The cloudy weather didn’t stop the music in Clayton Saturday. The seventh annual Keithfest was held at Coyote Moon Vineyards. The annual music event and its scholarship honor a local musician who died in 2010. Our Alex Valverde tells us why it's so important to local students.

CLAYTON, N.Y. -- On Saturday, Chloe Foss did just what she loves to do; sing for a crowd. Thanks to the Keith Brabant Music Scholarship, she was able to learn more about music and improve on her skills.

"I used the money to go to SUNY Fredonia for a weeklong music camp," said Foss, a General Brown High School student. "It's made me a better singer absolutely."

She’s one of four students this year who won the scholarship, which honors Keith Brabant, a Clayton native and musician who passed away in 2010.

"He wrote his own music. He traveled the country. He was in bands in Colorado and Washington State. He's been nothing but music since the time he was three years old. So, a music scholarship was a natural," said Melody Brabant, Keith's mother and a Keithfest Committee Member

All of this year's winners got the chance to perform at Keithfest, a music event also held in Keith’s honor.

"It's a unique experience," said scholarship winner and General Brown High School student Nathan Lee. "I've never really done anything like this before and I don't get very many opportunities to perform."

Both winners and festival organizers said that this scholarship really helps give a financial and confidence boost to aspiring musicians.

"Not everyone has the money to be able to take lessons or get instruments, which can be expensive for some people," said scholarship winner and incoming Watertown High School student Jessica Bardsley. "So, to be able to have this scholarship gives people who might not have the opportunity a chance to learn more about music."

"It made me realize that I absolutely want to go into music when I grow up," said Foss.

As long as Keith's memory lives on and residents continue to have a passion for music, this scholarship and festival are sure to continue helping students.

If you’d like to learn more about the scholarship and how to apply for next year, you can visit Keithfest's official website.