TADJ SZYMCZAK -  BMHOF CLASS OF 2012

Tadj Szymczak is a veteran musician, arranger, producer, songwriter and vocalist, guitar and bass player. Promoter, equipment manager, booking agent, art director, publicist, accountant, teacher and producer. These are just some of the hats Tadj has worn. 

Taking to the road in the early 70's, Tadj was playing 6 to 7 nights a week with the Gene Ferrari Show, opening for stars such as David Brenner and dining with Engelbert Humperdinck. In 1975 Tadj signed with Capitol records Canadian band, Edward Bear, supporting their Billboard hit, "Last Song" as they toured through Canada.

Tadj returned to Buffalo in 1977 and continued to play in local lounge bands and the rock band The Ritz and performed with the Amherst Symphony Orchestra. 

In the late 70's Tadj began performing with The New York Transfer, and also began working at Edwin's Music Store as an equipment tech, retail sales and bass and guitar instructor. He persuaded friend Keith Gregor to develop the concept of a multiple rehearsal facility which became known as the Music Mall. 

In the mid 1980's Tadj was a founding member of the classic rock bands Phil & the Spectors and the New York Rockets. 

1986 through 1991 Tadj played with the Buffalo based band JoyRyde. 

In 2001, he joined Jerry Darlak & The Buffalo Touch, a polka band who played locally and performed at music festivals through the United States. In 2003 Tadj guided The Buffalo Touch towards the first of their three Grammy nominations. 

With The Buffalo Touch, Tadj has received two proclamations from Erie County legislators and was presented with the Citizens of the Year award. Tadj also has won Buffalo Music awards such as "Top 40 Bass Player". The Buffalo Touch also received the Buffalo Nightlife Awards for Best Polka Band in 2017 and 2019.