The Amusement & Music Owners Association of New York, Inc. (AMOA-NY) hosted its most successful Annual Gala to date at Club 101 in Manhattan, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 170 attendees and filling the ballroom to capacity. The prestigious event featured the presentation of the 2025 Jukebox Artist of the Year Award to iconic singer Maria Muldaur and recognized Scott Avery, President and COO of Apple Industries, Inc., as the 2025 Man of the Year.
Image Source: Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York, Inc.
Jukebox Artist of the Year: Maria Muldaur
Industry leaders from across the country enjoyed a filet mignon and salmon buffet while AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg kicked off the evening by introducing the 2025 “Jukebox Artist of the Year”: five-time Grammy nominee Maria Muldaur. Known for her dynamic performances across jazz, rhythm & blues, gospel, and country western, Ms. Muldaur continues to record with notable labels such as Reprise Records, Warner Records, and Nola Blue Records.
As her music played softly in the background on a TouchTunes “Angelina” jukebox featured at the event, Maria Muldaur shared a heartfelt story about her earliest jukebox memory. It was 1947, and she was about five years old when she first encountered what she described as a “magical, colorful temple of music.” She recalled spending childhood summers at boarding houses in rural New York and New Jersey, where a jukebox was always part of the entertainment.
Growing up in Greenwich Village, Maria and her friends would often gather at local pizzerias, drawn in by the jukebox and the music it played.
“Jukeboxes have long been an important feature of American culture,” Maria Muldaur explained at the event. “They provide a way for people from every spectrum of our society to be exposed to and enjoy all kinds of great music in a shared communal way, at all sorts of gathering places, diners, bars, clubs and more. I love jukeboxes and hope they will continue to be a part of our entertainment culture for many many years to come!”
She also recalled some memories from other famous artists:
“Early into my singing, a young man from Minnesota named Bob Dylan would say to me, ‘Hey, Maria, why don’t you play that ‘I’m a Woman song,'” Maria Muldaur said with a smile. “This song I randomly heard on the jukebox that night went on to be my theme song! I recorded it in the 60s with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, and then re-recorded it on my second solo album in 1974 with Dr. John and Paul Butterfield. It became my second biggest hit, reaching number 12 on the Billboard charts! I still open my shows with that song to this day!”
Image Source: Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York, Inc.
Ken Goldberg Issues Industry Call to Actions
AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg, marking his 18th year of leadership, addressed the crowd with a candid message on the challenges facing the amusement and music operator industry.
He cited the explosive growth of online sports betting becoming a direct threat to their businesses. “Half of all Americans between the ages of 18-49 have active online betting accounts. Gambling addiction is rapidly rising, “Goldberg declared. “It has only been ten years since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports betting which is now present in 39 states and D.C. They even encourage it as a form of tax revenue.”
He added, “As an operator who has a family legacy spanning over eight decades, I fully understand how this $150B a year for online sports betting has severely damaged our industry [of operators, distributors, equipment manufacturers, locations],” he said. “We’re all suffering.”
With leaders from AMOA-National in attendance—including newly installed President Brian Brotsch of upstate New York—AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg extended an invitation for national collaboration. He called on the organization to join AMOA-NY in advocating for government subsidies and stronger legislation to support and grow the industry. Goldberg also highlighted AMOA-NY’s track record of leadership and success on a wide range of industry issues for the amusement sector.
Scott Avery Recognized as “Man of the Year” for 2025
At this point in the program, Mr. Goldberg introduced the 2025 “Man of the Year,” Scott Avery, President and Chief Operating Officer of Apple Industries, Inc. (Greenvale, New York). He highlighted Avery’s significant impact on the industry, noting his success in building lasting partnerships with major brands across entertainment, retail, and technology—including Disney, Major League Baseball, Regal Cinemas, and Hasbro. Goldberg also emphasized Avery’s ability to deliver innovative business solutions and expand Apple’s presence in new markets:
“Scott’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding Apple to unprecedented heights,” Goldberg remarked. “Under his stewardship, the company has continued to innovate and expand its product line which features FacePlace Photo Booths and related products. He has helped to solidify Apple Industries’ position as a global leader in the amusement industry. His strategic vision, coupled with a focus on culture and sustainable growth, has positioned Apple as a company that not only delivers cutting-edge, profitable products to operators but also delivers memorable experiences to millions of consumers each year.”
Special Recognition: Pace Integrity Award
In a surprise announcement, Larry Hilmire of Stanton Automatic received the inaugural Pace Integrity Award, presented by Michael Pace, Founder-Chairman of Pace-O-Matic (Georgia). The award recognizes ethical leadership and a longstanding reputation for excellence in operations. Pace announced the honor will become an annual tradition going forward.
About Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York, Inc.
Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York, Inc. (AMOA-NY) was established in the 1940’s. AMOA-NY is an advocate for the refreshments and amusements industry. While AMOA-NY does not have a website, you can visit their national association, the Amusement and Music Owners Association, at this website: amoa.com.
About Apple Industries
With nearly 50 years of experience in the pay-for-play amusement industry, Apple Industries is the world’s largest manufacturer of innovative, award-winning photo booths. The company designs cutting-edge photo booths for event planners, route operators, location owners, and consumers. In its latest breakthrough, Smile 2.0 technology, users can instantly print, share, and upload photos to social media platforms directly from the booth. Known for building the most popular and profitable line of photo booths, they have won many awards, including the IAAPA Brass Ring Award, AMOA Innovator Award, PlayMeter Operators’ Choice Award, and Mitsubishi Electric Award. Apple Industries continues to set industry standards, combining fun, innovation, and profitability for operators worldwide.
Share this Story
Related Posts
