Liz Nowak Announces Retirement from SAMMYs
It was announced a few days ago that Liz Nowak, Head Honcho of the SAMMY awards since 1993, that this will be her last year at the helm of the prestigious Central New York awards show celebrating Central New York music. 
Well, the public sees the brunt of the show and the culture surrounding it through a more glamorous perspective, those glamorous moments are about a mere fraction of all the moments and actions that lead up to the glorious event. It’s a job for sure. It’s a job that is devoted to representing a city from a very important and special place in its culture. One of the first things that happens with an endeavor, such as this is to solve problems which leads to handling the controversy that goes along with different opinions, ideas, perceptions, and misperceptions. You kinda need a helmet and pads for this gig. I can only imagine that the stride to be fair can be an agonizing one at times as much as it is a thrill to be in the middle of the circus we refer to as a music community. All this talent!
Adopting the role from Frank Malfatano, who created the Sammys, Liz has shown up here year after year to ensure that the hard-working musicians of our city are recognized for their good work, contributing to the culture they inject into our city.
Chuck Schiele: You’ve been doing this a long time. It takes a lot of passion to do things for a long time, especially with the devotion required for an undertaking such as an event representing the city’s music. How did you become involved with the SAMMYS?
Liz Nowak: Sammys’ founder, Frank Malfitano sent a postcard via snail mail in 1991 about creating the Syracuse Area Music Awards. I was interested and responded to Frank. Local music has always been important to me as well as our community.
CS: What is it about the endeavor and role of director that made you stay for so long?
LN: Watching the community grow. Seeing the number of recorded projects that are submitted each year. Seeing the number of votes in the People’s Choice. Knowing that our efforts are appreciated.
CS: Please tell us what the SAMMYS mean to you.
LN: The SAMMYS means a great deal to me. I love our music community. Seeing it gather as one brings me personal joy.
CS: I know that by its own nature, it intrinsically celebrates and highlights the music of our area. But what are some of the highlights along the way that stand out in your memory?
LN: Bringing home our Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement honorees. It is such a joy to see them return to Syracuse with pride.
CS: Will you remain involved?
LN: I will be available to the new Director as needed or called upon.
CS: So, then. What’s next for Liz Nowak?
LN: I can’t really answer that right now but there are a few things in the works.
CS: Considering that you’ve a rather unique position from your post, and thus, I imagine you have a unique perspective in what you have to say and offer to Syracuse music.
LN: I encourage the creation of music and performing it. Network, collaborate, create.
CS: Who are some of the folks who were and are integral to the success of the SAMMYS?
LN: First of all, the artists in our community. Without them, we would not have anything to celebrate. Frank Malfitano the SAMMYS founder, past board members, David Rezak, Mike Greenstein, the Syracuse New Times with Art Zimmerman, Senator DeFrancisco, Debbie Foley, Susan Putman, Ron Wray, Mike Donohue. Our web designer and keeper of all things Joshua Johnson. Current board members, Carol Thoryk-O’Leary, James Austin, Mike Kohli, Misse Fedele, Babette Puzey, and Evan Bujold. I could go on and on.
CS: From the perspective of future vision, what is your wish for the SAMMYS?
LN: My wish is that the SAMMYS continues to serve the music community. To throw that annual Awards Show party. Honor each other.
CS: Thank you so much for taking time to talk with us. And thank you for the love you’ve shared with your city.
LN: Thank you Chuck…from the Chief Feather Smoother.
