Michael Feinstein to Introduce 2013 Great American Songbook Vocal Competition Winner Julia Goodwin at Birdland, 12/17

On Dec. 17, Michael Feinstein is slated to introduce teen vocalist Julia Goodwin as part of his two-week limited engagement at Birdland Jazz Club. Goodwin is the winner of the 2013 Great American Songbook Vocal Competition, a project founded by Michael Feinstein.

"Through this competition, we are reaching a new generation to teach this music and the American history that inspired and influenced these composers," said Michael Feinstein, founder of the competition and the organization called the Great American Songbook Initiative.

Goodwin, a 15-year-old from Baldwinsville, New York, sang two American standards at the July competition: "Dream A Little Dream of Me," and "Feeling Good." As the first place winner she received $3,000 and the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to perform with Michael Feinstein during his engagement at Birdland Jazz Club. As first place winner Goodwin is serving as the Great American Songbook Youth Ambassador for one year and will have opportunities to perform throughout the year.

Goodwin, who began singing as a toddler, is a sophomore at CW Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York. She has sung tunes from the Songbook by Etta James, among others, and has come to have a deep appreciation for the impact these songs continue to have on music today. She enjoys how music and singing alike can alter a mood and bring cheer to other people as well. She is also a lacrosse player and involved in chorus.

Goodwin joined nine other high school vocalists at the week-long academy and competition, held in the Indiana city of Carmel. The annual event is sponsored by the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative and is the only U.S. competition dedicated solely to the music from Broadway, Hollywood musicals and the Tin Pan Alley era of the early to mid-twentieth century.

This week's performance will mark the kick-off for the 2014 Great American Songbook High School Vocal Competition. The application is now available online at www.FeinsteinInitiative.org until March 31, 2014. High school students grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate. Twelve regional winners will be invited to the Feinstein Initiative's headquarters in Carmel, IN, July 20-25, 2014, to participate in a five-day academy on interpreting and performing the music of the Great American Songbook. Five-time Grammy nominee, Michael Feinstein, and other top music industry professionals will conduct workshops and master classes throughout the week. The final competition performance will be held in the 1,600 seat Palladium Concert Hall at the Center for the Performing Arts.

One student will be awarded the title of Great American Songbook Youth Ambassador and will receive $3000 and the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to perform with two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award nominated entertainer and founder of the Feinstein Initiative, Michael Feinstein. The Youth Ambassador will serve for one year and will have opportunities to perform throughout the year.

Regional finalists for the 2014 competition will be selected from the following eligible states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a sponsor of the vocal competition www.VisitHamiltonCounty.com

Below, watch video of 2013 Winner Julia Goodwin performing at the competition!