The application submitted by Briton Weise, executive director at Tippecanoe Senior Services, was selected to receive the Bryan Metzger Legacy Award. Tippecanoe Senior Services is a non-profit organization hoping to promote wellness among seniors.
This grant would enable them to hire musicians to perform for the seniors they serve in the area.
During the August 2025 SAMI (Songwriters of Mid-north Indiana) annual meeting, one of the topics discussed was a gift SAMI received from a local non-profit. The Ouibache Music Festival is closing its doors after several years of service to the community, and has partnered with SAMI to provide funds for arts education and performance in the region.
These funds will be distributed annually in the form of this Bryan Metzger Legacy Award that is being used in the upcoming year by Tippecanoe Senior Services. Bryan was a supporter of SAMI, the community, and local musicians for years. He traveled with Scott Greeson as a sound engineer. His wife, Cindy Metzger, also very active in working with youth and musicians in the region, has continued his legacy in many ways including the donation of the funds behind this award.
In the future, SAMI will field applications from local artists and instructors in need of funds to serve the community through arts education and entertainment. The criteria for future applicants is still developing, so stay tuned for more information!
President Scott Greeson and Vice President of Studio Operations Ethan Bates presented the award to Mr. Weise on behalf of Tippecanoe Senior Services at the North End Community Center on August 29, 2025. The seniors present were excited about the grant and the opportunity to hear live music from local artists!
Cindy Metzger, Bryan's wife, could not be present that day, but shares this message:
“I regret that I am not able to attend this wonderful event where you are recognizing the late Bryan Metzger. He loved being a part of the music scene in Tippecanoe County.
You will be blessing many people with music. God bless all of you."
We are proud to honor the memory of Bryan Metzger in the form of this award. We are also grateful to the Ouibache Music Festival, and for the tireless service of its board members and volunteers, and, for its trust in SAMI to continue the good work of serving the community through arts education!