SPORTSMEN AMERICANA MUSIC FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Residing in Buffalo, NY, singer Alex McArthur regularly works with composers and musicians from many backgrounds, bringing stories to life with her broad range and abundant soulfulness.
Some of McArthur's recent achievements include presenting a vocal jazz masterclass through the Virginia Arts Festival; singing with the Eastman School of Music's orchestra and big band under the direction of Jeff Campbell, in a concert celebrating the music of Marty Paich; and portraying Billie Holiday in a production of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill at Musicalfare Theatre with pianist and friend George Caldwell.
Alex's desire to portray stories of many backgrounds lead her to study musical theatre and classical voice while attending University at Buffalo. She credits her studies, mentors, and support system for the development of her vocal abilities.
Since a young age, Angela has been a dedicated supporter of the Arts, thanks, in large part, to her parents, who were musicians who inspired the arts as an important factor in a vibrant community.
As an accomplished dancer and ballet practitioner for many years, Angela was fortunate to dance with noted companies in productions of many genres. She's worked for a number of nonprofit organizations as a teaching artist, including her current position at the esteemed Neglia Conservatory.
A resident of Amherst, NY, Bill Huessler works as a Commercial Realtor with the Hanna Commercial; Real Estate Agency.
In addition to his work with SAMF, Bruce currently serves on the boards of the Disability and Education Advocacy Network and Buffalo Arts Studios and is a lecturer on financial topics at the University of Buffalo Medical School.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Board
Greg lives in the Town of Tonawanda, and spends his days working as an
Account Director for Marketing Tech, a marketing services company in Buffalo. He also hosts and produces the In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly Greg podcast, which can be found on all streaming platforms.
"I'm on the SAMF board because I believe Buffalo has a very special music scene and I want to support the community through music," Greg says of his role with the Foundation.
He cites the refrain from Harry Chapin's ‘Mr. Tanner' as a major inspiration for his love of music. "
"Music was his life, it was not his livelihood/It made him feel so happy, it made him feel so good/He sang from his heart and he sang from his soul/He did not know how well he sang, it just made him whole."
The oldest son of SAMF founder Dwayne Hall, Jason took over his father's duties as Chairman of the Board in 2018.
A former CEO, Norm now describes himself as "an anytime educator, veterans supporter, speaker, international facilitator and picker & singer of songs."
Norm has a long history with Americana music, routinely performing country, folk and vintage rock & roll for baby boomer and military veteran audiences.
Patrick lives in Niagara Falls, NY, and is currently Director of Communications for Complete Senior Care, a non-profit program of all-inclusive care for the elderly.
Patrick's role with SAMF allows him to fulfill many of his passions concurrently.
" Im at the center of the Venn Diagram of non-profit work, musical passion, and educational opportunity," he says.
A devout music-lover, Patrick has broad tastes, ranging " from the Beach Boys and Paul Simon, to The National and Arcade Fire, with a lot in between."