Salina's Nathan Tysen among names considered for Kansas Music Hall of Fame induction
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Voting is now underway for the 2026 Kansas Music Hall of Fame induction class. Paid members and previous inductees will help select five deserving artists whose contributions to the music of Kansas and the greater Kansas City metropolitan area have left a lasting impact. In addition, the Kansas Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors will select four special honorees to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.
The following nominees are under consideration for induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. Final results will be announced shortly after the January 1 voting deadline.
2026 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Nominees
(Listed alphabetically)
The Appleseed Cast — Lawrence
Ashley Davis — Lawrence
Banshee — Kansas City
Matt Betton Jr. — Manhattan
Joe Denoyer — Liberal
Arthur Dodge — Lawrence
Billy Ebeling — Lawrence
Lester Estelle II — Kansas City
Nicolle Galyon — Sterling
Chip Hardy — Scott City
Mark Hart — Fort Scott
Arnie Johnson — Lawrence
Justus — Kansas City
Frankie Kay — Kansas City
Kill Creek — Lawrence
Lowell Kiesel — Wichita
Shawn Lee — Wichita
Manilla Road — Wichita
Will Matthews — Kansas City
The Micronotz — Lawrence
Nathan Tysen — Salina
Patriarch — Lawrence
Paw — Lawrence
Harry "Hap" Peebles — Wichita
Ricky Dean Sinatra — Lawrence
The Rockin' Continentals — Topeka
Marty Schiff — Sharon
Mike Schmidt — Lawrence
Greg Skaff — Wichita
The Soulful Seven — Hays
The Upside Dawne — Lawrence
Kelly Werts — Junction City
Larry Williams — Kansas City
Annie Wilson — Wichita
Nathan Tysen, a Salina native, is a Grammy and Tony Award-nominated songwriter and vocalist whose musicals have been produced on Broadway and London's West End. For more than 25 years, he has served as the frontman of the Salina-based rock band Joe's Pet Project.
Founded in August 2004, the Kansas Music Hall of Fame, Inc. (KSMHoF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich musical heritage of Kansas. Since holding its inaugural induction ceremony in January 2005, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 200 artists, including numerous influential bands and ensembles. The mission of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame is to honor the musicians, music, and related organizations that have made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of Kansas and the greater Kansas City area. The organization celebrates the accomplishments of the past and present while inspiring future generations of Kansas musicians.
Many of this year's nominees were recommended by Hall of Fame members and members of the public. The Kansas Music Hall of Fame continues to welcome nominations from across the state as it works to preserve Kansas' rich musical legacy.
Individuals interested in participating in the selection process are encouraged to become members before Midnight on January 1, 2027. Members receive an official ballot along with nominee biographies highlighting each artist's accomplishments and contributions.
Membership information and additional details are available at www.ksmhof.org.
Media Contact:
Allen Blasco
President
Kansas Music Hall of Fame
[email protected]