North Bay Entertainers’ Hall of Recognition has released its 2024 inductee list, a roster of 10 well-known and influential local entertainers, soon to be immortalized within the Hall. Every two years board members of the Entertainers’ Hall accept nominations for possible inductees, and there’s no shortage of eligible talent to choose from.
“It’s a good cross-section of people,” noted Jordan Wyshniowsky, president of the Entertainers’ Hall of Recognition, speaking of this year’s inductees. “It’s really nice to have an event like this in North Bay so entertainers can recognize each other’s contributions, and it’s just great for the community.”
This year’s inductees are on-air personality and actor Mitch Belanger, actor, director and educator, Rick Blair, drummer and percussionist Rob Joanisse, singer/songwriter guitarist David Laronde and Breen LeBoeuf, also a singer/songwriter who plays bass.
Country singer Julie Lynn is on the list, as is Brian O’Kane, a trumpeter, recording artist and educator. Keyboardist and choir director Robert Palangio and actor and director Ron Payne will also be inducted. Rounding out the roster is Garry White, guitarist, bassist, and recording artist.
See: Dozen new members inducted to North Bay's Hall of Recognition
Wyshniowsky emphasized that the Hall was founded to acknowledge the work, talent, and influence of local musicians and entertainers from the North Bay area, and “seek ways to encourage and assist up-and-coming or aspiring performers in the region.”
All inductees will receive a plaque in their honour, complete with a photo and a brief biography detailing their career highlights. These plaques are displayed within the North Bay Mall, on the wall directly across from Dollarama.
The induction ceremony takes place at the Hall’s gala on Friday, September 13th at the Davedi Club at 313 Airport Road, North Bay. Tickets are on sale for $75 and can be purchased by sending an email to info@northbayhallofrecognition, or visiting the Hall of Recognition’s website for more information.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
