Photo of Ruth Lyon performing on stage at the Danny Awards. She is a white woman with long curly hair, wearing a light colored dress, while sitting in a wheelchair and singing into a microphone on a stand

Photo of two members of the resilient. The front man is using a wheelchair, and singing into a microphone on the stand. Behind him is the bassist, with dreadlocks and a black beanie. They are both light skinned and in their early 30s.

Photo of a man with one arm and short hair playing the trumpet on stage at the 2024 Danny Awards.

Erin performs a song in American Sign Language

The Danny AwardsTen Extraordinary Artists. One Global Stage.

Photo of Lefty Williams Band playing at the Danny Awards

About the showA stage for world-class artists

The Danny Awards is just one way we are helping to build a more equitable future for people with disabilities through music. Every year, a panel of judges select ten extraordinary artists from around the world to perform live in NYC showcasing the talent, passion and creativity that thrives in our community.

12:00 Midnight ET, June 15th!

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Submit a video of you or your group/band performing an original song or a cover by Midnight ET on Monday, June 15th for a chance to perform live in NYC on October 18, 2026 at the 7th Annual Danny Awards.

Submit an entry

About the Prize Package

A once-in-a-lifetime experience

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Danny Awards winners will receive an honorarium of $1,000 as a solo artist, or $2,000 as a group/band, as well as hotel and travel reimbursement. Plus, an unforgettable Danny Awards weekend in New York City!

Meet the judges

Alex Alexander

Drummer, Percussionist, Producer, Composer

Phil Barbetta

Just Call Me By My Name Recording Artist & 2024 Danny Award Winner

Alyson Cambridge

Singer, Model, Producer, Actor

Nick Cucci

Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy New York Chapter

George Dennehy

Singer/Songwriter and Just Call Me By My Name Artist

Photo of George playing guitar on stage. He is a caucasian man with brown hair and og average build without arms, playing guitar with his feet.

Dina Fanai

Artist, Songwriter, Producer

Richard Gottehrer

Songwriter, Producer, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The Orchard, Owner of Instant Records

James Ian

Just Call Me By My Name Recording Artist & 2022 Danny Award Winner

Bob Kinkel

Co-Creator & Producer of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Lynn Lendway

President of 24/7 Entertainment

Photo of a smiling light-skinned woman with blond hair and a dark sweater standing behind a smiling pitbull terrier in a park

Lead Sponsor René Plessner gives a speech at the Danny Awards

Our sponsorsLead Sponsor

Much gratitude to our long-time friend and Lead Sponsor of The Danny Awards since inception, René Plessner. Thank you for your commitment to both Daniel’s Music and The Danny Awards. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and unwavering support is truly appreciated. Your generosity has helped create the opportunity to celebrate the musical talents of individuals with disabilities. We are honored to call you our friend.

Become a Sponsor

Thank you to all of our sponsors for your generosity and support in cultivating a mutual understanding, appreciation and respect for individuals of all abilities through music. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact our Director of Strategic Partnerships & Special Events, Carla Sullivan, at carla@danielsmusic.org.

FAQs

When is the Danny Awards show?

Must musicians have a disability to enter the Danny Awards?

What is the best way for me to submit my performance video?

Does my performance video need to be produced?

Can musicians enter multiple times?

How are award recipients selected?

When will musicians be notified if they're receiving an award?

Do award recipients receive a prize?

Do award recipients have to perform live in New York City for the Danny Awards?

How are travel and accomodations handled?

Make an impact by supporting The Danny Awards

Every donation helps us share talent with the world, give musicians the recognition they deserve, and challenge society to think differently about disability.

Ways to give