There's a new show back in town at the former Hepworth Country Music Auditorium. Now under the ownership of the Hepworth Shallow Lake Legion, the Auditorium will
soon become the home of the new Bruce Grey Music Hall of Fame. The “Hall” will recognize
through an application nomination process, those entertainers, musical groups and media
types who have made an influence and a significant contributi
on to music throughout the
Counties of Bruce and Grey. The Hall of Fame is the brainchild of Bill Murdoch and Arnie Clark of Bognor Jam
Production & Promotion. Both have been involved together in the local entertainment scene
since the mid 1960s. They are particularly known for their old group, The Tombstones and for
their more recent shows, Jailhouse Rock, True Country and Hepworth's Grand Ole Opry North.
“We don't have a venue such as a local hall of fame to recognize the many talented
entertainers who are so well known, some who have become quite legendary, “ said Bill
Murdoch. “We just felt it was time we had a venue to honor our entertainers, both those that
are still with us and those that have passed on.”
Added Murdoch, “Unlike some music halls of fame, which are limited to entertainers,
we are going one step further by also accepting nominations for non performers such as
promoters, entertainment news columunists, radio and TV personalties and builders.”
Murdoch also noted that those involved in all types of music, are eligible for induction
into the “Hall.” Although the former Hepworth Country Music Auditorium already has a solid
reputation for country music which started with the founding of the Auditorium by John
Kocher, the Hall of Fame will feature more than just country entertainers. “We're looking at
rock artists, blues, bluegrass, big band, symphony, all kinds of entertainers who have made
their mark in Bruce Grey,” said Murdoch. The Auditorium garnered national headlines back in the late 1960s when many of the
Nashville artists of the day included the Hepworth facility on their tour schedule. Acts like
Webb Pierce, Mel Tillis, Grandpa Jones, Leroy Van D**e, Whispering Bill Anderson and Sonny
James all performed to sellout crowds. There was Stonewall Jackson, Red Sovine, Hank
Locklin, Jeanie Shepard. Connie Smith, Sonny James, Carl and Pearl Butler, Jim Ed Brown, Del
Reeves and Don Gibson. Some say Stompin' Tom Connors got his start at the Hepworth
Auditorium when he asked if he could take the stage while the headliner took a break. At the
time, Jim Patterson and his Northern Gentlemen band, the youngest country band in the
country at the time, opened for some of the Nashville acts.
“With such an amazing entertainment history attached to our auditorium, it makes
having a Music Hall of Fame at our Legion such a positive part of our facility,” said Joyce
Wettlaufer, Legion Secretary-Treasurer. “The entertainment we are seeing here in the
auditorium over the last few years, the celebration of music inductees, the displays, the
atmosphere of it all, is not only great for our Legion, it's good for the entire region,” she
explained. “It's a huge plus, another must see place for visitors too,” she added. The Bruce Grey Music Hall of Fame will officially be dedicated with a gala afternoon
event, Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the Legion Auditorium. 6 well known entertainers will be
announced at that time as the inaugural inductees. The event will be open to the public and
admission tickets, $20 per person, are now available at the Legion, from members of the
Induction Committee and in downtown Owen Sound at Fromager Music and Dave Fromager's
Music and More. Along with the official inductees ceremony, the afternoon will feature entertainment by
Rudy and Jean Couture, a Silent Auction, a Funny Farm Live auction hosted by Jim Merriam
and Durk Devries, Pelee Island Music Hall of Fame Commemorative Wine, guest dignitaries,
some special unveilings and a delectable Fish Fry dinner served by Legion members. Successful Hall of Fame inductees will receive a commemorative momento recognizing
their achievment. As well, their names will be included on engraved plaques, which will be
showcased on a 7 foot maple-cherry wood Epiphone replica guitar custom-made by Exquisite
Wood Designs of Owen Sound. The guitar masterpiece has generously been sponsored by
Exquisite, 560 CFOS and Country 93 radio. A special part of the Hall of Fame opening will feature personal congratulations from
Whispering Bill Anderson and Leroy Van D**e, two of country music's biggest names. Both
performed at the Hepworth Auditorium back in 1968. The “Hall” will see more advance promotion when the Bruce Grey Country Jamboree
returns to the Legion Auditorium, Saturday, May 23rd. Backed by the True Country Show band,
special show guests will be Tyler Beckett, Jamie Gordon, Scott Almon and Hope Snow, the
Country Sweetheart. The show is being dedicated to longtime True Country fiddle player, W***y
Mulholland, who passed away suddenly in Florida this past February. The Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes Murdoch, Clark, Kevin Moyse, Jim
Merraim, Joyce Wettlaufer, Legion Secretary-Treasurer, Elmer Brown, Legion President and Bill
Vanstone, Past Legion President. The Induction Committee is seeking corporate support such as auction items for the
June 7th opening, as well as financial contributions and historical musical artifacts, either on
loan or for permanent display. Financial donors will be recognized in the “Hall” as partners
