UEHS sophomore multi-instrumentalist Eamonn Hubert was awarded the KJ James Memorial Scholarship and presented with a check for $2,000 at the New York State Blues Festival in Syracuse in June.
The scholarship is awarded each year to promising young performers 18 and under. Eamonn was required to submit video and audio recordings of his performing and songwriting abilities in addition to an essay discussing the importance of music in general and, specifically blues music, in his life. This is the second KJ James scholarship award for Eamonn. He earned second place in the competition in 2016 just before his eighth birthday. He has performed three times on the main stage at the Blues Festival, the youngest performer to take the stage, and has been fortunate enough to meet acclaimed blues musicians Vanessa Collier (saxophone/guitar/vocals), Clarence Spady (guitar/vocals), Samantha Fish (guitar/cigar box/vocals), and many others there.
In addition, Eamonn and his band, Hot Dogs & Gin were the opening act for world-renowned blues, rock & funk guitarist Eric Gales on June 24 at the Center for the Arts in Homer. Congratulations!
Photo courtesy of Ani Loew