Independent Press Release
by B. Meyer-Spidell
Harvey Scales, proud of his roots in Milwaukee Wisconsin, returned home, where some of his family still remain, to accept the States highest musical accolade. The Wisconsin Area Music Industry, or WAMI, awarded Harvey Scales with A Lifetime Achievement Award in April 2009, pre performance.
The room was jam-packed with Milwaukee World Festival superstars, who then boogied to Harvey Scales groove and that of his incredible backing band,
Soul Food. Musical friends got up on stage and danced, including Tribute Performer and Personality Mark Shurilla who has done a Buddy Holly/Big Bopper/ Richie Valens Tribute act for almost 50 years and was featured as himself in world award winning movie Song Sung Blue, and was among those who got down on this memorable night, attended by hundreds of musicians truly in
the know.
Milwaukee is home to The World's Largest Music Festival, according to
The Book of World Records, and the honor bestowed on this living legend carries the highest credibility and level of recognition in a town known through out the world for 11 days a year, as The Place to Be-- at THE BIG GIG. Some of Scales colleagues previously recognized by WAMI, from Wisconsin are: Les Paul, Liberace, and Bob Kames.
Vic Thomas, a Summerfest Official, presented the award to Scales , and is known to be a longtime friend and associate. Thomas, a main booker at Summerfest, was seen sharing toasts with Scales and former Seven Sounds Band Manager and Upright Bassist 'Miss' Lee, Tribute Singer Marlavous Marla, John Callarco of Blue Man Group, Xeno formerly of Cheap Trick and Bad Boy with Steve Grimm, and Scales son and daughter.
Many of the performers, in the running for a WAMI, crowded around Scales in their attempt to capture their image with The Legend, who is known for his humble and friendly down home, approachable attitude. Others crowded near him to discuss business, and turn deals on a night froth with energy and excitement, celebrity style, and in a town that has produced so many made famous.
youtube video of Scales Performance link found here:
Harvey Scales Performs for WAMI Winners in Milwaukee