Daniel Watkins Australian Youth Bluegrass Scholarship winner.
23-year-old, Newcastle born Daniel Watkins has been announced as the 2013 recipient of the Australian Youth Bluegrass Scholarship.
Daniel is a fine instrumentalist and vocalist whose main instruments are guitar and mandolin. He cites Tony Rice, Bryan Sutton and his Dad as his biggest musical influences.
Daniel currently plays in the Melbourne-based group “Buffalo Nickel” with George Jackson and Paddy Montgomery. He is using the scholarship cash prize to travel to the USA later in the year to attend festivals and immerse himself in the Bluegrass scene.
Already showing excellence and dedication in the field of Bluegrass, Daniel is a very deserving recipient of the 2013 scholarship. The Davidson Brothers wish Daniel all the best in the USA.
The Davidson Brothers established the Australian Youth Bluegrass Scholarship to encourage and nurture young singers and musicians who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication in the field of Bluegrass Music. There are many young people in Australia who possess rare musical gifts, where a small nudge in the right direction may help pave the way toward their musical dreams.
The winner of the 2013 Australian Youth Bluegrass Scholarship receives a cash prize of $1,500 which they may wish to put toward a regional tour, a recording project, a new instrument, enrolment fees at the CMAA Academy of Country Music, or a flight to Raleigh, North Carolina so they can attend the IBMA World of Bluegrass convention. The recipient will also receive a recording package generously donated by the folks at Pacific International Music – one professionally recorded song of the winner’s choice, recorded and mixed to international broadcast standard, featuring the winner along with Australian and Nashville session players. The winner will also be presented with a trophy for themselves to keep and a perpetual trophy, which will be passed on to the recipient of the following year’s scholarship.
Thank you Harro!
It gives Hamish and myself such a thrill to be able to offer encouragement to the Australian bluegrass youth. We were supported so well by the Aussie Music community on our way up and continue to enjoy the encouragement of a great fanbase for our music all over.
The talent that is emerging through the scholarship is seriously impressive and is refuelling our love for the music!
Lachie Davidson
One can only admire the Davidson Brothers. These young, extremely talented musicians not only entertain countless people, but also put back a great deal into Bluegrass music through their Australian Youth Bluegrass Scolarship. Congratulations, and a hearty thank-you for all that you have done,and continue to do.