In the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
In its 14th year of honoring the musicians, bands, personalities, and institutions that make up the rich culture of St. Louis, the St. Louis Classic Rock Preservation Society presents an evening of recognition and celebration with the 2026 Hall of Fame Inductions, now known as The Imperial Awards.
In addition to its new name, the ceremonies have moved to a new home in the beautiful Ross Family Theater at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.
“We will be presenting an entire evening of entertainment and tributes along with the Awards, hopefully worthy of this amazing new 500-seat theater in Kirkwood,” said co-producer Ron Stevens. “We couldn’t be more excited about the performances and appearances planned,” echoed co-producer Greg Hagglund.
Audience members can expect a full theatrical stage show with live performances featuring “Aardvarks & Friends,” special guests, and tributes to the men, women and institutions that make up our rich St. Louis music and entertainment history over the last several decades. Popular on-air personalities from radio and TV will present the awards, including veteran TV host John Pertzborn, KMOV-TV’s Damon Arnold, Lern and Mark Klose from KSHE 95, Dave Glover from KMOX, as well as radio legends The Smash, BJ the DJ, Joe Mama Mason, Joy Grdnic and Ted Habeck.
The nine inductees into the Hall of Fame this year include A Full Moon Consort, Fontella Bass, Radio Executive John Beck, DJ Spider Burks, local artist The Guild, Ray Hartmann and The Riverfront Times, DJ Al Hofer, Musicland Records USA and Tony Roldan.
In addition to the nine inductees this year, you can expect a very special tribute presented by David Surkamp of Pavlov’s Dog, as well as a tribute from the Duke of Delmar himself Joe Edwards and his daughter Hope.
The man who wrote “The Cheater,” Mike Krenski, will sing the Bob Kuban hit as a special tribute to the band and the man we all cherish in our memories from St. Louis past. Step back in time and enjoy a delightful tribute to the many great (and not so great) St. Louis radio and TV commercial jingles we all grew up with, presented by Bill Schulenburg, the man who engineered and/or produced these jingles.
Past Hall of Fame Inductees to the St. Louis Classic Rock Preservation Society include notable artists and creatives such as Tina Turner, Chuck Berry, Mama’s Pride, Bob Kuban, Bob Heil, John Ulett, Head East, Streetside Records, and outside influences Sammy Hagar and REO Speedwagon.
The St. Louis Classic Rock Preservation Society’s mission is to preserve, promote and honor St. Louis' unique classic rock heritage and its place in music and pop culture history. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all profits from The Imperial Awards this year will benefit Central Visual & Performing Arts High School.
