WAMI Honors Claire and Michael Sardina with Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at 2025 Awards Show

West Allis, WI – April 14, 2025 – The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) is deeply honored to announce that the first-ever WAMI Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented jointly to Claire and Michael Sardina, the unforgettable duo behind the beloved band Lightning and Thunder. The award will be presented at the 45th Annual WAMI Awards Show on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at The Deco in West Allis, celebrating a lifetime of dedication, resilience, and musical joy shared with communities across Wisconsin.

Together, Claire and Michael created something magical. As Lightning and Thunder, they became staples at festivals and events throughout the region, known for their electrifying performances, infectious energy, and deep love for their audiences—and for each other. Their story, beautifully captured in the acclaimed documentary Song Sung Blue, moved hearts across the nation and showcased their unwavering spirit in the face of personal and professional challenges.

Their musical journey reached a powerful milestone with a guest performance alongside Pearl Jam at Summerfest, and continues to inspire new generations. Soon, their remarkable lives will be brought to the silver screen in an upcoming feature film starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman.

“Claire and Michael Sardina are a love story set to music—one that echoes far beyond the stage,” said Jessie Greenwald, Vice President of WAMI. “They didn’t just entertain, they uplifted. They gave Wisconsin decades of music, heart, and inspiration. Honoring them together with our first Lifetime Achievement Award is not only fitting—it’s poetic.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is a new distinction from WAMI, created to honor individuals whose lifelong contributions have made a lasting impact on Wisconsin’s music community. Claire and Michael’s legacy is felt not only through their performances, but also in their mentorship and passionate support of local artists.

In a heartfelt tribute during the evening’s program, Claire Sardina will perform live, joined by West Allis native Jackie Brown and acclaimed Neil Diamond tribute artist Eric Diamond. Deeply moved by their longtime friendship and musical connection, Claire has asked Eric Diamond to stand by her side to accept Michael’s award on his behalf.

The 45th Annual WAMI Awards Show will also feature additional live performances, an elegant Prohibition-era theme, and recognition across a range of music categories—from songwriters and instrumentalists to educators and venues.

The evening will be hosted by Sandy Maxx, an Emmy-winning media personality known for her passion for the arts. Sandy is the longtime host of The Arts Page on Milwaukee PBS and can be heard co-anchoring Wisconsin’s Afternoon News on Newsradio 620 WTMJ. Her dynamic presence and deep connection to Wisconsin’s creative culture promise to make the evening especially memorable.

Tickets are $45 and are on sale now at www.wami.org.
You don’t need to be a musician—or a WAMI member—to attend. Join us and be part of this unforgettable celebration of music, community, and legacy.

About WAMI
The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Wisconsin musicians, educators, and industry professionals. Through scholarships, outreach, and recognition, WAMI has celebrated Wisconsin’s music scene for 45 years and continues to foster connection, creativity, and excellence.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.