By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
A longtime Salina musician is among the 2022 Kansas Music Hall of Fame inductees.
The Kansas Music Hall of Fame announced Wednesday afternoon that Salina's Steve Hanson was among the 2022 inductees. The 2022 Kansas Music Hall of Fame virtual induction ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. July 30 on ksmhof.org.
In addition to being an inductee, Hanson is this year's recipient of the Bob Hapgood Award, named in honor of Kansas Music Hall of Fame Board Member Bob Hapgood, a 2006 inductee with his band King Midas & The Muflers. Hapgood also was a longtime radio DJ from McPherson.
Each year, the Hapgood Award is given to a deserving venue owner, radio DJ, booking agent, music store owner, music teacher, important musician or musical act from a less populated area of the state that might not otherwise be recognized by the voting membership at large, according to information from the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.
A self-proclaimed guitar guy, Hanson, who 50 years ago opened S.M. Hanson Music, 335 S. Clark Street in Salina, has helped hundred of people over the years with a variety of instruments. He also is the originator of Festival Jam, the multi-band concert the Thursday evening of the Smoky Hill River Festival.
In addition to Hanson, Kansas Music Hall of Fame inductees for 2022 include the following.
Crosswind from Manhattan
Slate Creek Band from Wichita
Switch from Dodge City
Moreland & Arbuckle from Wichita
Alferd Packer Memorial String Band from Lawrence
Carol Spears from Lawrence
Stan Plesser from Kansas City
Janelle Monáe from Kansas City
Monáe also is the 2022 recipient of the Bill Lee Award. The award is named after Kansas Music Hall of Fame founder Bill Lee and "recognizes potential inductees currently active and deemed worthy by the KSMHoF board for early induction, especially those with a significant national/international profile. Standard rules for potential KSMHoF inductees include having started their careers in the field of music at least 20 years ago. The Bill Lee Award allows for possible exception by the board of that 20-year ruling," according to the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.
About the Kansas Music Hall of Fame
The Kansas Music Hall of Fame was established in August 2004. The mission of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame is to honor the music, musicians and related institutions that have made a significant contribution to Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area. Its purpose is to recognize those of the past, present and encourage those of the future.