YOUTH TALENT
COMPETITION
THE FUTURE OF AMERICANA ROOTS MUSIC
The 2020 competition will rescheduled for the fall TBA.
2020 Finalists:
Charlotte Blackmon, Austin, TX
Shannon, Emily, Daniel, & Molly Voeller, San Antonio, TX
Ellie Adrean, Victoria, TX
Elle Townley, Georgetown, TX
Riley Edwards, Jazz Aguilar, Isabella Desmos, Austin, TX
Gabriella Rose, Houston, TX
Izzy Jane, Leander, TX
Kendale Walker, Cypress, TX
Madi Meeks, Austin, TX
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 Austin Community College's Music Business, Performance, and Technology program as well as the Digital Media and Arts program, 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.
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.
ENTRY INFORMATION
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.
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.
PRIZES
A team of music professionals will select three winners — judges’ decisions are final:
FIRST PLACE
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$250
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45-minute showcase spot on the following year’s festival
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20-minute show on Saturday
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Professional feedback on contest performance
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Special mention from the The Original Black’s Barbecue Stage
SECOND PLACE
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$150
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Professional feedback on contest performance
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Special mention from the The Original Black’s Barbecue Stage
THIRD PLACE
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$100
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Professional feedback on contest performance
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Special mention from the The Original Black’s Barbecue Stage
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
