2025 Inductees

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This story begins in the basement of 1 Jean Lane, our childhood home in New City, NY. 

We had a TV/play room where my older sisters would hang out together and with friends and listen to little 45 records on a miniature phonograph. I was steeped in this era of music from the late 60s and 70's before I could even go to school. I grew up on Three Dog Night, Gordon Lightfoot, Wings, Capt and Tenielle and so many others.   

When I was 9, my older brother Patrick went off to college and left me the room. However, for the first few years, he would return for the summers and bring his amazing stereo system and awesome record collection. This is when I was introduced to Prog rock and classic rock from the late 70s. We fell asleep to the Moody Blues, Genesis, Styx, and many other amazing classic rock wonders, leaving an indelible impression on my mind. Although all of my sisters and brother played instruments in school, I never really picked one up at those early ages – I was too busy with my Star Wars, GI Joes, army men, and train sets. I remember my mother playing our family piano when I was very young, especially around the holidays, but my father and our Irish aunts, uncles, and cousins would always turn the house into a carnival when they visited, which was often. Small school instruments like flutes and other wind instruments were difficult to keep around, as our family dogs enjoyed munching on anything we touched.

As time passed, my siblings moved on, and the house became a little more empty and quiet, which I filled with my friends and hangouts. I guess it was around age 15 when I became interested in playing guitar. Most teenage boys seemed to want to play something at that age; it appeared to be a trend in school. That was when I ordered my first batch of Columbia House records, and my music collection was off to a start.  In the summer of 1987, my mother and father separated. It was an extremely difficult time, and my father sensed my longing for a hobby, so he bought an inexpensive acoustic guitar and two months' worth of lessons at the local guitar shop in New City. He said if I enjoyed it, he would buy a year of lessons and consider getting an electric guitar. Well, that worked; I rode about two miles to town every Wednesday after school for lessons with a jazz prodigy, Jim Kunkle, whom I didn't know then. It was amazing.    That Christmas, I received my first electric guitar, and the noise grew louder and more irritating. Things became more relaxed around the Shiel compound, which is when the rock bands started and the beer parties began. The JJ Reynolds band was the first to crawl out from the basement onto the makeshift stage in the backyard. It was so much fun! With Joe Ditta singing, Dan Kelly on bass, me on guitar, and the late great Nick Rizzo on drums, with Dan Murray always sitting in, we literally disrupted the neighborhood. Fun summers-

Well – off to Oswego State where I spent all my extra time playing and practicing. I'll admit I was terrible for the first six years of that time, but I was determined to try to sound good. I met Greg Carapetyan while running for SUNY, and we hit it off. He was friends with Jody Dunsmoor, now Jody Musa, and the three of us honed our skills together – I owe a lot to those guys. Greg was the Pink Floyd guy, and Jody was the Grateful Dead influence, so how could it go wrong?

1990 was my first Grateful Dead show at Rich Stadium, and everything changed for me at that time. My entire understanding of music and guitar concerts was forever shaped by that experience. In 1991, I saw Phish for the first time at a roller rink in Buffalo, and that sealed the deal – I would never put that guitar down again for more than a few days .    From 1991 to 1993, I played in various college bands, the greatest of which was The Deal, featuring my best friend, high school mate, and drummer extraordinaire, Dave Falk, along with Jody Musa and me on guitars, and John McLaughlin on bass and lead vocals. What a fun band! We actually climbed to open for the Ramones in 1993 at Springfest in Oswego.

I also played in a couple of notable bands, including Purple Kind. I was asked to replace Jeff McCaffrey on guitar, alongside Bob Griffin on another guitar, Steve Butera on bass, Corey Knoop on drums, and Chris Bangs on lead vocals. This was probably one of the most fun and craziest band experiences ever, as we just demolished frats and sorority houses across town with pure, unbridled 90s rock and grunge. A huge notable mention goes to Morning Wood and Sister Mary Elephant, along with the Tony Cliftones featuring Chris Gosek, whose pure hysterics and mayhem created awesome times and music.    

A college friend approached me about forming a group, and I convinced Dave Leahy to stop by 222 West 7th to meet my housemates Jody and Dave. Jugglin Monkey was born. Perhaps the most innovative, creative, and pure rock jam band I have ever played in- and still play in – an original Jugglin Monkey reunion is right around the corner. From 1996 to 2025, I have played with this group of friends, and I can say they are the most influential and the best part of my musical experience. During those early days, we met Dave Hawthorne, who also became a lifelong inspiration. Bob Larkin was a huge proponent of so many of our gigs, and there is a mile-long list of people who helped us, inspired us, brought us home, nursed us back to health, and supported our music through these years – I want to thank them all.

After moving downstate, marrying my lovely wife Anita, and starting a family, the band life calmed down. However, the solo, duo, and trio ensembles never stopped. I led whoever was crazy enough to jam with me across the state- from Rockland County, Suffern, NY, to Piermont, NYC, Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and back yard parties, weddings, celebrations of life, bars, pubs, restaurants, dives, hangouts, and bowling alleys- any place that would let us play and listen. Oh yeah, and throw a few bucks at the end, plus free beers and some food to go.    

Not only did I have an amazing trio with Anita and my sister, Eileen Shiel-Herman, who was infinitely inspirational and supportive, but I also played in duos and trios with Tom Bator, Bob Mollica, Jody Musa, and a host of other pals. However, the highlight for me was playing with Dave Jones in Oswego. From 2010 to 2012, we formed Twisted Folk, which consisted of myself, Anita, Eileen, Joe Johnson, and Dave Jones on congas, bongos, and all percussion instruments. This was an amazing collaboration; Jones and I really made a great go of it. Playing with him was amazing.

Anita and I continued for years after Twisted Folk disbanded, and we were a popular hit duo. I cannot speak highly enough about her vocals, her performance, and her partnership.    

Eileen Shiel and I also went on many excursions as a duo, and I have never met such a well-rounded, versatile, and purely talented partner as my sister, Eileen. Not to mention my brother-in-law, David Herman, who has been an avid supporter emotionally, physically, and financially of all my musical endeavors. I couldn't have done it without them, and I wouldn't be here without them either.

I will start winding it down in this version of the bio because it's long overdue, and I need to submit it. Giving myself a little credit here, I became a fill-in for nearly every band in Oswego, and I was so honored to play with all of my friends and music associates.   It is here that I must mention that I would not be who I am, or what I am, or know what I know musically, if it were not for the awesome compassion, generosity, patience, and guidance of so many of my musical friends here in Oswego. I have literally lived and played in dozens of towns and cities, and I have never experienced the camaraderie and fellowship of musical friends that I have found here in Oswego. I believe it is this for which I owe most of my thanks too.

From being friends and playing with all the guys in Frostbit Blue, John Bletch, Tom McCaffrey, Nick Gravelding, Mike Place, and the late great Tie Smith – the amazing Chris Ellerd from the bands Vitamin X , In The Flesh, Hot Shampoo – John Walker, Trevor Reynolds, Tim Stone threw together a monster set of everything and crushed Harborfest for two years in a row at Gibby's. There are so many people, friends, and musicians to mention here – Mark Wahl, the Oswego Music Hall, Gibby's, Dave Thompson, whom I cannot thank enough; Old City , Spencers, The Sting , The Patch; the list goes on and on. The Swinging Richards in Rochester, Dave Leahy, Eric Blazak, and Dave LaBarge are clearly the most innovative and fun music collaboration of bluegrass, heavy metal, prog rock, jam country. I don't even know what to call it –awesome.    

Really, all I can say at this point is that I love my late and great parents, Patricia and Patrick Shiel. May they rest in peace after I tortured them with my incessant quest, but I know they would be so proud, and I play for their honor. Anita's family, particularly my mother and father-in-law, Lori and Rick Avery, have been incredibly supportive and helpful in our endeavors. I also want to thank Atom and Falecia Avery for all of their support over the years, the opportunities they provided, and the encouragement to continue our passion. I would like to deeply thank my ex-wife, Anita, for the partnership and patience. I also want to express my gratitude to my children, Cora and Liam, my loves and light in my life, as well as my family- my brothers and sisters- for their undying support of my journeys and all of their significant others. A special thank you to Jamie Castaldo, who stayed with me through my recovery and inspired me to continue my music quest. There are so many more people to thank, and I can not mention them all now due to time restraints, but believe me, you are in my heart, and you are in my music. I am a culmination of the love that was shown to me.

On a deep note I have battled with clinical depression for most of my life and finally realizing that being an altruistic compassionate and empathic person is a beautiful blessing not a curse. I would like to honor all my family and friends who have passed from this world, whether naturally or before their time. I continue in their honor and memory, rather than allowing darkness to dim the way I have chosen to allow the light to shine and inspire others. There is so much more for all of us and music is our language of love and enlightenment.

Thank you so much to The Oswego Music Hall Of Fame Committee for the recognition and induction – for this is truly one of the highest honors I have ever felt and I am so humbled and elated to be in such company as we are this year. I thank you with all of my heart.

Central New York’s premier county band, Dirtroad Ruckus, was founded in 2004 and has been wowing audiences all over Central New York. The band describes itself as “a modern country band with a side of southern.” Eric Scott, the founder of Dirtroad Ruckus, has assembled an exquisite group of musicians who play modern country, southern rock, and some classic rock. 

Dirtroad ruckus has provided direct support for numerous county acts, including Cole Swindell, Thompson Square, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Kellie Pickler, Granger Smith, Craig Morgan, David Fanning, Dylan Scott, and LoCash. Eric Scott and the talented musicians of Dirtroad Ruckus have as much fun as the audience, singing and dancing along to their music. Like any great band, Dirtroad Ruckus brings excitement, humor, and fun to the stage during their live performances. Their mix of high-energy country hits and classic rock favorites is sure to get you up on your feet and dancing. 

His Musical Story

Barry’s mother hummed and sang songs throughout her days, so Kathlyn(James) McCaffrey had to be his first musical influence. She also regularly played the favorite songs of her day on the Wurlitzer upright piano in the house. Eventually, Barry began exploring his mother’s piano, his grandmother Grace James’ small Magnus organ, and his grandfather Mitty James’ mouth organs (harmonicas).

His parents, Alfred and Kathlyn McCaffrey, signed him up for piano lessons with Dr. Anthony Crane about the time he was in first grade. He continued taking piano lessons for several more years.

As Barry grew up, phonograph records were being played regularly in the house. At times, Barry and younger brother Tom would “play” along with plastic toy guitars in front of a mirror pretending to be in the band.

As a pre-teen Santa brought him his first real guitar, a Gretsch acoustic. Barry learned everything he could from all the other local guitar players around him.

In addition to being awestruck by The Beatles and the whole musical ‘British Invasion’, Barry grew up witnessing an extremely vibrant music scene in Oswego itself. A large variety of very good bands were playing regularly at high school dances and at the local church halls.

In 1968, as a freshman in high school, he got his first electric guitar, a red semi-hollow LaFayette twelve string. He began to jam with others and a few short-lived groups formed. One of his earliest gigs, and this one may have been his very first, was in his Uncle Don James’ Ontario street side-yard where a fundraising carnival was being held to help fight muscular dystrophy.

Barry, along with his Cousin David Henderson decided to start a band in order to “get girls”. They added a drummer and another guitar player and they called it The Over Exposure.

The Over Exposure -

Barry McCaffrey (guitar)

Joe Santore (guitar)

David “Bozo” Henderson (bass)

Tom McGrath (drums)

Business cards were common for bands. Here is an image of that card that was provided by fellow 2025 inductee Joe Trionfero. Barry was excited when the band’s business cards arrived though their font choice led to people pronouncing the name as The Ober Exposure. (see below in photos)

With four matching turtleneck sweaters they played their first gig at The Battle of the Bands held at the Armory. This event was televised by the local cable tv station, and it was won by 2025 inductee Pat Hillman’s excellent band, The Crystal Ship. The Over Exposure went on to play gigs at St. Mary’s Hopkin’s Hall, and dances at the Campus and Leighton schools.

Barry and John Luber began jamming in the summer (1970) before their senior year in high school. Both were inspired by the Woodstock movie and the Hippie movement. John remembers playing along to two of their favorite bands, Grand Funk Railroad and Wishbone Ash. John says during that time, “Barry wrote his first original, the West Seneca St Theme, and we got a few bands off the ground. Barry continued to write and had an uncanny way of being inspired by a song or genre and then writing his own. He was a natural song writer and wrote some great complex tunes that still stand the test of time.”

Here are some of the bands Barry played with in the early 70s:

Homegrown- 

Barry McCaffrey (guitar) 

John Luber (guitar)

Tim Kraft (bass) 

Jack “Spoolie” Hoey (drums) 

Shadowfax-

Barry McCaffrey (guitar)

John Luber (guitar)

Bill Feeney (keyboards)

Tim Kraft (bass)

Ray Furniss (vocals, conga)

Spoolie Hoey (drums)

The Funky Dernt Band –

Barry McCaffrey (guitar)

John Luber (guitar)

David Quigley (bass)

Tom McGrath (drums)

Isis-

Barry McCaffrey (guitar)

Charlie Ford (bass)

Scott Columbus (drums)

One of the many songs Barry wrote in this time period was Lake Ontario Twilight. Barry’s song about our lake’s beautiful sunsets was written while partying with friends at a lake-shore hangout (affectionately known as “Mud Road”) that was out past Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In. In the lyrics, Barry incorporated suggestions from both Ronny Castaldo and Danny Sansone.

In 1975, Barry was jamming with Bill Feeney on vocals and keyboards, Scott Columbus on drums, and Tim “Weasel” Smith who was playing guitar at the time. Barry decided to ask his 16-year-old brother, Tom, to join his band to be the rhythm guitarist. To do this, Barry needed to convince a very reluctant Tim Smith to switch to the bass guitar which he had never played before. Tim eventually agreed. Barry chose the name: The Mind’s Eye. The very first gig was at Red Creek High School. The set lists included covers by Wishbone Ash, Neil Young, Led Zepplin, Kansas, Jeff Beck and over a dozen originals.

In 1976, he entered his band into the 12th Annual Combo Contest held at the New York State Fair. After seeing some of the very good and very polished acts that played that day, Barry felt there was no way his band would ever be in the running for any of the awards. When they announced The Mind’s Eye as the winner he was shocked. As they presented Barry with the first place ribbon, the judges stated that their decision was based on the strength of the band’s completely original set…they then publicly encouraged Barry to keep on writing because he “has a gift”. (see the ribbon in photos below)

Barry soon discovered that Syracuse already had a band with the name Mind’s Eye. So he decided that his band’s name needed to be changed. Many names were seriously considered but when The Barry McCaffrey Band was suggested, he wouldn’t allow it. He didn't want it to seem like it was all about him.

But his band-mates felt differently. Either Weasel, Biff, or Scott suggested using his middle name, and calling it The Barry James Band. In need of name quickly and through persistent persuasion from his band-mates, Barry finally allowed a vote. The Barry James Band was adopted as the group’s name by a vote of 4 to 1…with Barry casting the No vote.

The Mind’s Eye / The Barry James Band 1975 – 1976

Barry McCaffrey (guitar, vocals)

Tom McCaffrey (guitar)

Bill Feeney (keyboards, vocals)

Tim Smith (bass)

Scott Columbus (drums)

Besides playing at area high school dances and graduations, they frequently appeared at local drinking establishments like Broadwell’s, Tri-Lions, Bayshore Grove, Nunzi’s, Old City Hall, The Odyssey, The Oasis, and Bucklands. In 1977, a college student Terry Connor (vocals, flute,sax) was added to the band. Here is a picture of the band taken in front of the Oswego Theater to promote The Good Rats concert there. (see below in photos)

DMR Enterprises, Dave Rezak’s talent agency in Syracuse, and Music Star Agency in Binghamton, booked the BJB at bars, high schools, and colleges all across New York State.

In addition to playing with The Good Rats on several occasions, the BJB opened for numerous well-known regional and national bands including: Duke Jupiter, Tall Dogs, Saratoga, The Grass Roots, and Iron Butterfly.

The BJB played at several Thousand Island Music Festivals (Blue Oyster Cult headlined the ’81 event). Here is the poster from the 1979 concert (see below in photos)

From 1975 to 1982, many fine musicians also played for a time in the various formations of the BJB. Here is a list of all the people who played in the BJB and some band photos (see below).

BJB members: John Bletch (drums)

David Burritt (drums)

Scott Carroll (drums)

Scott Columbus (drums)

Terry Connor (flute, sax, vocals)

Chris Ellerd (bass)

Bill Feeney (keyboards, vocals)

Sam Galizia (drums)

Paul Heagerty (bass)

Barry McCaffrey (guitar, vocals)

Tom McCaffrey (guitar)

Janine Smith (lead vocals)

Tim Smith (bass)

Kent Warner (bass)

In 1981, the band recorded a 45 record George Dayson’s Studio near Syracuse. The players on this 45 were Barry, Tom, Bill, John and Kent Warner. Sky Child Records owner Alvin Dann produced it. (see photo below)

Here is an incomplete listing of songs written by Barry James McCaffrey.

A Jam

Aftershock

Always the Same

And I Could Cry

Bottom's Up

Bridge of Dreams

Da Swisha

Don't Front Your Money

Don't You Know

E Jam

Elevator

Heat

In the Morning (I Got the Feeling)

Lake Ontario Twilight

Seviceable Parts

Shadow of the Past

Splitshot

Swing Thing

Sympathy for the Seahag

The City

Thirteen

Tonight

Under The Table

West Seneca St Theme

After the BJB, Barry played in two others bands - Live Lobsters and Who Knows - before a car accident took his life in 1984.

Live Lobsters -

Barry McCaffrey (guitar, vocals)

Tom McCaffrey (guitar,vocals)

Bill Feeney (keyboards, vocals)

Bill Barry (keyboards, vocals)

Tom Ciappa (vocals, congas)

Thad Iorizzo (bass)

Darro Sandler (drums)

Who Knows –

Barry McCaffrey (guitar, vocals)

Tom McCaffrey (guitar,vocals)

Bill Feeney (keyboards, vocals)

Bill Barry (keyboards, vocals)

Jeff Davis (vocals)

Thad Iorizzo (bass)

Darro Sandler (drums)

Barry’s music and influence still lives on today in Frostbit Blue, who has been playing Barry’s music for over 30 years.

Here’s a quote from drummer/film producer/Vona’s restaurant owner, Murphy Occhino:

“The Barry James Band were a huge inspiration to so many young and upcoming musicians from Oswego in the late 70’s and [early] 80’s.

I remember as an underage high school student, watching BJB perform through the back window at Broadwell’s. There was always a very loyal group of us that were there to learn from our heroes.

As an original songwriter and lead guitarist, Barry opened many young minds to the possibility of starting their own bands.

In the early 80’s our high school band “Last Chance” were invited to perform at SUNY Oswego on the same bill as BJB. We all remember seeing Barry in the audience watching us play, and hoped for his approval. We heard later that he said ‘those high school kids can really play’

Having modeled ourselves to be like our idols, it was a great honor, and a night to remember.

We will always be grateful to Barry for writing the soundtrack of our youth in Oswego.”