Nashville, Tenn. (August 14, 2026) – Shane Austin of Fall Branch, Tennessee, has been named the 2026 recipient of the $5,000 Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship. The award was presented last night during Crandall Creek’s performance at the world-famous Station Inn in Nashville.

The evening also served as a tribute to Crandall Creek founder Jerry Andrews, who passed away in May. Jerry was not only a loving father and grandfather, but also the founder and heart of Crandall Creek. His passion for songwriting and bluegrass music helped shape the band from its beginning. Over the past 10 years, his original songs became a defining part of Crandall Creek’s sound and legacy, reaching audiences and listeners far beyond the stage.

The Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship honors the late Steve Gulley, a beloved singer, songwriter and musician whose contributions left a lasting mark on bluegrass music. Gulley passed away in 2020.

The scholarship was established by Jerry Andrews and Bruce Winges and is administered through the Bluegrass Music Endeavors Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting bluegrass music. Each year, the scholarship recognizes a student who represents the future of the music Jerry and Steve loved.

The 2026 recipient was selected by Winges and Steve Gulley’s widow, Debbie Gulley, who presented the award to Shane during the Station Inn show. Debbie also joined Crandall Creek on stage for a special performance during the evening.

“You have no idea what this means to me,” Shane said when he learned he had been selected. “Bluegrass music has shaped my life both musically and personally. I was introduced to it at an early age through my family.”

Shane is a senior at East Tennessee State University, where he studies guitar under renowned guitarist Wyatt Rice. A computer science major with a minor in bluegrass, Shane has a particular interest in the intersection of technology and music.

“Bluegrass music, with its emphasis on tradition, collaboration, and authenticity, provides a meaningful counterbalance to the technical and analytical nature of my academic work,” Shane wrote in his scholarship application. “I intend to carry both forward, contributing to each in a way that reflects dedication, creativity, and respect for the communities involved.”

The Station Inn audience also had an opportunity to hear the scholarship recipient perform, as Shane joined Crandall Creek on stage during the show.

Previous recipients of the Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship are Maddie Murray Holbrook of Kentucky, Lillyanne McCool of Arkansas and Audrey Neel of Missouri.

Through the scholarship, the legacy of Steve Gulley continues by encouraging young musicians who are carrying bluegrass music forward, while this year’s presentation also honored Jerry Andrews and his commitment to ensuring the music he loved continues for generations to come.