For the third year, regional entertainment newspaper Whatzup celebrates the wealth of Fort Wayne area musical talent by honoring the region’s top young musicians. Winners will be featured in a Whatzup print issue and online at Whatzup.com.

Anyone may nominate musicians under the age of 20 as of March 31, 2023, who live in Allen, Wabash, Whitley, Noble, Wells, Adams, Huntington, Kosciusko, DeKalb, or Steuben County. 

An expert panel of judges will select the final winners from nominations based on criteria including musical skill, community and school music activities, and academic performance.

”I have the privilege of meeting many of the top young musicians in the region and am continually amazed by their warmth and talent,“ said Whatzup General Manager Jon Swerens. “The 20 Under 20 Awards gives all of us an opportunity to honor some truly special musicians.”

Nominations open Thursday, December 1, and can be made by visiting whatzup.com/20under20. The deadline for nominations is January 20, 2023.

The 20 Under 20 Awards for 2023 are sponsored by Sweetwater Music, Sweetwater Academy of Music and Technology, and Whatzup, the free-distribution arts and entertainment weekly newspaper serving Northeast Indiana by providing local event calendars, articles, and local music and movie reviews.