DIPIPI, SPYRO GYRA, AND KEN GOLDBERG HEADLINE AMOA-NY GALA

The Amusement & Music Owners Association of New York Annual Gala this past Monday, April 15th was a sold out occasion—a packed dining room at the 5-star Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse, New York City.  Many industry leaders came from various parts of the nation to honor Robert Dipipi, Vice President of Sales & Purchasing for Betson Enterprises, Inc., (Carlstadt, New Jersey).

Dipipi was introduced by Betson CEO Robert Geschine together with the 2023 Guest of Honor recipient, Michael Pace, Founder, Chairman of Pace-O-Matic Corp.

Geschine reminisced about how he initially hired Bob Dipipi thirty years ago to establish Betson’s Philadelphia office.  About thirteen years ago, Geschine promoted Dipipi into his current role:  “Bob has helped bring Betson to levels we never dreamed could happen…we are so blessed to have him.”

Bob Dipipi  described how he was overwhelmed to receive “this awesome award”.  He described Bob Geschine as “a father figure” to him.  He credited both Richard Kirby and Kevin Fritz as two Betson executives who were influential mentors through his career.  “To manufacturers, customers, competitors, and Betson executives who have shown up tonight, this means so so much to me, and I consider all of you my family.”

After introducing the relatives sitting at his table, Bob paid tribute to his wife, Gwen.  Gwen Dipipi described how her husband has “such a genuine love for people and has had so much respect for everyone in the Betson organization.”

AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg offered his “homily” about the faith and religion of the amusement and jukebox industry.  “We have continued to prevent government leaders from increasing our taxes.  And convincing Federal regulators to provide bank accounts for our business owners, has been huge.”  Goldberg pointed out how the New York State Liquor Authority recorded 5000 new licenses and 2500 license renewals in the past year.  “This demonstrates new opportunities for operators!”

Goldberg described how operators had to embrace industry changes in the way they do business.  He cited new generation executives and more equity investment being introduced to the industry.  “I am a ‘case study’ because my three generation family business joined forces this past year with Bar Partners, a Texas-based, national industry player, who wanted to enter the greater New York tri-state regional market.”

The 2024 “Jukebox Artist of the Year” is Spyro Gyro which is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary tour.  This prominent, iconic jazz fusion group has been nominated thirteen times for Grammy Awards and is noted for hits like: “Morning Dance” (1977), “Catching The Sun” (1980), “Shaker Song” (1977), “Dancing On A Table Mountain” (2011) and many more.

All of Spyro Gyra’s music was presented on the AMI Entertainment’s top-of-the-line NGX “The Curve” Model Jukebox, by AMI CEO Michael Maas.  The members of Spyro Gyra who attended were: Leader Jay Beckenstein-Saxophone, Lionel Cordew-Drums, Julio Fernandez-Guitar, Scott Ambush-Bass Guitar, and Jeremy Wall-Piano.