Danny Award recipient Erin Rosenfeld performs a song in American Sign Language
Danny Award recipient Cornel Hrisca-Munn plays the drums on stage
Brandon Mendenhall, guitarist and songwriter for the the Danny Award-receiving group The Mendenhall Experiment, rocks out on a guitar on stage
Danny Award recipient Devin Gutierrez plays the piano on stage

The Danny AwardsHonoring musicians with disabilities

Danny Award recipient James Ian sings on stage with his original music video playing in the background

About the showA stage for world-class artists

Every year we select exceptional musicians from around the globe to perform at the Danny Awards, showcasing the skill, passion, and creativity that thrives in our community. Special thanks to our Lead Sponsor René Plessner for his invaluable support.

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How it works

What to expect when you enter

Submit a video of you or your group/band performing an original song or a cover.

Meet the judges

Alex Alexander

Drummer, Percussionist, Producer, Composer

Headshot of Alex Alexander

John Bayless

Composer, Pianist

Portrait of John Bayliss sitting in front of a grand piano, with his chin resting on his hand. He is a smiling middle-aged man with wavy grey hair.

Alyson Cambridge

Singer, Model, Producer, Actor

Headshot of Alyson Cambridge

Nick Cucci

Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy New York Chapter

Headshot of Nick Cucci

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

Headshot of Dina Fanai

Richard Gottehrer

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

Headshot of Richard Gottehrer

Robbie Harte

International Country Music Artist

Image of Robbie Harte sitting with a guitar on her lap.

Bob Kinkel

Co-Creator & Producer of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Headshot of Bob Kinkel

Jason Kupperman

Talent Agent

Headshot of Jason Kupperman
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. 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.

Meet All Our Sponsors

Become a Danny Awards Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor Benefits: $25,000

Supporting Sponsor Benefits: $10,000

Contributing Sponsor Benefits: $5,000

Experience Sponsor Benefits: $250-$2,500

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact our Marketing & Disability Awareness Director, Carla Sullivan, at carla@danielsmusic.org.

Email Carla

Magic from the 2023 awards

Photo of Ricky Bartlett on stage with the band VIBE. He and VIBE's lead singer are high-fiving.
Photo of George Dennehy performing on stage at The Danny Awards. He is singing and playing the guitar with his feet.
Photo of Leftstronger singer and guitarist performing on stage
Photo of Santon playing a grand piano on stage at The Danny Awards
Sarah Hardwig performing on stage at the Danny Awards. She is playing a sunburst acoustic guitar, and singing into a microphone
Photo of Jude Kofie playing a grand piano on stage at the Danny Awards, lit by blue stage lights.
Yoo Jin Noh, playing a grand piano on stage, with three blue spotlights above her
Photo of Rick Renstrom playing electric guitar on stage at The Danny Awards. He has his leg up on a stool, and limb differences which affect his forearms and hands.

Enjoy highlights from previous shows

Discover new musicians or relive your favorite performances with our library of past Danny Awards.

Explore full shows

FAQs

When is the Danny Awards show?

Must musicians have a disability to enter the Danny Awards?

Can musicians submit multiple entries?

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?

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