The 4th Annual Danny Awards - Event Program

In 2006, Daniel’s Music Foundation was founded by the Trush Family to empower individuals with disabilities through music. One keyboard class with five members has evolved into serving thousands of individuals - both locally in NYC at our 8,700 square-foot music center, as well as nationally through the DMF Online Community. Since inception, we have witnessed the wonderful talents of countless musicians and have provided them with performance opportunities to share their gifts with others. But, we wanted to do more - something that would have an impact globally. In 2020, we created an award show that recognizes and showcases the musical talents of individuals with disabilities from around the world – The Danny Awards. This event has grown every year, and the talent is extraordinary. We cannot wait for you to meet this year’s Award Recipients. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

The 2023 Danny Awards is an event that would not be possible without the love and support of so many. First and foremost, thank you 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 and recognize the musical talents of individuals with disabilities. We are honored to call you our friend.

The Danny Awards judges for your time, talents, and commitment in selecting our Award Recipients. You have helped shape the musicians of the future.

Alex Alexander Drummer/Percussionist/Producer/Composer

Jason Kupperman Talent Agent

James Ian Recording Artist/Instrumentalist 2022 Danny Award Winner

Bob Kinkel Co-Creator & Producer: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin Singer/Songwriter/Composer/ Entrepreneur

Alyson Cambridge Singer/Model/Producer/Actor

Nick Cucci Senior Executive Director:Recording Academy New York Chapter

Cindy da Silva Artist ManagerDina FanaiArtist/Songwriter/Producer

Richard Gottehrer Songwriter/Producer/Co-Founder: The Orchard Owner: Instant Records

Our Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and our amazing management team and staff who work tirelessly and passionately - giving us the opportunity to grow and serve more deserving individuals.

All of our donors and supporters who generously allow us to do what we love and to continue to expand.

Everyone who submitted a performance video for consideration; thank you for sharing your musical gifts with us. Welcome to The Danny Awards community and please continue to keep music in your life.

Everyone here today (both in person and online) for helping to make this iconic event possible. Our Danny Awards Presenting & Supporting Sponsors: We are truly grateful for your generosity and commitment to cultivating a mutual understanding, appreciation and respect for individuals of all abilities through music.

There's a Leak in This Old House - Ricky Bartlett, featuring VIBE

Opening Remarks - Carla Sullivan, DMF Marketing & Disability Awareness Director and Emcee

Stronger - George Dennehy

Welcoming Remarks - The Trush Family DMF Co-Founders

The Danny Awards Lead Sponsor - René Plessner

Fills My World - Daniel Trush & Gerry Powers

Beethoven: Tempest, 1st movement - Yoo Jin Noh

Running Underwater - Eliza Hull

Energy Fountain Rag - Santon

The Ninth Gate Vocalise - Mina Cuesta

Nighttime: Just Call Me By My Name Label Artist – James Ian

Lacy On My Lips - Sarah Hardwig

Hello - Jude Kofie

Let Me Take Away Your Pain - Joshua Armstrong

Symphony #40 - Rick Renstrom

Closing Remarks - The Trush Family

Open Your Mind - Jesse Magee & Leftstronger

Josh’s interest in music started at a very young age when he received his first drum kit. A self-taught musician on the keys, playing by ear and memorization, his love of music is influenced by a wide range of genres from classic rock n’ roll, country, blues, and jazz to heavy metal. Pushing through his autism, Josh has made his dreams come true. He has a vintage vinyl DJ gig in his hometown and holds the 2018 MN Special Olympics powerlifting record with a 565 lb. deadlift. A firm believer that music doesn’t discriminate and truly connects us all, Josh attributes music to saving his life. He is the adopted son of David and RaeJean Armstrong who nurtured his love for music, and the son of Anna Perkins who gifted him the music within.

Ricky Bartlett is a double-leg amputee, CBS Radio affiliate Morning Host at KMRY 93.1FM and an American actor. He has appeared on the hit TV show, Chicago PD, and has lent his voice to many voiceover projects. Originally from Columbus, Georgia, where he grew up sangin’ in church, he now lives in Iowa with his wife Jennifer and their daughter Jaclyn. Together with VIBE, an Iowa band creating inspirational music, Ricky is proud to be a part of The Danny Awards! You can follow Ricky at facebook.com/rickybartlettofficial.

Mina Cuesta was nonverbal in her first 5 years of life. Diagnosed with autism and a developmental disability, her parents initially used music as a teaching tool to develop language, but soon discovered she possessed perfect pitch - and a solid soprano range voice. Mina began formal classical lessons at age 14 at Citywide Youth Opera and studied at Mannes Prep in NYC during high school. She is especially drawn to a repertoire that has a mix of beauty and mystery and is currently a member of Epic Players.

George Dennehy learned to play the cello at age 8. From there, he taught himself the guitar, electric bass, and basic piano. He has overcome many challenges, including his early struggle against death in a Romanian orphanage as a toddler, and believes that every individual has a purpose. In 2012, the Goo Goo Dolls discovered a video of his cover of their song “Iris”, and he was invited to Musikfest to perform. Today he travels the world sharing his story and his music. George lives in Virginia with his wife Amanda and two sons, Landon and Alaster. To learn more, visit thatarmlessguy.com.

Sarah Hardwig is a 21-year-old country singer/songwriter who has performed with such artists as Charles Kelley of Lady A, Lauren Alaina, and has even sung with Steven Tyler. She has been nominated for four Josie Awards, a competition for independent musicians, and has sung the national anthem over 250 times. Sarah released her debut single "Who I Am" last year and is currently recording more music to be released in early 2024. To learn more, visit sarahhardwig.com.

One of Australia’s most important voices, Eliza Hull has recently emerged as an accessibility advocate known for her determina- tion to spur change. She has performed at venues and events including the Sydney Opera House, Ability Fest, and more with her music featured on TV internationally. Eliza lives with the condition ‘Charcot Marie Tooth’ and is also the creator of the children’s book, ‘Come Over To My House’, which is about disability. To learn more, visit elizahull.com.

In just a few short years, Jude Keyz has gone from playing on a small keyboard in his basement to playing on big stages in front of thousands of people. One post on YouTube of his extraordinary, unknown talent has exploded into national recognition with appear- ances in news stories worldwide, national talent competitions, and segments on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Jude has been compared to a young Beethoven, but Jude says his gift comes directly from God. You can follow Jude’s journey on TikTok and Instagram @Jude.Kofie, or on YouTube @judekofie 34

Jesse is a passionate, multifaceted musician whose songs will “rock” you to the core. A singer/songwriter who uses his 4+ octave vocal range to dramatic effect, he captivates crowds of all ages with his high-energy performances. Jesse is also a skilled drummer and drum teacher for students of all abilities. His incredible talent speaks for itself, and nothing will stand in the way of his success and being a role model for others. To learn more, visit leftstronger.com.

Yoo Jin is blind since birth and began to pursue music at age 14. In 2005, she played at Carnegie Hall in NYC. She has a doctorate degree in piano performance and a Master of Music. Yoo Jin also created the first prototype of 3D tactile music for the blind and visually impaired in partnership with Michigan State University Tower Guard members, earning the top prize for MSU College of Music Running Start Competition. She has a special interest in reaching out to communities through music and often performs in local senior centers, churches, and retirement homes. You can follow Yoo Jin on Facebook @yoojin.noh.7

Rick Renstrom is a renowned American guitarist and composer, celebrated for his exceptional virtuosity. His musical journey began at age 15, gaining prominence as a member of the band "Rob Rock." His distinctive style, marked by lightning-fast shred- ding and intricate compositions, has earned him a devoted global fanbase. His albums "Until the Bitter End," and Leash Law's "Dogface," showcase his mastery and inspire aspiring musicians worldwide. To learn more, check out Rick’s YouTube page @rickrenstromofficial.

Santon is an award-winning musician who is fully blind from birth and is autistic. He was born in Russia and grew up in Massachusetts where he began piano lessons at age 3. Santon also plays several other instruments and is a composer. He is a graduate from Berklee College of Music, summa cum laude and performs in the Boston Tango Orchestra. Santon produced 2 albums: “Flavors of the Rainbow,” and “Night Animals.” His other interests include the Argentine tango, acrobat- ics, windsurfing, and traveling - to name a few. To learn more, visit santonmusic.com.

Daniel’s Music Foundation was founded in 2006 by the Trush Family to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and physical disabilities through music education, performance, and socialization. Today, our programs have expanded and we now serve thousands of individuals - both locally in NYC at our 8,700 square-foot music center, and nationally through the DMF Online Community. Our mission is to provide a comfortable, educational, and social environment in which individuals of all abilities can enjoy, learn, and practice the joy of music together. Through our Disability Awareness platform, which includes presentations to corpora- tions and schools about differences, our global award show - The Danny Awards, and record label - Just Call Me By My Name, we are challenging stereotypes about individuals with disabilities and working to build a more inclusive society for all. As an organization, we are a valuable resource for DEI initiatives and are passionately committed to changing perception and diminishing isolation for individuals with disabilities. To learn more about Daniel’s Music, please visit danielsmusic.org.

Since 2006, the Trush Family has dedicated their lives to effectuate positive change and impact through the Music and Disability Awareness Programs at the Foundation. Their skills and experience have allowed them, along with the management team and staff, to create a culture of serving others - with Ken's background in business, finance and operations, Nancy as a former early childhood teacher, and Michael as a neuropsychologist working with children, adolescents and adults. And of course, there is Danny...Daniel’s perseverance to reclaim a meaningful life after one of his five brain aneurysms burst at the age of 12, in addition to his joyful attitude and personality, has helped to create the spirit of the Foundation. He is a singer/ songwriter and the life force that drives DMF. He also serves as the key ambassador for our mission – and a living example of acceptance, kindness and joy.

Seventeen years ago, DMF was founded on the premise that music is a right not a privilege - and today that belief still holds true. Put simply, we exist to bring individuals with disabilities together through the universal language of music. Today, we also offer programs online, proof that the power of music has no boundaries. We are passionately committed to expanding our online community so more deserving individuals with disabilities can have access to music.

Our state-of-the-art, custom-built music center in East Harlem is where we call home. It is the heart of the Foundation and the place where our mission comes to life. This modern, brightly lit, 8,700 square foot barrier-free facility houses 5 music studios, a recording studio and sound booth, and a fun cafe serving up snacks and beverages, appropriately named Snackappella! We offer a variety of in-person music programs for individuals with disabilities such as free group classes, field trips for special education schools and adult day programs, as well as private music lessons. Since our inception in 2006, we have provided over 13,500 free group classes for our community through the ongoing generosity of all our donors and supporters.

Launched in 2020, in response to the global pandemic, the DMF Online Com- munity is a place where individuals of all abilities can learn, connect, and celebrate the joy of music together. Online programs include live classes and events as well as our DMF On-Demand channel which allows members of our community to stay connected through music, regardless of where they live. Our online community is the largest growth area for the Foundation, and we look forward to serving more individuals throughout the country, as well as internationally. Want to stay connected? Simply scan the QR code to get weekly updates about our online community delivered to your inbox.

To learn more visit danielsmusic.org/music-programs or contact Nadine McNeil at nadine@danielsmusic.org.

In 2016, we launched the Disability Awareness Program, furthering our commitment to creating a more equitable future for people with disabilities. Using music as the great equalizer, we are educating and advocating for more inclusive opportunities for our community.

Our Disability Awareness presentations focus on relevant disability topics and trends including digital accessibility, assistive technology, employment, as well as recent legislation that impacts everyday business practices. This meaningful program also advocates for further inclusion and understanding of our community through relevant personal stories, videos, and of course, music.

The Danny Awards, our annual, global award show celebrates differences and recognizes the musical talents of individuals with disabilities from across the country and around the globe. Danny Award winners are also the source for our new record label, Just Call Me By My Name, distributed by The Orchard - a global distribution and artist services company. This label gives musicians with disabilities a platform to share their talent with the world.

Make an impact by supporting our musicians. Every download and stream gives our artists the recognition they deserve and challenges society to think differently about disability.

To learn more visit danielsmusic.org/disability-awareness or contact Carla Sullivan at carla@danielsmusic.org

Thank You for Joining Us Today! If you believe in what we do as an organization, we respectfully request that you consider contributing to Daniel’s Music Foundation. Donations of all sizes are welcomed, needed, and greatly appreciated. Your support will help impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and allow us to use music as an instrument to build a more inclusive society.

Daniel’s Music Foundation - 1595 Lexington Avenue, 2nd floor New York, NY 10029 - 212.289.8912 danielsmusic.org

Join us for The 5th Annual Danny Awards in the Fall of 2024!