Graham Young

Graham picked up the guitar at age 8 and began taking lessons with Mike Bowell from age 11. Graham attended the Guitar Workshop Plus summer program in 2010 where he studied under Rob Bulger. At age 15 he won the 2011 Sleepwalk Guitar Festival Emerging Artist Scholarship (open to players age 19 and under from across Canada) and joined Luke Doucets band on stage at The Great Hall in Toronto after accepting the award. Graham also received an honour award at the 2013 Musicfest Canada Nationals for outstanding musicianship when he performed with his high schools jazz band.

In 2012 he joined Danielle Bourjeaurds band and played gigs including a Canadian Music Week performance at the Royal York Hotel and the Magna Hoedown before she relocated to Nashville. He played on the main stage at the 2011 Kitchener Blues Festival and the opening gala of the 2012 Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival with Dylan Wickens and on the main stage at 2012 Aurora Jazz+ Festival as part of Neil Chapman's band. He was also included in Ian Crichtons "Satellite Symphony Guitar Orchestra" recording session.

Graham works locally with several different bands, and has been teaching guitar at The Arts Music Store in Newmarket since September 2012. He plays often at King Henrys Arms in Aurora with Lou Moore on Thursday nights both as a special guest, and sitting in with other guest musicians such as Wendell Ferguson, Steve Piticco, Bruce Good, and Carlos Del Junco. He excels at a wide range of styles, from fast chicken pickin' to slow blues and anywhere in between: jazz, funk, bluegrass or rock.

-Played at Newmarket Jazz+ festival with Mike Bowell, Steve Gotlib, and Craig Warner as part of the Arts Teachers Band

What people have said about Graham:

His touch and phrasing are extraordinary for any player but as a 15 year old, he is simply astounding. As he matures, we will see where he goes as an artist. I look forward to hearing what kind of music he creates as he pulls out from under the (many) influences and establishes himself as a contributor to the greater musical landscape, both as a guitar player & a musician in general. I expect we will be hearing a great deal from him in the future. -- Luke Doucet

Here is a young man who is just bursting with a God given talent. His guitar skills are far beyond his years and we are very fortunate to be watching the development of such a fine musician. -- Lou Moore