he is equally known as a teaching artist, performing for thousands of students in schools as a solo folk artist and with “RockRoots, the History of American Rock and Roll.” His music spans four generations with his family concerts and recordings, and he has also been a folk music radio programmer for more than 40 years.

JoeTimmer2015A member of the International Polka Association’s Polka Hall of Fame, Jolly Joe Timmer was also the owner of WGPA Sunny 1100 AM and Jolly Joe Timmer’s Grove near Bath. Timmer, who passed away in July, was called the “grandfather of Polka” by The Morning Call, having been in the business for more than 60 years. He and his orchestra also performed at almost every Musikfest since 1984. Timmer’s award will be presented to his wife, Dorothy, and the members of his band.

In addition to Fry and Timmer, several local musicians will be honored with Veteran Awards for more than two decades of contributions to the local music industry. This year’s 20 Year Veteran Award honorees include eight-time GRAMMY nominee Frank DiBussolo, The Blue Tarp Wranglers bassist Nick Franclik, The ColourSound lead singer Doug Batt and guitarist Sean Hieter, James Supra Blues Band drummer Allen Wanamaker and guitarist and The Lesson Center owner Jeff Roberts.  The Lesson Center, School of Rock and the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts will also receive GLVMA Board of Directors Awards for their longtime dedication to providing musical opportunities and education for area young people.

“The LVMAs are proud to add these talented musicians and music industry members to the list of Special Honorees who have been recognized over the years for their contributions to the region’s vibrant music scene,” says Gloria Domina, co-director of the Lehigh Valley Music Awards. “It is an honor to work with such amazing people within our music community here in the Lehigh Valley. These are some very talented individuals who really make a difference in our lives through their gift of music.”

The complete list of Special Recipient winners is:
Lifetime Achievement Awards (50-plus years in the music industry)
Dave Fry
“Jolly” Joe Timmer

Board of Directors Awards (for work with youth in music)
The Lesson Center
School of Rock
Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

20 Year Veteran Awards (20-plus years in the music industry)
Doug Batt
Frank DiBussolo
Nick Franclik
Sean Hieter
Jeff Roberts
Allen Wanamaker

Special Recognition
LUCKY 7
Brosky & Meyer Duo
DJ Menace

Started in 1999 by the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association (GLVMA), the Lehigh Valley Music Awards are designed to honor and celebrate the musicians and music related businesses of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The LVMAs, now in their 17th year, is a partnership between the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association and ArtsQuest. Tickets for the 2016 LVMAs are on sale now at www.steelstacks.org and 610-332-3378.

For more information on the LVMAs, please visit www.lehighvalleymusicawards.org.