Senate Resolution No. 1289

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING the band Double Axel upon the occasion
of five decades of playing rock 'n' roll which was
celebrated at its 50th Anniversary party on July 10,
2021

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
talented individuals within our midst, who have had a significant impact
on the arts and culture of our communities through their outstanding
entertainment; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the band Double Axel upon the occasion of celebrating five
decades of playing rock 'n' roll; and

WHEREAS, To celebrate this milestone, the band members hosted an
"Under the Big Top: Double Axel's 50th Anniversary Party" which was held
on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Mama Lucia, in Potsdam, New York; and

WHEREAS, Double Axel is a rock 'n' roll band that was created in the
1970s when the live music scene in Potsdam was a dynamo of energy,
talent and creativity; its three band members have thoughts on the
reasons for reaching that milestone, ranging from personal chemistry to
being at the right place at the right time; and

WHEREAS, Double Axel was born in the basement of Theta Chi
fraternity and was originally a four-piece band, before becoming a trio
in 1995; its gigs have ranged from Rochester to Vermont, the 1980
Olympic Games in Lake Placid, and nightclubs and high schools throughout
the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Band members who make up this North Country legacy include:
Alex Vangellow of Hannawa Falls, New York, who plays drums, keyboard,
guitar and sings; Robert Zolner, also from Hannawa Falls, who plays
guitar and sings; and Frank Johns of Saranac Lake, who plays bass and
joins with vocals; and

WHEREAS, Double Axel, which has recorded a couple of original
albums, is now traveling the North Country on its 50th Anniversary tour,
giving many fans a chance to reminisce about good times and music shared
with the band as well as to create new memories, as the band has no
plans of slowing down; and

WHEREAS, Over the past five decades, Double Axel has earned its
reputation as a talented band in Upstate New York; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper for this Legislative Body to take
note of such a prestigious, musically gifted band, which brings great

pride to both the music industry and the citizens of this great Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, With deep appreciation, this Legislative Body is pleased to
have this opportunity to recognize the exceptional talents of the three
members of Double Axel, and to wish them continued success in all their
future endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the band Double Axel upon the occasion of celebrating five
decades of playing rock 'n' roll; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
the members of Double Axel.