Salina musicians are among those named as 2020 inductees of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame (KMHoF).
Dean Kranzler and Midnight Flyer will join eight other individuals and groups in the KMHoF 2020 class.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for May 2 in Lawrence's Liberty Hall. Tickets available at Liberty Hall box office or www.ticketmaster.com.
Dean Kranzler -- Salina
Kranzler has successfully combined a decades-long career, to the delight of students and audiences.
Kranzler acknowledges that he was fortunate to have found his passion early and to earn a living doing what he loves -- teaching and performing. He can’t tell you which he loves more.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Marymount College and a Master of Music in percussion performance from Fort Hays State University.
After graduating from FHSU, Kranzler became head of the percussion department there, where he managed all percussion duties including the Hal Palmer High Plains Band Camp. Kranzler recently retired from FHSU after 35 years. He also headed the Marymount College percussion department for 12 years until the college closed in 1989 and Bethany College percussion department for 30 years.
Kranzler is currently head of percussion studies at Kansas Wesleyan University.
In addition to a full life collegiate instruction, he has taught privately at SM Hanson Music in Salina for more than 40 years.
Throughout his rigorous academic life, Kranzler has been active with Salina Arts and Humanities Commission, Smoky Hill River Festival, and the Salina Community Theatre. He currently works as drum line clinician, arranger, and adjudicator across Kansas and the Midwest.
Kranzler performs regularly with The Blades, S.M. Hanson & Company Band, Jazz Tangent, Wheatland Brass Quintet, Crossroads Worship Band, Trinity United Methodist Cantata Orchestra, ACME Fife and Drum, and Dex Umekobo. He has performed as principal percussionist with the Salina Symphony for more than 40 years.
Kranzler is a member of the Kansas Music Educators Association, National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, Percussive Arts Society, and the National Drum Association.
Midnight Flyer -- Salina
Formed in 1979 and lasting until 1983, Midnight Flyer featured musician/singer/songwriters at the top of their craft.
Bandleader, lead vocalist, guitarist, and chief songwriter Jack Trice brought his talents and signature style to both of the band's albums, “First Flight” (1980, and “A Quart Short And Three Bricks Shy” (1981).
The group was rounded out by bassist/composer Leon Holl, drummer/percussionist Dean Kranzler, and organist/keyboardist Paul Draper. Their instrumental expertise was such that they all served as session players at Sunset Recording Studios in Hays.
Given their exceptional prowess in the studio, nothing could compare with seeing Midnight Flyer live. Whether they were playing private parties, clubs, festivals, motorcycle rallies, etc., the band delivered energy, enthusiasm, improvisation, and artistry to every show as they toured Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Except for the late Leon Hall, who died in 2011, members of Midnight Flyer continue to make music together and separately, as they have for the past 30-plus years. Additionally, Trice is currently writing and performing in Nashville.
About The Kansas Music Hall of Fame
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.
--kmhof.com--