BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- It was their time to shine.

The 11th Annual Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inducted six new members into the ranks of many outstanding musicians who have contributed their work and their lives to music in Minnesota.

The induction ceremony and banquet dinner had 190 people in attendance Friday evening at the Holiday Inn.

"It went well tonight," said Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Dodie Wendinger, "We had a great turnout."

The 1999 inductees include the Minnesota Orchestra, Dominic Argento, Lamont Cranston, Harvey Heffron, Tony and Betty Wolf and Bill Hinkley.

The Minnesota Orchestra, under the direction of Eiji Oue since 1995, has been recognized in America as one of the country's leading symphony orchestras. The Minnesota Orchestra was founded in 1903 with the mission to provide great symphonic music to the people of Minnesota. The Minnesota Orchestra had a performance in the Cities Friday evening and could not attend.

"We really owe thanks to many people," said Gwen Pappas, who works for the Public Affairs office at the Orchestra, "I'm happy to be here on behalf of the orchestra. The orchestra really considers it a privilege to be inducted. It's a nice honor."

Dominic Argento is a Pulitzer Prize winner who is considered America's pre-eminent composer of lyric opera. He has contributed his knowledge and creativity to the Minnesota classical music community for the past 40 years. Argento is a longtime Regents' Professor at the University of Minnesota.

Pappas also accepted Argento's award because he was ill Friday evening and could not attend the ceremony.

Pat "Lamont" Cranston celebrates their 30th year as a blues band this year. Pat is known as one of the best harmonica players around and has played with artists like Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, The Blues Brothers and the Rolling Stones. The band had to perform Friday evening and could not attend the ceremony.

"We started in the mid-60's when we were in high school...it was the early formation of the band," said Lamont Cranston Band Manager Rico Anderson, of Rockford, "They were real proud to be inducted."

Anderson said this past year, the band has received several honors and this honor at the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, "caps all the events for 30 years."

Harvey Heffron, 90, has been a performer for 75 years. He has also been an arranger, band leader, composer, song writer and musical director. His primary instrument is the trombone, but he also plays violin and chord-o-vox. Heffron was an arranger for Lawrence Welk's music library.

"I'm not a proud person," said Heffron, "I've been honored in my life in so many ways."

Heffron's niece, LuAnn Heffron said she nominated Heffron to be in the Hall of Fame.

"I knew he was a good musician," said LuAnn, "But I felt he was a good person, a kind and generous man who gives unselfishly."

Tony and Betty Wolf, of St. Joseph, husband and wife team are key members of the Deutschmeisters from St. Joseph. Tony passed away in 1980 and Betty still plays in the group as a drummer and singer with John Buermann, her new husband. Betty has been performing since 1937.

"I must say I've had a good life," said Betty Wolf.

Bill Hinkley is a professional Bluegrass musician who is also an entertainer, singer and teacher for over 25 years. Hinkley and his wife Judy Larson have performed regularly for the Minnesota Public Radio program called "A Prairie Home Companion."

There will be a grand opening today 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. held at the new location of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame at 1st North and Broadway Streets in New Ulm. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day by various performers.