United By Music brings Dutch Blues singers with intellectual disablities to Jimmy Mak’s

July 31, 2010

A very unusual musical performance will take place at Jimmy Mak’s on Monday, August 2, 5pm free. United By Music will bring Blues singers from the Netherlands to play with Candye Kane and her band. The twist is that these singers have intellectual disabilities.

Candye Kane / Photo by Alan Mercer

The program began in 2006 and local folks are hoping to start one in North America.

They tell us:

UBM provides individuals with intellectual disabilities a chance to show what they can do on the bandstand. We encourage our participants to write and perform their own songs of empowerment, proving to themselves and others that they are capable entertainers worthy of applause, attention and praise.

Perhaps you know a talented person with an intellectual disability who would love a chance to perform with a professional blues band. Or perhaps you would like to get involved in a project that transforms and inspires everyone who witnesses it. Maybe you just feel strongly about keeping the blues alive or you are committed to seeing everyone enjoy equal opportunities regardless of limitations. We are committed to see United by Music become an active program throughout North America, giving a chance to talented people with intellectual disabilities to get up onstage and strut their stuff, gaining confidence and courage in the process.

Bruce J. Tonge, Director of the internationally-recognized Monash University, Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology in Melbourne Australia, speaks of the United by Music program, “This project is an inspirational example of effective approaches to counter discrimination and meaningfully include people with disabilities.

It is an excellent example of the therapeutic power of music when constructively used as an element of community participation.”

They encourage you to RSVP now and reserve a space at this event which is open to all ages. You can RSVP by returning an e-mail to asteinhorn@soor.org , or calling the venue directly at 503-295-6542 to make a reservation. Feel free to bring along a friend, or forward the invitation to someone you feel may be interested in learning more about United by Music. The showcase is free, and there will be a hosted reception following the performance with Candye and the full company of performers.