Special to The Hays Daily News

DALLAS -- Cornell Kinderknecht, a musician born and raised in Ellis and now living in the Dallas area, is one of five artists nominated for musician of the year by the Academy of Texas Music for his 2008 release of the album "Nightfall."

The winner will be announced at the seventh annual Texas Music Awards ceremony April 26 at the Palestine Civic Center in Palestine, Texas. The public is invited to participate in the voting process, accounting for 10 percent of the final vote. The public voting period for the award runs through Feb. 20 at www.TexasMusicAwards.org. The remainder of the vote is determined by the academy board and members.

"Nightfall" features American Indian flute, Anasazi flute, bansuri flute from India, Irish whistle and ocarina in instrumental pieces composed and performed by Kinderknecht. The album has been well received and has garnered critical acclaim. Kinderknecht has recorded previous albums, both solo and in collaboration with other musicians. His 2005 solo album, "Returning Home," was an award nominee at the 2006 Texas Music Awards.

Kinderknecht's work can be heard on numerous other artists' recordings. He has provided music for advertisements and a PBS documentary; he and his music were featured in the nationally broadcast television series, "The Art of Living Gallery"; and he has performed the world premier of two works for American Indian flute and choir.

At ease in multiple genres, Kinderknecht is a regular performer at venues around Texas, is a frequent featured performer and presenter at music festivals and workshops around the country, and has a teaching studio in Dallas.

"I am very honored to receive this nomination and I am grateful for everyone's support and encouragement," Kinderknecht said. Awards are presented in more than 10 categories. Each category is narrowed down to five nominees out of thousands of entries received.

"Nightfall" and Kinderknecht's other recordings, along with a concert calendar, videos, and biographical information can be found at his Web site, www.cornellk.com. His music is also available from Apple's iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, MyTexasMusic.com, and other vendors.

Most of Kinderknecht's family lives in or near Ellis County. He graduated from Ellis High School and Kansas State University. For further information, contact Cornell online at www.cornellk.com.