BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) - The 23rd edition of Blues on the Bridge is taking on added significance this year as one of its co-founders is recovering from a debilitating stroke.

According to a Facebook post from his niece Ashley Emmons, Tommy Martinos is slowly regaining his physical and verbal abilities following a stroke that initially paralyzed his right side last month, following surgery to remove a tumor from his neck.

Martinos, longtime owner of Tom's Texas Hots, and local musician Donny Wilkins launched Blues on the Bridge in 2002, featuring local bands on a temporary stage erected in the intersection of Riverside Drive and Washington Street near Confluence Park in Binghamton.

Wilkins says Tommy's family has stepped up to handle many of the organizational tasks.

Co-Founder Do

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