The loss of Denise Hall has been felt across the entire Sportsmen's family. The tributes that follow come from members of the SAMF board and longtime members of the Buffalo music community who knew her, loved her, and were shaped by her.
Executive Director's Note · In Memoriam
Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Denise Hall
Dear friends and supporters of SAMF —
As many of you surely know, the Hall family and the Buffalo music community as a whole lost a guiding light with the passing of Denise Hall on June 24.
From the beginning, Denise has been the heart and soul, not just of her family, but of the extended family that includes all of us who have spent any time at the Sportsmen's Tavern, Sportsmen's Park, or the Cave.
That family includes the Sportsmen's Americana Music Foundation, which was born from Dwane and Denise's desire to safeguard music education opportunities for future generations, and to build community through music.
As wife to Dwane, mother to James, Jason and Jeff, and grandmother to Eric, Denise exemplified the virtues of hard work, community engagement, kindness, and belief in the deep and lasting impact that a shared love of music can have on all of us.
One need look no further than her sons to witness those core beliefs in action. As anyone who frequents the Sportsmen's Tavern will tell you, the overriding feeling there is one of familial love — a love that is extended to seasoned patrons, first-time attendees, the staff, and the musicians on the stage, in equal measure.
When a beloved member of a community passes, that community feels the loss, and grieves it. While Dwane, James, Jason, Jeff and Eric have been so deeply involved in their own grieving, they've also had to shoulder that community's collective grief, all while maintaining the business that is their family legacy. To witness the way they've conducted themselves with such grace, integrity, kindness and selflessness during this period is to feel Denise's spirit and to understand her indelible impact on her husband, her three sons, and her grandson.
Here at the SAM Foundation, we are deeply committed to carrying Denise's legacy forward.
My friend and SAMF board member Jack Freedenberg spoke eloquently at the recent memorial service, and reminded us that the best way to honor Denise is to actively celebrate her legacy.
"Go see some extra live music shows this month. Check out and support the foundation's events. Always remember, live music is shared joy. Nothing could better honor Denise's memory."
— Jack Freedenberg, SAMF Board Member
Rest in peace, Denise, and thank you for the gifts you've given all of us.
With gratitude and love,
Jeff
Denise Hall · Beloved by the entire Sportsmen's family
The Hall Family · Photo: Michael Lee Jackson
Denise Hall & Ian Gillan at Sportsmen's Tavern · Photo: Bob Mussell
