Full details on the 2025

Youth Talent Competition will be posted soon!

The Future of American Roots Music

For nearly two decades, the Youth Talent Competition has been nurturing the next generation of American roots musicians. This platform offers young artists valuable performance opportunities and exposure at our festival. The competition’s prestige is exemplified by its first winner, four-time GRAMMY recipient Sarah Jarosz, who claimed the top spot over 19 years ago. Recently Sarah Grace, a 2018 winner went on to become a semi-finalist on Season 15 of The Voice. This competition remains a crucial launching pad for emerging talent in the American roots music scene.

2023 Youth Talent Competition Winner

Audry Bryant is a singer/songwriter from Pasadena Texas. She began performing live at the age of 12 and has played shows all over the Houston and Austin metropolitan area’s. She has been playing guitar, ukulele, and crafting her own songs for over seven years. Audry understands what it’s like to be a young performer and is passionate about helping others with the craft. She is currently still pursuing music, playing shows when the opportunity arises. Her biggest musical inspirations range from Bob Dylan, Townes van Zandt, and Jeff Buckley, to Phoebe Bridgers, Elliot smith, and RadioHead. Audry has a strong love for music and is passionate about sharing that love with others.

2023 – Audrey Bryant
2022 – Charlotte Hills
2021 – Elle Townley
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