This week In the Flamingo Lounge, we are shining a massive spotlight on the incredible sounds, history, and legacy of the Niagara Frontier with Frank Fracassi and Bruce Wojick from the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.
The Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame (NFMusicHOF) was founded in 2017 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich musical heritage of the greater Niagara Falls region. The organization was originally founded by Bill Phillips, and later guided through its early development under the leadership of Peter Paonessa Jr., who helped establish its ongoing induction program and community mission.
We’ve had a few board member changes over the years, but our treasurer Dom Mitro and JoAnn Simon, Secretary are still from the original board of directors since 2016 in its formation year.
The first induction class was created with a special focus on honoring many deceased musicians and foundational figures whose contributions helped shape the region’s music history, ensuring their legacy would be formally recognized and preserved.
Built by a dedicated group of local musicians, business leaders, and volunteers—including members of the original board—the organization established a formal structure for annual inductions, public nominations, and community engagement.
Since its inaugural class, the NFMusicHOF has continued to recognize musicians, music professionals, venues, and supporters at both the local and national level, while also promoting music education and scholarships for emerging talent in Niagara County.
FRANK FRACASSI – NFMusicHOF – VICE PRESIDENT
Frank Fracassi, a Niagara Falls native, has been playing piano and organ since he was eight years old. Currently performing with two popular Niagara Falls based bands; he has been a keyboardist for Everyday People for the past 18 years and Summer of ’69 for the past ten years.
For nearly 20 years, he was an integral member of the legendary group Penelope, performing throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario. With many other talented musicians from Niagara Falls, Frank was also a key player in The Tempos, Heat Wave and London Fog, all happening bands in the 60’s and 70’s. Being a musician is not his only forte.
Professionally, Frank has been the General Superintendent for Sevenson Environmental Services Inc. since 1982 and a Vice President since 2004. In addition to his musical talent and managerial experience, Frank Fracassi is a true community supporter. He is a member of the Lewiston Kiwanis serving as co-chair of the annual Peach Tent; a member of the Lewiston Jazz Fest Board of Directors; and a former member of the Pine Avenue Business Association.
BRUCE WOJICK – NFMusicHOF PRESIDENT
Bruce Wojick was welcomed to the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors after his induction in 2017. He has been regarded as one of Western New York’s most talented and respected guitarists, singers and songwriters.
A native of Niagara Falls New York, he has been a mainstay musician since 1983. He has performed his original compositions in the bands ROXX, Raw Deel, and nationally with two of the area’s popular original rock bands God’s Children and Klear.
He continues to write and perform his own songs with his current band, The Struggle. Over the years, Bruce was also a guitarist and vocalist for the Jimmy Jones Band, performing with Buffalo Music HOF inductee and international recording artist, Jessie Galante; with Buffalo’s original band 53 Days, and many other cover bands.
For the past 20 years, he has been performing with guitarist Jamie Holka, also a 2017 Inductee, as the acoustic duo, Brothers of Invention. He is also a member of the popular tribute band Strictly Hip, currently performing locally, nationally and internationally, masterfully covering the songs of the Tragically Hip. As a full-time musician, Bruce performs two-to-five times per week as a solo artist or as a member of a duo, trio or full band in venues ranging from small bars to large stages with attendance of 10-20,000 fans.
Bruce has been awarded many music awards in Western New York and he has achieved world-wide success with many of his written and performed songs heard in television shows, films and trailers. Bruce has been known to say “I did not think it was an option not to write my own songs”. Performing his original music live in clubs opened the doors for other area artists to create and play their own music.
His influence as a songwriter and his prowess in music paved the way for many to add original music to their live performances.
He continues to work with talented musicians from the Western New York area on original projects of his own as well as others. Bruce lives in the city of Niagara Falls with his wife Cynthia and is honored to be on the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors.