Scenes from the 2025 RIBA Hall of Fame

Influential members of the southern New England bluegrass community were inducted into the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance (RIBA) Hall of Fame on Sunday, April 13th in a ceremony at the Elks Lodge in West Greenwich, RI. Musicians Skip Gorman and Bill Thibodeau were the 2025 inductees for their lifetime achievements.

RIBA also honored three Bluegrass Pioneers: Dave “Tex” Orlomoski, and Dick and Nancy Hutchings. This designation recognizes performing artists, bands, and industry professionals who were actively involved in bluegrass music at least 40 years ago.

The Rock Hearts bluegrass band, of which Bill Thibodeau is a member, kicked off the event with a 45 minute performance.

We also recognized Sal Sauco for his 12 years as RIBA's first president. Sal has passed the torch to our newly-elected president Jeffrey Horton.

Read more about the lifetime achievements of Skip Gorman and Bill Thibodeau.

Here are some scenes from the event.