Announcing the 2024 Emerging Artist Grand Prize Winners

(to open for Jason Mraz on the Historic Theater stage):

SAM ROBBINS

Sam Robbins is often described as an “old soul singer-songwriter.” A nationally touring singer songwriter originally from Portsmouth, NH, Sam’s music evokes classic singer songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne and adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. An avid performer, he has gained recognition from extensive touring and as the winner of several national songwriting awards including the 2021 the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition, one of the largest and most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country. From humble beginnings at The Press Room’s open mic night and PMAC’s Teen Singer Songwriter Night at The Music Hall Loft, Sam has made a name for himself as “one of the most promising new songwriters of his generation” — Mike Davies, Fateau Magazine, UK

After Sam’s recent sold out show at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth, Robbins is thrilled to be taking the stage at the Historic Theater before Jason Mraz at the Emerging Artists Benefit Concert on July 3.

DWAYNE HAGGINS

He’s been described as “the love child of Sam Cooke and Mississippi John Hurt,” “The John Legend of rockabilly,” and recently, “a ‘what-took-you-so-long’ fusion of Elvis and Marvin Gaye.” But he is Dwayne Haggins, and his voice is his own. For Dwayne, every performance is a mission of discovery– of self and of song. Whether on the stage of a metropolitan concert hall or the makeshift bandstand of a neighborhood dive, you will find him exploring uncharted musical territories, listening for new ways to stir his influences into this night’s expression of his unique sound– strangely familiar, naturally mysterious, unmistakably his own.

2024 Emerging Artist Grant Winners
(to perform at The Lounge and Chestnut Street pre-show festivities):

HALLEY NEAL

Halley Neal is a folk singer and songwriter whose live shows center on themes of positivity and peace. Based in Nashville for the past five years and originally from New England, her straight-up Americana songs are met with an upbeat instrumentation and soaring vocals. Halley has been blazing the folk trail over the last 2 years, performing at festivals such as: Kerrville Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and recently she was named the winner of SolarFest’s Singer-Songwriter Showcase. Halley released her most recent record Beautiful and Blue to critical acclaim on September 30th, 2022. Her sound blends effortless layered vocals with Americana production, and is rooted in classic 60’s and 70’s folk. In 2020, Halley became an official Guild Guitars artist, and performed a set of original music at the 2021 and 2023 NAMM Shows with Guild. Currently, Halley tours to house concerts, listening room venues, and folk festivals across the country.

SKYE DARLING

Skye Darling is a Scotland-born, New Hampshire-raised violinist and singer-songwriter based in Boston, Massachusetts. Skye has a passion for exploring new ideas through improvisation, and she began her journey with simultaneous voice and instrument under the direction of Bruce Molsky, her biggest inspiration. Skye’s story as a singer-songwriter has been anything but linear, as she has acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in her path. During her time in school, Skye’s heartfelt melodies went from being heard on the summer night air around campfires to reverberating historic concert halls with musicians from around the world. Skye’s indie-folk style depicts raw life experiences and combines her classical training with elements of her Celtic roots, old time, and jazz.

 

Click below to listen to Skye’s song “Dirt”

HARRISON GOODELL

Harrison Goodell, born and raised in Dover, New Hampshire, is a rising singer-songwriter known for his captivating storytelling and passionate delivery. Gaining inspiration from artists including Paul Simon, Noah Kahan, and The Lumineers, his music features emotive lyrics and soulful vocals that carry meaning. Harrison’s love of music began in musical theater but during the pandemic he turned to playing the guitar and writing songs to keep himself sane. This hobby quickly evolved into a newfound love for making music, which led him to Hollywood for the 21st season of ABC’s American Idol. Harrison’s debut EP, Like Home, hit streaming platforms early 2023 followed by his single, Frost, which disguises heartbreak in a catchy upbeat sound. With his passion for creating music that resonates with his audience, Goodell is establishing himself as an artist to watch.

Don’t miss your chance to see these rising stars and
Jason Mraz at our second annual
Emerging Artist Benefit Concert on Wednesday, July 3!

Buy Your Tickets!

About the Emerging Artist Grant Program

The Music Hall is proud to announce a new grant program that will support young aspiring artists who need a kick-start to beginning their performance career. With proceeds from the Emerging Artist Benefit Concert, we are able to offer aid that is critical for aspiring musicians to fulfill their performance aspirations. By awarding two $2500 grants to musicians actively performing contemporary music, we can support the projects that will contribute to their professional development. This financial support can allow artists to secure live performance opportunities, recording/studio time, produce music video content, and develop marketing assets and/or strategies. In addition to the financial support, The Music Hall team will help make valuable connections with industry professionals for grant recipients.

Even more exciting, the two musicians selected will both be invited to open for Jason Mraz at this year’s Emerging Artist Benefit Concert!!!

Eligibility

Submissions are currently limited to individuals or duos who are: 

  • Actively performing contemporary music
  • Not signed to a major label or a major booking agency
  • A current resident of a New England state, or has 5+ years of previous residency in New England.
  • At least 18 years of age, or has written consent from parent/guardian.
  • Legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.

Criteria for Selection

All applications are reviewed and evaluated by The Music Hall’s Emerging Artist committee, comprised of Music Hall employees, board members, and select members chosen by the curatorial team. 

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Quality of the artist’s creative works submitted
  • Level of alignment with the vision of The Music Hall’s Emerging Artist Series
  • Feasibility of the proposed project within the parameters of the grant

Application Process

Submissions for this year’s emerging artist grant have closed.

Reporting

The Music Hall requests that grant recipients share the impact of the award.

Accessibility

No person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry, native language, disability, age, religion (creed), gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or military status shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination of services, programs and employment provided by The Music Hall.

 

Special thanks to Karen and David Della Penta for underwriting this grant.