Al Gallodoro - Let's Build a Stage in Oneonta NY

Kevin Wood is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, my name is Kevin Wood. I am the grandson of the late Al Gallodoro, who was the world's greatest saxophonist. I also had the fortune of serving as his recorded music manager, travel companion, and best friend.

It has been 15 years since Al left us on October 4th, 2008 in Oneonta NY. The world has not only missed his impeccable talent but also his gregarious personality and the friendships he formed all over the world.

Al spent the last 27 years of his life in Oneonta, NY, where he brightened the lives of locals thousands of times. Even at the age of 95, Al remained active and continued to perform throughout the Oneonta area. Whether it was a duo performance with Oneonta resident and manager Joann Chmielewski, his own quartet, park concerts, orchestras at local colleges, weddings, local restaurants, or nightspots on Main Street, Oneonta, there is practically nothing Al didn't do in the music business. He is one of the most prolific musicians in history.

We are incredibly fortunate and proud to have been in the presence of his musicial greatness.

Since his passing, I have organized memorial concerts in Oneonta and NYC, all of which went wonderfully. Many of these memories can be found at: www.algallodoro.com.

Time has passed quickly, and it has been 15 years since his passing. I believe it is vital that we establish a lasting memorial dedication to Al, and I wholeheartedly support that this memorial be located in Oneonta.

I recently learned that the Mayor and the City Council of Oneonta, along with Oneonta's 'Performance Venue Task Force,' are close to authorizing and dedicating a pavilion in Muller Plaza on Main Street in Oneonta. My role is to lead this project, continuing to share Al's life story and speaking with individuals like you to raise funds for this dedicated outdoor stage.

Many people have told me that they still see Al and hear his infectious laughter as they walk on Main Street – in fact, I experienced it just the other day.

There are many "hoops" to jump through to see this project through, but I feel compelled to move it forward at a pace much faster than in the past. I'm concerned that as time goes on, many people who enjoyed Al are also passing away. We owe it to Al, his family, and his fans to get this done.

In fact, I am politely suggesting that the stage be dedicated on what would be his 111th birthday on June 20th, 2024. I hope you all agree to join me in this goal.

Over the next few weeks and months, more details will arise on this project, and I will be communicating them to you – the Al Gallodoro Fan. Please follow Al on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlGallodoro/photos.

What can you do now?

Two things:

Communicate to your council member how important it is for the city to act expeditiously on this project.

Make a donation to this project.

It is unlikely that the city, which has budget issues like most now, will have all the funds to pay for this project, so we have to do it. It's up to all of us.

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 $100 or more will receive an exclusive private download of the "Al Gallodoro Story" which ran on WSKG, Binghamton TV in 1996 and has never been seen since!

Here's a clip: