The Metzger Legacy Award is a new yearly grant distributed by SAMI. The funds for the grant were provided by Ouibache Music Festival, which closed its doors after several years of service to the community. Through this award, SAMI and Ouibache hope to expand arts education and provide additional performance opportunities in the local area.

Like our scholarships, this award will be distributed yearly. There may be one or multiple recipients in a single year. Applicants must submit a paragraph explaining the requested amount (up to $1,000) and how they will use the funds to support arts education or provide performance opportunities in the community.

The award celebrates the life of Bryan Metzger, who passed away in 2020. Bryan was a supporter of SAMI, Ouibache and the wider community who worked as a sound engineer for local musicians like SAMI President Scott Greeson. Bryan offered direction to younger musicians and he had a gift for helping people with different viewpoints see common ground. His wife Cindy continues to advocate for Bryan's memory through her continued support of SAMI.

The first recipient of the Metzger Legacy Award was Briton Weise, Executive Director of Tippecanoe Senior Services, in August of 2025. Weise is using the funds to pay local musicians to play original music for seniors at their Northend Community Center location. 

Applications are closed for the 2026 season as of April 15th, but we'll return early next year!