The three Hall of Fame inductees took part in a meet-and-greet, signed posters and received a tour of the exhibits from volunteer Neal Bond.

The event took place ahead of Bavarian Blast 2026. Alm and McNeill were originally scheduled to appear at the Hall of Fame presentation, however Sterling decided he would join them as a surprise guest.

McNeill and Alm have performed together for over a decade, including in McNeill’s Rumours and Dreams Fleetwood Mac tribute show.

McNeill presented the show at Bavarian Blast Thursday night, with Alm contributing her rich backing vocals and stage warmth to the high-energy performance of Rumours classics and other favorites.

In photo from left to right: Wayne Liebhard, Neal Bond, Mick Sterling, Pamela McNeill, Mary Jane Alm, and Bobby Drengler at the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame (MMHF). McNeill holds a cake celebrating her spotlight in the MMHF. (Photo by Amy Zents)

McNeill, the Winona-area singer-songwriter and pianist known for her international experience and songwriting credits with artists such as Wynonna Judd and Yanni, was inducted into the MMHOF in 2024. 

Alm, a Mankato native with more than 50 years in music and multiple Minnesota Music Awards including Artist of the Year, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. 

McNeill sang the role of Stevie Nicks while Alm sang the role of Christine McVie in the Rumours and Dreams show.

“I’ve always been a Christine McVie fan. I love her voice and she is such a great writer. My favorite song to sing of hers is definitely ‘Songbird.’ It’s such a beautiful and universal song,” Alm said.

On the Hall of Fame and the festival, Alm said, “It is truly such an honor to be in the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Walking around and looking at all the amazing Minnesota artists that have been inducted here, I feel so very blessed to be included. And I absolutely love Bavarian Blast. This is my third time playing at this festival.”

 Pamela McNeill’s pure joy with the celebration cake — ‘Congratulations Mary Jane Alm, MJ & Mick! (Photo by Amy Zents)

She added, “I love playing hometown festivals, especially in and around southern Minnesota where I grew up. Singing at outdoor concerts has always been one of my very favorite things to do. I’m very grateful to be here to perform tonight.”

McNeill said she was happy to be in New Ulm. 

“I’m happy to be here in New Ulm to see the museum and perform with Mary Jane,” she said.

A popular rock/blues singer Sterling said, “I’ve been singing with bands since high school.” 

The 2015 inductee and longtime Twin Cities performer presented a Bee Gees tribute with his ensemble that evening, featuring Sterling fronting a group of women who delivered the group’s harmonies and hits.

The artists enjoyed a celebratory cake during the morning gathering. 

Posters featuring the three July 2026 featured inductees are available at the museum.

Alm said it was special to share the morning with her longtime friend and collaborator McNeill.

“Pamela and I were talking today about how lucky we are to be able to have days like this. And then to be doing it together with your best friend is truly icing on the cake,” Alm said.

The weekly special presentations continue at the MMHOF giving the public a chance to meet artists and learn more about Minnesota music history.

The next event in the series is George Ostroushko’s “STORYTELLING: 1960s psychedelic poster art and Southeast Minneapolis’ rock venue The Labor Temple.”

Ostroushko is a psychedelic poster artist and expert about southeast Minneapolis’ rock venue The Labor Temple in 1969-1970. 

Meet and hear him speak about his art and this illustrious part of Minnesota’s music history. 

The program includes a storytelling lecture, seminar, and meet-and-greet. Share your own stories with the speaker and other visitors. 

Admission is $7, free for members. The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the museum.