Published on Daniel’s Music Foundation (danielsmusic.org)
The Danny Awards Program Transcript
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.
To address this important need, in 2020, we created a global award show that showcases and recognizes the musical talents of individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. The 1st Annual Danny Awards was hosted on March 8, 2020 - just four days before the world shut down due to the pandemic.
In 2021, we received over 100 video submissions from talented musicians across the globe. The competition was fierce for the top 10 Award Recipients. In fact, there was a tie for the #10 spot, so we decided to include 11 honorees this year, along with the 2021 Danny Awards Fan Favorite. With talented vocalists, instrumentalists, solo artists, bands and songwriters, the show is going to be amazing. We cannot wait to share their musical talents with the world. Thank you for joining us. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Image: The Danny Awards, a large clear glass trophy 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
Kate Ellis: Singer/Songwriter
Dina Fanai: Artist/Songwriter/Producer
Bob Kinkel: Co-Creator & Producer: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Biti Strauchn: Singer/Songwriter/Arranger/Musician/Vocalist
Jason Kupperman: Talent Agent
Mobley: Singer/Songwriter/Multi-instrumentalist
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 support!
Image(s):
(Left) Logo of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Center. LMCC spelled out virtually. The first letter of each word is in bold black font. The letters that follow are in blue.
(Right) 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
Smooth – The Note-Ables
Welcoming Remarks – Daniel & Ken Trush DMF Co-Founders
I'm Giving In* – Shane Michael Taylor
By Knowing You – Daniel Trush & Gerry Powers
The Danny Awards Lead Sponsor – René Plessner
Aerith's Theme – Colton Purcell
The Movement – 4 Wheel City
Not Abandoned* – George Dennehy
Samba In Nahant – Santon
A Little Part of Me – Jennifer Msumba
Passacaglia – Logan Riman
Shozalosa* – Ethembeni Special School
Danny's Song* – Anelise Diamond Merrihew
A Million Dreams – Wani Benedith
Everyday I Have The Blues – Jake Nielsen
Closing Remarks – The Trush Family
50 Million Reasons – Daniel Trush & Gerry Powers
*Video Performances
Meet the 2021 Danny Awards Honorees:
Wani Benedith
Wani is a 14-year-old solo artist from the NY Institute for Special Education. Wani is legally blind and wonderfully made. He’s a brother, student, singer, public speaker and the co-founder of a company called Braille Code Inc. He’s been singing since he was 6 years old under the training of Naum Shulman.
Image: Photo of Wani Benedith smiling and standing in front of a tree.
George Dennehy
George is a full-time musician and speaker from Richmond, Virginia, who was born without arms. He was adopted from Romania when he was just 2 years old. George began playing music at a young age and has always had a passion for it. Because he does not have arms, he has learned to do everything with his feet! George is married with a 7-year-old son and believes that anything is possible - and that our biggest disabilities are the limitations we place on ourselves.
Image: Wedding photo of George Dennehy’s wife (left) standing next to George Dennehy (right), smiling.
Anelise Diamond Merrihew
Anelise is a bright light in her community. She easily accesses her JOY and shares it through her love of music. She is a proud State Ambassador and Officer for Best Buddies, and a true pioneer as the Founder and President of her high school's first and only fully inclusive music club. Anelise unexpectedly gained global notoriety in 2020 as she and her family band posted a vast array of musical performances called, “The Quarantine Sessions.” Her heartfelt intentions were to "bring light to those who need it," and she is endlessly grateful to those who "feel the love" she's sending out.
Image: Photo of Anelise standing in the field, smiling.
Ethembeni School
The Ethembeni School gives HOPE to Physically Disabled and Visually Impaired learners from all over South Africa. Their goal is to create highly educated members of society who are proactive, ready and able to make a difference in South Africa. The name Ethembeni means “Place of Hope” and the motto Phila Ufunde means “Live and Learn.” Currently, they are helping 250 learners every year in reaching their full potential.
Image: 20 students including two students who use a wheelchair in dance costumes on stage mid-way of a dance routine.
Jennifer Msumba
Jennifer is a songwriter, musician, author and award-winning filmmaker who has autism. She lives in a residential facility in Florida and besides music and film, loves fishing and cuddling with her dog Lemonade. Jennifer also plays keys for her church, and is a member of American Mensa. Her goal is to one day get her music into film and television.
Image: Photo of Jennifer sitting on a stool - holding a guitar, and smiling.
Jake Nielsen
Jake is the 2021 Danny Awards Fan Favorite. He is also an international recording artist born with cerebral palsy who has toured all over North America with his band Jake Nielsens Triple Threat. He has had some ups in the music business, but his biggest accomplishment is his beautiful wife Ashley and two kids Jake and Lily. He loves to inspire kids with disabilities to reach for the stars and try to do whatever their heart tells them.
Image: Photo of Jake on stage playing his guitar.
The Note-Ables
Founded almost 20 years ago, The Note-Ables is a group of professional musicians who shatter the stereotype that people with disabilities have limited talents and abilities. The group first met in April 1999 when they started jamming and writing their own songs together. In addition to being professional and crowd pleasing, the group’s activities have also increased the visibility of people with disabilities and added to the dynamic arts community in The Truckee Meadows. With a blend of covers and original songs, the musical style of The Note-Ables ranges from blues to country to jazz to classic rock.
Image: Photo of The Note-Ables, six band members, positioned in front of a building, smiling.
Colton Purcell
Colton Purcell was born with a rare type of dwarfism called metatropic dysplasia. Because of this disability, he is unable to reach above his head and cannot walk more than 10 feet without the aid of a wheelchair. Despite these trials, he has earned a Bachelor of Music Degree with an emphasis in Commercial Music from Snow College. Colton has taught private piano lessons in Mapleton, Utah for two years and is currently pursuing his Master of Music in Music Technology Degree from Southern Utah University.
Image: Photo of Colton, sitting on white stairs, smiling.
Logan Riman
Logan is a classical pianist who has played piano since the age of 2. He learns all music by ear and has been expanding to other genres of music. The piano is his best friend. Logan often has difficulties communicating, but as the famous quote says: “Where words fail, music speaks.” In 2019, he played a duet with Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden; he has also played the National Anthem at a NY Rangers game.
Image: Photo of Logan, standing in front of a piano and smiling.
Santon
Santon is an award-winning musician who is fully blind from birth and is autistic. He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and he grew up in Massachusetts. He began taking piano lessons when he was 3.5 years old. Santon plays the piano and several other instruments, as well as composes music. He is an alumnus of Perkins School for the Blind and went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music, summa cum laude. He performs as a solo pianist, accompanies singers, and plays piano in the Boston Tango Orchestra. Santon produced 2 albums: “Flavors of the Rainbow” and “Night Animals.” When Santon doesn't play music, he dances the Argentine tango, does acrobatics on a trapeze, windsurfs, rides a tandem bicycle with his dad, swims, skis, skates, travels, and fully enjoys life.
Image: Photo of Santon - standing next to a piano and smiling.
Shane Michael Taylor
Shane is an artist, songwriter, author, and motivational speaker, born in Waterbury, Connecticut. He is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. Shane uses his life experiences, obstacles, and triumphs while overcoming his challenges with cerebral palsy to inspire others with his original music, speeches, and writings. He earned a college degree in Music Business and began making frequent visits to Nashville to co-write with prominent Music City songwriters. Shane is also the author of Living This Rodeo: A Journey from Fantasy to Reality, which details the journey that led to his career as a country music artist. He leads a speaking tour that is opening students’ minds across the nation, empowering them to embrace their passion and believe in themselves - enabling them to unleash their potential and discover possibilities that await them in the real world.
Image: Photo of Shane Michael Taylor.
4 Wheel City
4 Wheel City is a hip-hop group and entertainment organization started by Namel “Tapwaterz” Norris and Ricardo “Rickfire” Velasquez. These two talented hip-hop artists and motivational speakers are in wheelchairs due to gun violence. Their mission is to use hip-hop music and culture to create more opportunities for the disabled and inspire people not to give up in life. In addition, they want to show the world that people with disabilities can still have talents, dreams, and deserve to be treated equally. 4 Wheel City performs original music, and they give motivational speeches at hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, fundraisers, and events all over the world.
Image: Photo of Namel “Tapwaterz” Norris and Ricard “Rickfire” Velasquez who both use a wheelchair.
About Daniel’s Music Foundation
Daniel’s Music Foundation was founded in 2006 to empower individuals with developmental and physical disabilities through music. Today, we have expanded our programs from one keyboard class serving five members to serving thousands of individuals - both locally in NYC at our 8,700 square-foot music center, as well as nationally through the DMF Virtual Community.
It’s simple when you think about Daniel’s Music. We are about 2 things: Music Programs and Disability Awareness. Our free and fee-based music programs are available to individuals with disabilities, both in person and online. Our Disability Awareness platform encompasses programs and events that help shape a mindset of mutual understanding and respect. Individually, they are both important. Together, they allow us to help more deserving people and make a meaningful difference in the world. As an organization, we believe in inclusion, diversity and the ability of all individuals to creatively express themselves. We are also passionately committed to changing perception, diminishing isolation, and providing access to music for individuals with disabilities. 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 Programs
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. Our program is inspired by our personal experiences and our 16 year history; it is designed to break the cycle of labeling and defining individuals by their disability. Through the programs below, we are working together to change the perception of individuals with disabilities - ultimately building a more inclusive society.
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, corporations and organizations that uses storytelling, videos, and music to help change the perception of individuals with disabilities. Available both virtually and in person for groups of 10 or more people, programs can be customized to best suit the needs of the organization.
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.”
DMF Junior Council @ Program
Our DMF Junior Council@ is a partnership program in which high school students form a club/group at their school and serve as ambassadors on behalf of Daniel’s Music. Council members collaborate with the foundation throughout the year to develop volunteer opportunities, create awareness for our mission, and fundraise for DMF. Visit danielsmusic.org/disability-awareness/overview to learn more-or contact Holly Edwards at holly@danielsmusic.org.
Image: Daniel’s Music Foundation Junior Council 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 words DMF Junior Council overlays the logo, in blue bold font.
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.
Image: Daniel’s Music Foundation’s “Symphony of Change” Spring Benefit logo, which includes the words “Save the Date” in bold font at the top, the Daniel’s Music Foundation logo, the words “Symphony of Change” in rainbow cursive font and surrounded by colorful music notes and a blue ribbon, “DMF Annual Spring Benefit” in bold gold font, “Tuesday, May 24, 2022, 6:30 to 9:30 PM, Guastavino’s, 409 East 59th Street, NYC 10022,” follows in white bold font.
See You in November at the 3rd Annual Danny Awards!
Daniel’s Music Foundation | 1595 Lexington Avenue, 2nd floor New York, NY 10029 | 212.289.8912 | danielsmusic.org