Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Inducts Its Creative Team

A Legacy Induction was held at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) with a star-studded cast on hand to induct their creative team.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:38pm

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The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook, founded in 2004, has become a thriving nonprofit organization inducting an array of artists with ties to Long Island. On March 28, 2026, a Legacy Induction was held at the Hall of Fame to induct their creative team of Norm Prusslin, Jim Faith, Ernie Canadeo, and Kevin O'Callaghan.

Why it matters

LIMEHOF has grown to become a world-class institution that celebrates the musical and entertainment history of Long Island, honors artists through inductions, offers rich educational programs and scholarships, and maintains a permanent museum. The induction of its creative team highlights the hard work and vision that has gone into building this organization over the past two decades.

The details

The induction ceremony featured a star-studded cast, including former Blue Öyster Cult member Albert Bouchard, Staller Center for the Arts director Alan Inkles, saxophonist Richie Cannata, and comedians Joe Butler and Ray Romano. Each inductee was celebrated for their unique contributions to LIMEHOF's success, from co-founder Norm Prusslin's initial vision to chairman Ernie Canadeo's leadership and creative director Kevin O'Callaghan's exhibit design.

  • The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame was founded in 2004.
  • Ernie Canadeo joined LIMEHOF's board about 15 years ago and became chairman in 2015.
  • Kevin O'Callaghan joined LIMEHOF in 2022 when the organization found its permanent home.
  • The inaugural exhibit 'Long Island's Legendary Club Scene: 1960s-1980s' was launched in November 2022.
  • The 'Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man's Journey' exhibit opened in November 2023, and the 'Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years' exhibit opened in November 2025.

The players

Norm Prusslin

A faculty member and administrator at Stony Brook University, Prusslin co-founded LIMEHOF and served as the board's first vice chair.

Jim Faith

A musician-turned-concert promoter, Faith was instrumental in the creation of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

Ernie Canadeo

The founder and chairman of The EGC Group, Canadeo has been LIMEHOF's chairman for almost a decade and played a pivotal role in securing the organization's permanent home in Stony Brook Village.

Kevin O'Callaghan

An acclaimed artist, designer, and educator at the School of Visual Arts, O'Callaghan serves as the lead creative designer for LIMEHOF's exhibits.

Gloria Rocchio

The president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Rocchio gave LIMEHOF a permanent home in the former Ward Melville Educational and Cultural Center in Stony Brook Village.

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What they’re saying

“If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have this building.”

— Larry 'The Duck' Dunn, Former DJ at 92.7 FM WLIR and present on-air personality on Sirius XM

“To know where you're going, you gotta remember where you came from and that's why we're here tonight.”

— Larry 'The Duck' Dunn, Former DJ at 92.7 FM WLIR and present on-air personality on Sirius XM

“The greatest privilege in life is getting to create something bigger than yourself with a life of its own. I'm honored to be on this stage with three others who helped to make this a reality.”

— Jim Faith

“The Grammys named us one of the top 10 music halls of fame to visit in the country. We're receiving national press and we will continue growing as we cultivate the next generation of musicians and performers, our future hall of famers.”

— Ernie Canadeo

“Being inducted is unbelievably gratifying. This building catapulted us. We have stars and major musicians coming here. I dare anyone find any place in the world that has as much music and entertainment talent in as many genres as LI, there is none. And I think we are finally being recognized for that.”

— Ernie Canadeo

What’s next

LIMEHOF plans to continue expanding its exhibits and educational programs, further cementing its status as a world-class institution celebrating the rich musical and entertainment history of Long Island.

The takeaway

LIMEHOF's induction of its creative team highlights the hard work, vision, and community support that has transformed the organization from a grassroots idea into a thriving, nationally recognized Hall of Fame and museum. Its success demonstrates the enduring power of local arts and culture to bring a community together and inspire the next generation of performers and creators.