THE FUTURE OF AMERICANA ROOTS MUSIC

The 2020 competition will be held Saturday, April 18, 2020.

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2019 Winners:

1st place – Elijah Delgado, Austin, Texas

2nd place – Madi Meeks, Austin, Texas

3rd place – Giri & Uma Peters, Nashville, Tennessee

 

The purpose of the Youth Talent Competition, presented by The Center For Texas Music History, is to encourage a new generation of Americana roots musicians by offering performance opportunities and exposure at the festival.

 

Who is eligible. Musicians 18 years old and younger. Bands or vocal groups (maximum of five members per group) and solo acts are eligible.

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What to Bring. A two-song performance set of one cover and one original (maximum performance set time of 10 minutes). Songs should be in the Americana roots music tradition — bluegrass, country, blues, gospel or traditional. Only acoustic instruments are permitted — no amplifiers, electronics or drum sets.

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ENTRY INFORMATION

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Contest Fee. There is no additional fee to register for the contest. Please note that festival ticket rules apply — kids 13 and over are charged the same fee as adults with the exception of youth competition participants. Each participant must be accompanied by an adult. All guidelines are subject to change without prior notice.

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Entry Limit. The number of contestants will be limited to about 10 (a band or vocal group is considered one contestant). Entries will no longer be accepted after the first 10 qualified applicants and 3 alternates have been selected.

A decision will be made no later than February 1, 2020, as to who will perform in the 2020 Youth Talent Competition.

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PRIZES

A team of music professionals will select three winners — judges’ decisions are final:

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FIRST PLACE

• $250

• 45-minute showcase spot on the following year’s festival

• 20-minute show on Saturday

• Professional feedback on contest performance

• Special mention from the The Original Black’s Barbecue Stage

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SECOND PLACE

• $150

• Professional feedback on contest performance

• Special mention from the The Original Black’s Barbecue Stage

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THIRD PLACE

• $100

• Professional feedback on contest performance

• Special mention from the The Original Black’s Barbecue Stage

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PAST WINNERS

2019 - Elijah Delgado

2018 – Sarah Grace and the Soul

2017 – Sophie Scott

2016 – Griffin Carter

2015 – Joelton Mayfield

2014 – Alexander Nobles

2013 – Katy Kirby

2012 – Kimberly Zielnicki

2011 – Grace London

2010 – Minnie & Ella Jordan

2009 – Sara Mueller

2008 – The Fireants

2007 – Emily Elbert

2006 – Samantha Miller

2005 – Justine Blakely & Charlie Pomroy

2004 – Ashlee Rose

2003 – Isaac-Bryant Kids

2002 – Spurs of the Moment,
featuring Sarah Jarosz

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