LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joe Calato upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Niagara Falls Music & Arts Festival on June 20, 2015

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical pioneers who have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joe
Calato upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Niagara Falls Music & Arts Festival in Niagara
Falls, New York, on Saturday, June 20, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A native of Niagara Falls, New York, Joe Calato developed an
interest in music and drumming at an early age; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Niagara Falls High School in 1939, Joe
Calato attended the University of Buffalo and proudly served his country
as a member of the United States Army; he attained the esteemed rank of
Lieutenant, and served as a Navigator, flying missions over Germany with
the Army Air Corps during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, Joe Calato
married the former Katherine Laurri; he then started a kitchen cabinet
company, making cabinets during the day, and playing the drums at night
to support his growing family; and
WHEREAS, Joe Calato noticed while drumming that the tips of his
drumsticks were wearing out very quickly; he decided to solve this prob-
lem and made it his mission to improve the quality of drumsticks; and
WHEREAS, After much experimenting, he perfected the invention of a
drumstick called the Regal Tip, which features a nylon tip which stayed
on and did not shatter; this new type of drumstick also produced a
unique sound pleasing to the ear; and
WHEREAS, Joe Calato's invention signaled a revolution in drumstick
manufacturing and design, and the sound of his Regal Tip drumsticks
helped define the musical styles of the day with its signature clarity
on drumheads and ride cymbals; and
WHEREAS, A pioneer in his field, Joe Calato is further responsible for
a variety of musical innovations including Thai Sticks, Conga Stick,
Danny Reyes Multi-Percussion Stick, and most recently the E-Tip drumst-
ick; and
WHEREAS, Joe Calato set new standards for quality and musical sound
with his line of Regal Tip brushes which continues today to be the best-
selling brushes in the world; and
WHEREAS, To date, Joe Calato's company is still owned and operated by
the Calato family; its commitment to producing quality products for
drummers and percussionists continues as the next generation begins to
assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations; and
WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, Joe Calato's company has employed
hundreds of people in the Niagara Falls area, becoming a vital part of
the local economy; and
WHEREAS, Tourists and drummers from around the world continue to visit
the manufacturing facility on Hyde Park Boulevard in Niagara Falls, New
York, to witness the production of their favorite sticks and brushes;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when musical
innovators of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joe Calato upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Niagara Falls Music & Arts
Festival; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joe Calato.