Youth Talent Competition
Sponsored by:
The Future of American Roots Music
The Youth Talent Competition encourages a new generation of American roots musicians by offering performance opportunities and exposure at the festival. The tradition began more than 19 years ago when four-time GRAMMY Winner Sarah Jarosz took first place. The competition continues to be a fertile ground for the development of young artists. Sarah Grace, semi finalist on Season 15 of the Voice, won the Youth Talent Competition in 2018.
The 2023 Youth Talent Competition will take place at Old Settler’s Music Festival on Saturday 4/22/23, 11am on the Campground Stage.
The 2023 finalists competing for a chance to play OSMF 2024 are:
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.
August Lovicott is an 11-year-old with a passion for playing the banjo. He first discovered his love for music when he started playing the fiddle with Mary Hattersley’s Blazing Bows at the age of 5. However, he soon found his true calling when he picked up the banjo at the age of 7. August quickly traded in his fiddle bow for banjo picks and has been playing banjo ever since. His musical style is heavily influenced by bluegrass legends such as Earl Scruggs and Ralph Stanley. August enjoys playing at Bluegrass jams around Austin, where he continues to hone his skills and share his love of music with others.
2022 Youth Talent Competition Winners
1st place – Charlotte Hills
2nd place – Izaak Mora
3rd place – Reese Rylan
Entry Information
Eligibility
The Youth Talent Competition is limited to contestants 18 years old and younger. Most contestants perform solo on a single instrument, however a contestant may have up to 2 supporting musicians.
*NEW THIS YEAR: There will be 3 preliminary contests (dates and locations for #2 and #3 TBA) leading up to the final contest, which will take place on the morning of Saturday 4/22, 2023 at Old Settler’s Music Festival.
YTC Contest Schedule
Preliminary Contest #1: Sat Oct 22, 2022, 11am – Farmgrass Camp & Jam @ The Old Settler’s Homestead – WINNER: Lila+Sophia
Preliminary Contest #2: Sun Feb 26, 3pm @ Central Market Westgate, Austin – WINNER: Audry Bryant
Preliminary Contest #3: Sat April 1, 3:30pm – Buda’s Birthday Celebration @ Buda City Park Amphitheater – WINNER: August Lovicott
Final Contest: Sat Apr 22, 2023 11am, – Old Settler’s Music Festival, Campground Stage
Preliminary Contests
Each of the 3 preliminary contests are limited to 5 contestants. A contestant consists of either a solo performer or a group of up to 3 performers. OSMF will select the first 5 qualified applicants and 2 alternates for each of the preliminary contests. Applicants selected to perform will be notified no later than 2 weeks prior to the competition. To apply, fill out the registration form below. A panel of 3 judges will select 1 winner from each preliminary contest. The winner from each of the 3 preliminary contests will go on to compete in the final contest on April 22, 2023 at Old Settler’s Music Festival.
Final Contest
The winner from each of the 3 preliminary contests will be invited to perform a 20 minute set on Sat April 22, 2023 on the Campground Stage at Old Settler’s Music Festival.
Fees
There is no fee to apply for either the preliminary or final contests. Each youth contestant must be accompanied by 1 adult chaperone. Only the youth contestant (including their backing musicians) and 1 adult chaperone will receive a Saturday General Admission Pass to Old Settler’s Music Festival. Additional accompanying children and adults must purchase passes. Festival/venue rules apply for all contestants and chaperones for all contests.
Performance Guidelines For Preliminary Contest
Contestant selected to compete in any of the 3 preliminary contests must follow these guidelines when choosing what music to perform:
- Two-song performance set, covers and/or originals – 10-minute set maximum
- American roots music – bluegrass, country, blues, gospel or traditional
- Acoustic instruments only – no amplifiers, electronics or drum sets
Performance Guidelines For Final Contest
Contestant selected to compete in the final contests must follow these guidelines when choosing what music to perform:
- 20 minute performance set, covers and/or originals
- American roots music – bluegrass, country, blues, gospel or traditional
- Acoustic instruments only – no amplifiers, electronics or drum sets
All guidelines are subject to change without prior notice.
Prizes:
A panel of 3 judges will select one winner from the final contest. The judges’ decisions are final.
Final Contest Winner will receive:
- $500
- 45-minute showcase during festival the following year
- Professional feedback on contest performance
- Special mention from the main stage
Questions
Please email our Youth Talent Coordinator with any questions
youthcomp@
Past Winners
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
Photos courtesy of Ron Baker