Memorial Stage Proposed to Honor Oneonta, New York Legend

Sometimes, legends walk among us, and sometimes those legends get woven in to the fabric of our community. How to pay tribute to legends when they depart can commonly be top of mind for descendants and residents alike.

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When it comes to Oneonta, New York, one of those legends was jazz saxophonist Al Gallodoro. Before his passing in October of 2008 at the age of 95, you could find Al playing his sax all over the city of Oneonta. I used to go and listen to him at the long defunct Vines on Main Street. I was young, and my love of jazz was in its infancy, I wish I would have listened a bit deeper, but I'm grateful for the time I had.

Jazz Legend's Memory Lives On

Today, Gallodoro's grandson Kevin Wood is leading the charge to construct the "Al Gallodoro Memorial Pavilion Stage" in downtown Oneonta's Muller Plaza. Not only is Kevin his grandson, he was also his recorded music manager, travel partner, and best friend.

Wood's goal is to have an active stage constructed, completed, and dedicated on June 20th, 2024. The date would have been Gallodoro's 111th birthday. As this project is unlikely to find financial support from the City of Oneonta, Wood has opened a GoFundMe page to help finance the project with a goal of raising $25,000. Final approval must pass Oneonta City Council, and Wood is asking that you "communicate to your council member how important it is for the city to act expeditiously on this project".

Point and Purpose of the Memorial Stage

More from the project's GoFundMe page: "Money raised in this gofundme campaign will fund promoting this campaign, professional imagery, plans and ultimately the material and labor of the stage.

As we go through this process, we will be obtaining factual plans, drawings, and Request for Proposals (RFP) amounts to ensure the successful completion of this project. Details will be forthcoming and items will change through the process.

Those donating $500 and above will have their names on the stage itself memorializing your commitment to this project."

As more information is released, we will share it here.