Including Rusty's and its history as part of their liner notes was very flattering to me, but this group primarily wanted to promote Toledo as a force to be reckoned with in terms of the talent we have here playing all genres of music. In March 1997 I was given the Lifetime Achievement award for my contributions to the arts in Toledo. This award was presented to me at the First Annual Lake Erie West People's Choice Awards for the Performing Arts. This affair was much like the Grammy's held in Hollywood, and will be an annual event here in Toledo giving the arts community and its supporters the opportunity to show their respect to each other and network. An event like this one will help give out citizens a sense that we have so much to offer new residents from larger cities where these activities are the norm.
People love and have loyally supported it.
There is a special buffet prepared for each Tuesday's gathering for which there is a nominal fee. It's one of the best bargains in town. In 1993, then Mayor John McHugh proclaimed Monday, November 22 nd of that year Rusty Monroe Day. The city of Toledo bestowed this honor to express their profound appreciation for my efforts to keep jazz alive in and make it a vital part of our musical enrichment in Toledo.