Local musician Lou Gradanti will be honoured January 7 as the first inductee to the CKGI Hall of Fame. The award will be made at the Radio Society’s annual fundraising concert, where Gradanti will not only be performing, but working behind the scenes. It recognizes his immense contribution to the creation of a radio station for Gabriola Island.

“Lou is the deck of the bridge we have used to cross great chasms,” said Zakreski. “He needs to be recognized, and we took it upon ourselves to do just that.”

Gradanti has volunteered for every fundraiser since the society’s inception. He has worked at every concert, and mastered every CD produced from the live performances.

“Lou has been there day in and day out since the very beginning,” said Ken Zakreski, president of the CKGI Radio Society. “He has been a key player who has given us professional sound, which has allowed us to get professional performers.”

Zakreski said others will be inducted into the Hall of Fame over time, but that Gradanti was clearly the first choice.

“Lou has been inspiration by his professional manner and dedication to the music side of life,” he said. “We are pleased to acknowledge his hard work and skill over the many years he has assisted in getting the station approved.”

This year’s concert, You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio, will be performed at the Haven on January 7.