2025 Valley Music Hall of Fame

The local music scene comes together to celebrate the greats and former greats with awards and music.

EVENTS

Ben Cruz

10/8/20254 min read

Claps, cheers, and dancing filled Tower District’s Roger Rocka’s on Wednesday night as the Central Valley’s music pioneers came together to celebrate this Year’s Valley Music Hall of Fame

The Valley Music Hall of Fame is an annual celebration of the Valley’s artists and music lovers who have made significant contributions and shaped the local music scene via their own contributions or by providing an opportunity to others. Since 2021, they have been receiving community input to induct a total of 27 musicians and groups to be recognized for their contributions. Two have received The Legacy Award, a special recognition award that is given by the board of the organization for those who have made a significant contribution to the valley.

For the 2025 Inductees, VMHoF has recognized Pat Wolk, Agustiñ Lira, Omar Sharriff, Jo Stafford, and Bill Church.

Jo “G.I. Jo” Stafford was the first inductee of the night, highlighting her achievement of being the first woman to hit number one on the European charts during World War II, and how her cover of “I’ll Be Seeing You” became the song of hope for families separated due to the war. Brian Boomer received the award on her behalf, saying that he wanted to celebrate the Coalionga native and make sure that she would not be forgotten.

Chicano artist and activist Agustiñ Lira was the second person inducted in the night for his work with El Teatro Campesino, El Teatro de la Tierra, and Alma. Inspired by the Delano Grape Strike of 1965, Agustiñ would perform folk songs and plays throughout California, giving a voice to farmworkers fighting for better working conditions. After receiving his award, Agustiñ performed 3 songs for the crowd, continuing his activism by addressing the fact that children and innocent immigrants are being thrown into cages and deported, and addressing how Fresno treats its unhoused as second-class citizens.

The third inductee of the night was the great Pat Wolk, Concert Master for Fresno Folklore Society and proud member of The Ranging Grannies. Pat was recognized for her over 50 years of dedication to the Fresno Folklore Society and for being one of the best concert organizers in the Central Valley. She has brought Folk musicians Laurie Lewis, John McCutcheon, U. Utah Philips, and more to various venues, including her own backyard, which also served as a stage to host local groups. For her musical act, she enlisted the help of the band Glen Delpit and the Subterraneans to pay tribute to her late friend John Shafer and to represent her ongoing activism work.

Omar Sharriff was the fourth inductee of the night and was highlighted for bringing West Coast Blues to the Central Valley. Sharriff, who is originally from Oakland, was known locally for his Monday Night Blues Jam at the defunct amusement park, Zapp’s Park. During his Monday Night Blues events, he would encourage and help anyone who wanted to play Blues for the night, making the event a popular meeting ground for local musicians. He was honored with a showcase of his various performances that were recorded here at Fresno State.

The last inductee for the class of 2025 was the guitar player Bill Church. Bill has played with various bands and artists like Van Morrison, Ronny Montrose, and Sammy Hagar. He had local band The Dying Suns perform in his honor.

The Legacy Award was awarded to local legend and former Valley Music Hall of Fame board member, John Schafer. Schafer passed away earlier this year, but the pain of his passing was still being felt in the crowd. Friends and family spoke about his amazing generosity in the community, and recounted the times of visiting Schafer at Whitie’s Pets, his family's pet shop. A mini-documentary of his life and TV performances was shown in remembrance of the life he lived.

If you would like to learn more about the Valley Music Hall of Fame, join their board, cast your vote for the 2026 inductees, or learn about the ones honored this year, visit valleymusichalloffame.org

(Valley Music Hall of Fame)

(VMHoF Ceramony / Ben Cruz)