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 10 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.

Award recipients announced to the public.

Entries are in and applications are closed. The top ten award recipients will be notified by September 1.

Lead Sponsor René Plessner gives a speech at the Danny Awards

Our sponsorsLead Sponsor

We’re endlessly grateful to our long-time friend and supporter René Plessner, who has shown his unwavering commitment to our mission through his generous sponsorship since the show's inception.

Presenting and Supporting Sponsors

Thank you so much to every sponsor who helps us bring the Danny Awards to life. We couldn’t do this without you.

  • The Far Fund logo
  • Ponce Bank logo
  • The Orchard logo
  • LMCC logo

Become a Presenting or Supporting Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor Benefits $10,000 and up

Supporting Sponsor Benefits $5,000 and up

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

Email Carla

Donations of all sizes make a big difference.

Donate now

Meet the judges

Alex Alexander

Drummer, Percussionist, Producer, Composer

Headshot of Alex Alexander

Alyson Cambridge

Singer, Model, Producer, Actor

Headshot of Alyson Cambridge

Nick Cucci

Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy New York Chapter

Headshot of Nick Cucci

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

Bob Kinkel

Co-Creator & Producer of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Headshot of Bob Kinkel

Jason Kupperman

Talent Agent

Headshot of Jason Kupperman

James Ian

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

Photo of James Ian standing on stage holding a microphone on a stand. He is wearing a camo-patterened button-down shirt, and has his hair tied up in a bun.

Cindy da Silva

Artist Manager

Photo of a caucasian woman with wavy hair standing outside. She is wearing glasses and a leather jacket, with her head resting on her hand.

Consuelo Vanderbilt

CEO & Co-Founder of SohoMuse

Photo of Consuelo Vanderbilt, a blond woman in a red dress.

Magic from the 2022 awards

Carlos Guevara plays the drums
Erin Rosenfeld performs a song in American Sign Language for a large crowd
Iolanta Mamatkazina sings opera
Jeff Standfield plays the guitar and the harmonica
Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. performs a song. They play the piano, guitars, and other string instruments
Devin Gutierrez plays the piano
Shane Dittmar from the group They & Them gives a speech
Gyorgi sings and plays the guitar with a drummer and a bass player

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?

How are award recipients selected?

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

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

When can musicians submit an entry for the 2024 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