Published on Daniel’s Music Foundation (danielsmusic.org)
2022 Danny Awards Program Transcript
Daniel’s Music Foundation Proudly Presents:
The Third Annual Danny Awards, Sponsored by René Plessner
A Global Award Show That Celebrates Differences
Peter Norton Symphony Space
Saturday, November 12, 2022
About the Danny Awards
In 2006, Daniel’s Music Foundation was founded by the Trush Family to fill a void in NYC. A music program was developed where individuals with disabilities can freely explore, learn, and celebrate the joy of music together. Since inception, we have witnessed first-hand the wonderful talents of our 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 beyond the four walls of our music center in NYC.
In 2020, we created an award show that recognizes and showcases the musical talents of individuals with disabilities of all ages - 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!
Image: Photo of The Danny Awards trophies, a large clear glass statue with the shape of a star at the top.
Thank You to Our Lead Sponsor
The 2021 Danny Awards is an event that has been two years in the making and 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, 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.
Special Thanks To:
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
Alyson Cambridge: Singer/Model/Producer/Actor
Dina Fanai: Artist/Songwriter/Producer
Richard Gottehrer: Songwriter/Producer/Co-Founder: The Orchard. Owner: Instant Records
Bob Kinkel: Co-Creator & Producer: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Jason Kupperman: Talent Agent
Adam Stengel: Guitarist/Singer/Music Industry Attorney
Kitt Wakeley: Songwriter/Composer/Producer
Our Board of Directors, Advisory, Young Professional & Artist Councils, and to 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 make this iconic event possible.
Our Danny Awards Supporting Sponsors:
We are truly grateful for your generosity and commitment to cultivating a mutual under- standing, appreciation and respect for individuals of all abilities through music.
Image(s):
(Left) Logo of The FAR Fund. Colorful square grid of triangles, to the left of the words “The FAR Fund”, written in a colorful font with a thin black outline.
(Right) Logo of The Orchard. Stylized orange, followed by “The Orchard” written in a modern black sans serif font.
(Bottom) Logo Ponce de Leon Bank. Spanish explorer Ponce de León image, followed by Ponce Bank in bold blue font.
Show Lineup
Opening Remarks – Carla Sullivan, DMF Marketing & Disability Awareness Director and Emcee
Weekly Evening Park – Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc.
Welcoming Remarks – The Trush Family, DMF Co-Founders
The Danny Awards Lead Sponsor – René Plessner
50 Million Reasons – Daniel Trush & Gerry Powers
Still D.R.E. – Cornel Hrisca-Munn
She Used to be Mine – Erin Rosenfeld
Money – Devin Gutierrez
Where Do You Go? – They & Them
Rainbow Through The Rain – Jeff Standfield
Pulse of the Lost – The Mendenhall Experiment
Spaces – James Ian
Gang – Carlos Guevara
Time to Say Goodbye/Con te Partiro – Iolanta Mamatkazina
Closing Remarks – The Trush Family
Thunderfoot – Gyorgi
Here I Am – Daniel Trush & Gerry Powers
Meet the 2022 Danny Awards Honorees:
Carlos Guevara
Carlos is a drummer from Venezuela living in Nashville, TN. He came to the US as an immigrant chasing his music dream and running away from the political issues of his home country. He performs almost every day in Nashville bars and works on social media to promote his music. To follow Carlos, check out: https://www.instagram.com/carlosdrum86.
Image: Photo of Carlos Guevara smiling while sitting at his drum kit. He has short dark hair and a beard, and is wearing glasses and a black t-shirt.
Devin Gutierrez
Devin is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, vocal coach, and disability rights activist. He is on the Autism Spectrum and was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, which caused his blindness. Music has always been a passion; his first experience with the piano was at the age of 3. Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Donny Hathaway, and Ray Charles were some of his influences. He is also a mixer and producer. In addition to his musical endeavors, he is a passionate activist for disability rights. Devin lives and works in Austin, Texas.
Image: Photo of Devin Gutierrez sitting at his piano and singing into a microphone. He has medium length dark hair, and is wearing glasses and a long-sleeved blue shirt.
Gyorgi
Gyorgi is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter originally from Bulgaria. He has Phocomelia, which has caused deformities in both his hands and his feet since birth. He has been performing music since the age of 6 and has not stopped since. Being an immigrant with disabilities, music has been a vehicle for his passion for people, love, laughter and success. He is joined by Lori Kattner on vocals and keyboards, Anthony Kalsch on drums, and Chris Arndt on bass. You can follow Gyorgi and his band via perfectchange.rocks or facebook.com/perfectchangemusic and you can find Gyorgi's video on YouTube by typing Gyorgi Thunderfoot.
Image: Black and white photo of Gyorgi playing an electric guitar on stage, in front of a drum kit. He has long dark hair, and is wearing sunglasses, a button-down, and jeans.
Cornel Hrisca-Munn
Cornel is a musician - a bass player, drummer, and a “dabbler” with other instruments. He was born in Romania with no lower arms and a twisted right leg, and was expected to die. He was brought to the UK for a leg amputation and remained there. He was adopted by a British couple – and graduated from Oxford University. Cornel plays music all over the world and has become an accessibility professional. He is married and recently had a child, born in 2022! You can follow Cornel at Instagram.com/cornelmunn, Twitter.com/cornelhmunn, YouTube.com/cornelmunn, and Facebook: Cornel Hrisca-Munn Music.
Image: Photo of Cornel Hrisca-Munn playing the drums in front of a dark background. He has short dark hair and a beard, and is wearing glasses and a white t-shirt.
James Ian
James is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and poet. He is also an actor and model. James uses music and other art forms to promote disability culture. James has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 3. You can follow James at IG & Twitter: @jamesianmusic.
Image: Photo of James Ian, standing in front of the opened door of a pickup truck. His brown hair is tied back in a bun, and is wearing a dark button-down t-shirt with a white floral pattern.
Iolanta Mamatkazina
Iolanta loves music and singing. She also loves performing and putting spectators in a good mood! She is an eleven-year-old student at the New York Institute of Special Education under Dr. Naum Shulman.
Image: Photo portrait of Iolanta Mamatkazina smiling and standing in front of a class photo background. Her long dark hair is tied into pigtails, and she is wearing dark glasses and a black shirt.
The Mendenhall Experiment
The Mendenhall Experiment is an alternative hard rock band focused on raising disability awareness through the power of music; their main objective is to inspire as many people across the globe as possible. Founder Brandon Mendenhall was born with cerebral palsy and is on the guitar. Bassist Nathan Stockton was born partially blind and partially deaf. They are joined by lead guitarist Mike Lira, drummer Justin Luebeck and vocalist, Alyce Hayes. You can see part of their journey in the award - winning documentary film: “Mind Over Matter.”’ To check out more, go to: http://www.themendenhallexperiment.com.
Image: Photo of the five members of The Mendenhall Experiment, wearing dark clothing and standing in front of an industrial backdrop. In the center is Brandon Mendenhall, holding a silver electric guitar.
Erin Rosenfeld
Erin is a deaf actress. Growing up, she never saw anyone like herself in books, movies, theatre, etc. She always felt like music wasn't for her since she couldn't understand the lyrics like her hearing peers. But then she discovered sign language and became fluent; she was raised to use spoken English with no ASL. Interpreting songs in ASL changed her life. It allowed her to truly connect with music for the first time, and she loves feeling the rhythm and emotion of the songs in her hands and body. Now, her goal is to break barriers in the industry, spread awareness, and be the deaf representation she never had for future generations of deaf kids. You can follow her on TikTok: @erin.syd.
Image: Photo portrait of Erin Rosenfeld, smiling and standing in front of a white fence. She has long brown hair and is wearing stud earrings.
Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. (SAM)
SAM, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing professional performance opportunities to 3 groups of musicians: primarily musicians with disabilities but also senior musicians and female jazz musicians. The current SAM ensemble is comprised of musicians who have disabilities including autism, Arthrogryposis, visual impairment, and polio. The ensemble has recently been performing at venues in New York including the Visions Center, Cellar Dog Jazz Club, and Ornithology Jazz Club. You can check them out at www.specialaudiencesandmusicians.org.
Image: Photo of the five SAM band members, smiling and standing in front of a wall displaying a frenetic neo-expressionist painting. The three band members in the middle are holding their instruments: drumsticks, a guitar, and a violin.
Jeff Standfield
Jeff is a singer and songwriter that entertains audiences with his warm personal approach, poignant lyrics, rich guitar and vocals. He is from the West Coast of Canada. His music is rooted in an irrepressible passion for living life to the fullest. Overcoming his own physical challenges, he celebrates both the struggle and the beauty of life in song. Jeff has performed on TV, radio, at folk festivals and hosted an open stage showcasing artists from the disabled community to help them gain experience. You can follow Jeff at Facebook.com/TheJeffStandfieldBand or Soundcloud.com/jeff-standfield.
Image: Photo of Jeff Standfield, smiling and sitting outside in front of a linoleum wall, holding his guitar. He has dark grey hair, and is wearing a dark grey t-shirt.
They & Them
Sarah Kaufman and Shane Dittmar (They & Them) are a disabled, nonbinary writing team based in Brooklyn, NY. Sarah Kaufman is an autistic songwriter and performer who also writes fantasy novels. Shane Dittmar is a blind composer, writer, and educator whose award-winning compositions have been performed by school, community, and professional choirs on three continents. They met when they were both selected to participate in Roundabout Theatre Company's Reverb Festival, and their flagship project "The Reality Shaper: A Musical Podcast" has gained them thousands of followers across social media platforms. Check them out at https://www.therealityshaper.com
Image: Photo of They & Them, smiling and standing in front of a white background with some art-deco text. Sarah, standing on the left, has medium-length red hair, and is wearing a silk blue button-down shirt and vest. Shane is standing next to them, with shoulder-length blond hair, and is wearing a black dress with a pattern of stylized rainbows. Under the photo is written: @rebeccajmichelson on Instagram
About Daniel’s Music Foundation
As an organization, we are about two things: Music Programs and Disability Awareness. Our free and fee-based music programs are available to individuals with disabilities - both in person and online. DMF believes in inclusion, diversity, and the ability of all individuals to creatively express themselves through music.
The Disability Awareness platform encompasses programs and events that help shape a mindset of mutual understanding and respect. DMF is committed to changing perceptions, diminishing isolation, and helping others understand the importance of access to digital accessibility and assistive technology.
To learn more about Daniel’s Music, visit danielsmusic.org.
Meet The Trush Family
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: Ken in business, finance and operations, Nancy as an 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 the life force that drives DMF and serves as the key ambassador for our mission – and is a living example of acceptance, kindness and joy.
Image: Photo of the Trush Family, smiling. From left to right, Michael Trush, Nancy Trush, Daniel Trush, and Ken Trush.
Our Music Center
Our state-of-the-art, custom built music center in East Harlem is where we call home. 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. We invite you to visit danielsmusic.org/music-center-overview to learn more.
Image: Photo of the Daniel’s Music Foundation building on a clear bright day.
Our Virtual Community
Launched in 2020, in response to the global pandemic, the DMF Virtual Community is a place where individuals of all abilities can learn, connect, and celebrate the joy of music together. DMF Virtual Live Events are a way to keep us all connected through music, regardless of where you live.
Our free DMF On-Demand channel is your destination for fun, educational and interactive videos. We also offer virtual music lessons at an affordable price. Getting started is easy and the first 25-minute trial lesson is free. Whatever you choose, we are happy to have you be part of the DMF Virtual Community, and we look forward to seeing you online. Visit danielsmusic.org/virtualcommunity to learn more-or contact Nadine McNeil at nadine@danielsmusic.org. Not a member yet? Simply click here to register for weekly updates about our virtual live events and new video releases delivered to your inbox.
Image: Screenshot of a DMF Virtual Dance Party on Zoom, showing various images of participants dancing or looking in their cameras.
Our Disability Awareness Program
The DMF Just Call Me By My Name Initiative is the umbrella for our Disability Awareness Programs and is designed to cultivate a mutual understanding, appreciation and respect for individuals of all abilities. The purpose is rooted in our desire to break the cycle of defining individuals by their disability and challenging people to think differently.
Image: Photo of a blue t-shirt with white font titled, “Just Call Me By My Name.”
Disability Awareness Programs
Our Disability Awareness Program is a 30 to 60-minute interactive presentation designed for schools, organizations and corporations that uses storytelling, videos, and music to help change the perception of individuals with disabilities. An extension of the program includes our DMF Junior Council@ Program, which partners with high school students to form a club at their school and serve as ambassadors on behalf of Daniel’s Music.
We are also now challenging organizations to think differently about untapped workforce potential, as well as increasing market reach and brand loyalty through the lens of digital accessibility and assistive technology.
And of course, let's not forget our global award show that recognizes the musical talents of individuals with disabilities and celebrates differences...The Danny Awards!
Visit danielsmusic.org/disability-awareness/overview to learn more - or contact Holly Edwards at holly@danielsmusic.org.
Image: Daniel’s Music Foundation Disability logo, which includes an arch (half circle) made up of musical notes, with a treble clef in the middle, and three musical notes on either side. The word “Disability” displays underneath the logo in bold font, and a magnifying glass overlays the word “Disability”, enhancing the letters “ability.”
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 the instrument to build a more inclusive society. Simply text GIVE at 929.205.7787 or visit danielsmusic.org/donate to donate. Thank you for your consideration.
SEE YOU IN NOVEMBER AT THE 4th ANNUAL DANNY AWARDS!
Daniel’s Music Foundation | 1595 Lexington Avenue, 2nd floor New York, NY 10029 | 212.289.8912 | danielsmusic.org