News
Candye Kane nominated for 3 Blues Awards
This is great news, our blues diva Candye Kane is nominated for 3 Blues Awards!
You can be a member and vote for Candye!!www.blues.org
Candye Kane is nominated for 3 Blues Awards
We are unbelievably proud that we are able to successfully work together with the American Bluesdiva Candye Kane! Candye Kane is nominated for 3 Blues Music awards hosted by the Blues Foundation (Memphis).
You have to be Blues Fan for $25,- to vote. Under 22 years of age it’s free to get a membership and that includes the right to vote.
Off course we want her to win all 3 awards but at least we want her to receive the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award. Everything is going to be groovy in Memphis at the 6th of May 2010.
Check out this link and VOTE FOR CANDYE!
Performance at Jan pak de Leuning Sliedrecht
Last Friday the 13th we had a performance in Sliedrecht at Jan pak de Leuning. Lady Angel, Shorty and Jerry Wish performed on stage before the show from Jan pak de Leuning started. Jan pak de Leuning is a group musicians who play various music on a really funny way. THe whole night everyone could eat free frikandellen (famous dutch snack) and french frites, it was an amazing funny night!
Retrospection TOUR 2009
We just finished our fourth tour with United by Music. The four weeks were amazing. We had a lot of success and a lot of visitors watch our shows. The responses were all very positive. Our success is growing and the artists are treated with admirations and every were big applauses. Our start was overseas in Ireland, during the 10th World Congress Down Syndrome in Dublin. and we showed the meaning of United by Music. Last year we showed our talent in Africa Cape Town. For three days we stayed in the Dublin City university where also the congress was kept. Each day we have kept workshops, we had a much-frequented stand We had a performance in a sold out Helix theatre. After the show our artists distribute their signatures to the new fans. With a proud and satisfied feeling we returned to the Netherlands.
Our first show in the Netherlands was Apeldoorn. Afterwards followed several places Harlingen, Hoogvliet, Hilligersberg, Breda, Gouda, Tilburg, Puttershoek, Sliedrecht and the final show was in a castle in Venlo. We couldn't have a more beautiful final at this location. This tour we had chosen to join existed festivals. Fortunately we had great weather during our open air shows and we had a lot of visitors. About 10.000 visitors watched the United by Music show and that is amazing.
This year we did our tour with the following artists with Lady Angel, J.A.Grace, Amy Graw, Jerry Wish, Dutch Boy and Shorty.
The American bluesdiva Candye Kane and the English talent Dani Wilde assembled a very well band. Our volunteer group was amazing, every day they were ready. Also the involvement of our sponsors during shows and at the sponsornight was large. Together we have made this tour. We are very proud on our artists and everyone who gives her/his contribution to this tour. It was an intensive month with a great result.
We would like to thank everyone!
Billy Watson tells about his experience with United by Music
United by Music tour w/ Candye Kane band 2009
It's hard to nutshell in a couple of paragraphs what goes on during a month long tour in Europe with Candye Kane and friends... But I can truly say it was a most fulfilling and positive experience. The United By Music tour is all about bringing joy to the hearts and souls of people with special needs (varying disabilities- i.e. down syndrome, autism). It gives them the opportunity to perform with an American blues band and adapt to/or overcome the effects of their disability.
Candye Kane is the mentor and sideline coach during the performances. She is encouraging with the kids and really takes care
of business on every level. You would never know she battled cancer just a year before. This year there were 7 special singers and each sang two or three songs for the first set. The second set featured the Candye Kane Band with special guest and MC, Dani Wilde- an awesome Vocalist /Guitar player from London, England. The shows ranged from small theaters for friends and families of the clients to outdoor festivals that were open to the public. The audiences were civil and quite polite.
The man with the plan- Joris Van Wijngaarden is the volunteer architect of the whole organization. A dedicated blues fan who met Candye a while back, has devoted his time and efforts to expanding the tour worldwide and hopes to bring it to regions in the US. He loves to surprise the band with a host of fantastic experiences and always makes sure everyone is well taken care of. He is a wonderful fellow, most likely- an angel.
The band was stellar!: Sue Palmer- Piano, Jonny Viau- Tenor Sax, Evan Caleb- Drums, Danny Wilde- Guitar and MC, Laura Chavez- Guitar, Billy Watson- Harmonica and Harm Van Sleen- Bass.
When people ask, "How was your tour?" words like- Awesome, Tremendous and Stupendous just pop out of my mouth. I honestly have no complaints or nightmare stories like those you often hear from seasoned road veterans. This tour was more like a vacation where you bond with fellow musicians and lose your ego during these special performances. A brief visit to Dublin, Ireland brought the whole band on a "Viking theme" city tour (WWII converted military amphibious vehicle "DUCK") , that was most memorable. In Rotterdam, Holland we experienced World Harbor Day 2009. Our hotel overlooked the whole event with front row seats to the most awesome fireworks display I have ever seen.
So all in all United By Music tour 2009 was a great time! When traveling abroad its all about respect and bonding. Its great to lose the ego and focus on making others happy either through musical performances or day to day activities. Thats all we really want... a little attention and a healthy outlet!
My enthusiasm for making music for the sole purpose of enjoyment has been rekindled through the rewards of performing with United By Music. Its nice to be home, can't wait to go back!
Billy Watson 
Pictures of the TOUR made by Clint Cam
Clint Cam made pictures during our Tour, click on this button to view them all http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtnmac/collections/72157622326072268/
United by Music on TOUR
After Dublin we had our first performance in a Bluescafé in Apeldoorn. Jan Kerseboom, the owner of this bluescafé, welcomed us. The performance was amazing and succesfull. Click on the link below for some show details.
http://www.bluesmagazine.nl/candye-kane-laura-chavez-dani-wilde-united-by-music-concert-verslag-26-augustus-2009-bluescafe-apeldoorn
After the performance in Apeldoorn we went to Harlingen the next day. During the "' Visserij Dagen in Harlingen" we performed for a large audience. It was an open air concert. All artists perform their best. The audience was impressed and enjoyed it a lot!
Candye during a performance in Harlingen (open air)
Jerry Wish in action...
Our lovely dancer "Hayley"
Friday 28th of August we had a performance in Hoogvliet "Flamingo" Kees Hageman made "Flamingo" available for United by Music. It was a very nice evening. Candye Kane and Dani Wilde gave an amazing show and off course our artists were at their best. On Saturday 29th of August we were present during the Jazz Hilligersberg festival. Again a spectaculair performance and a unique location.
United by Music in Dublin
United by Music has made a great impression in Dublin during the 10t congress of Down Syndrome. During this congress we have given various workshops and an amazing performance at the Helix theatre. The members of the congress enjoyed United by Music. Early in the morning before the readings start the artists of United by Music gave all the members a flyer with time and date of our workshops and our performance in the Helix theatre. We also had a stand at the congress with all information about United by Music and what we are doing.
Joris and Marja Hodes explained the meaning of United by Music and Candye Kane told the visitors about the blues and her experience at United by Music. Together with Sue Palmer on the piano Candye Kane was singing the blues. After each workshop we ended with the United by Song. Everyone was singing and dancing. It was a great experience.
Our performance at the Helix theatre was really amazing. Candye Kane, Dani Wild and our Mc Hayley did the presentation. The audience loved the songs and every artist was awesome. The band of Candye Kane played amazing. Everyone enjoyed the show. Also read our newsletter about our experience in Dublin.
SUPERHERO Candye's latest cd
Superhero is the name of Candye Kane's 2009 release and it might also be a word that could easily be applied to her. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Feb. 2008, and through sheer orneriness, strength of character, lots of devoted friends, good medical treatment, and her just flat refusing to give up, she not only beat this exceedingly deadly cancer but also is here to tell/sing about it.
This woman has been a fighter all her life, championing gay and lesbian rights, large women, the porn industry, bikers, and all manner of other outsiders of the 'norm'. This might be her strongest and cohesive disc yet. Whatever the genre of song; blues, jump blues, rockabilly, barrelhouse, punk or a blending of any or all of those, she does it with every last bit of her considerable and beautiful self. She is empowered by a strong voice which she uses to belt, growl croon and shout out her songs. This disc contains 16 song, ten of which come from her pen and they display the anarchist spirit and humor which has gained her devoted fans because she was not afraid to speak her nimble, inquiring and mind about issues that mattered to her. But that aside this woman is a singer, she takes these songs and their subject matter that sometimes deviates from the standard fodder for songs, love or lack their of, heartache, or bad times, and turns it all around so that you come away from her shows, or discs, feeling enervated and refreshed.
She is aided on this disc by guitar-slinger Laura Chavez, Paul Loranger on bass, Evan Caleb (her son) on drums, and then there are assorted guests who show their support. Such as Dave Gonzales, baritone guitar, Kid Ramos, guitar, Greg Rutledge, piano and Hammond B-3, Jonny Viau, saxophone, and Stephen Hodges on drums and percussion. This disc is a celebration of all of life in all of its wonderful and glorious shades and hues and variations. This woman can use her voice with the best. Be it her songs, or one of the two gems here by Jack Tempchin (writer of songs as Peaceful Easy Feeling and Already Gone), Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed? and Till You Go Too Far, or the Willie Dixon classic, You Need Love, just put this on and let it rock your soul and open your mind.
Track List:
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Joris tells from the USA
The Waterfront Blues Fest started three days ago. Still one day to come, but the second and the third day were very special to me. Imagine: a festival were they play music the whole day at two different stages and one stage were people give interesting workshops about, for example, the history of the blues.
So I walked the whole day with a VIP card from one stage to another. I was allowed to sit next to the stages and to enjoy music from a lot of great bands I did not know. It was extraordinary that I could see the white haired Good Old Johnny Winter on stage, an old blues artist that will not stop making music any time soon.
Amanda (Barbara Hammerman’s daughter) and Barbara arranged a ticket for me for a cruise where Candye Kane would perform. Barbara introduced a lot of new people to me and Candye gave a great performance. A surprising meeting was the meeting with the Producer of Candyes new CD ‘Superhero’, Randy Chortkoff of Delta Groove Records. I did not know that Randy is also a good harp player and together with guest guitarist Dave Gonzalez (from the Paladins) he performed with Candye. Although I have seen Candye perform a lot of times before, the end of the act (with the two men) was an absolute climax. When we came back to the shore I took a little walk to the hotel, mailed and then it was almost 3.00 am.
It is broiling in Portland. Saturday it was even 93 degrees Fahrenheit! At 12.00 I started again and met Lady A, also known as Anit White. A beautiful dark woman with a great smile. Today she will call United by Music to the attention of the public today. Tomorrow she will perform.
Because of the heat I took another blues cruise and the air-conditioning definitely helped me cooling off, but through the warm sounds of Rick Estrin and the Nightcats I started sweating again.
Candye was early at the festival area, but she did not have to play until half past 7. Candye looked amazing and because of her new healthy way of life she is keeping her weight on a good level. She wore her stars and stripes suit specially on Independence Day and she sang the American anthem. It could not be more American! Her show was good and the audience was enthusiastic. After the performance I was brought to a tent (I could ride with Candye… woohoo as her bodyguard) where there was a long queue where people were waiting for an autograph on their new CD of our star. Candye also has new T-shirts and Ladies shirts with Super Hero on it. Afterwards I met Rick Estrin and Dave Gonzalez, a special moment to be so close to such big stars.
At 10.00 the fireworks started. Beautiful for a lover of fireworks and in the meanwhile I went to a party I was invited to. I could not get a drink anymore and after the fireworks the party was over…that was at 10.20. I expected a huge party, but the only party is that everyone goes home and because of that it as a big mess in the city; everyone goes to the fireworks by car. Another difference to the Dutch people. In the Netherlands you won’t see anyone before ten. At the last day I had a special and interesting lunch meeting. To be continued….
Joris
What is Joris doing in the USA?
On Friday the 26 of June Joris van Wijngaarden, founder of United by Music, flew to San Francisco. A journey with a very special meaning. Joris is looking for possibilities to start in the USA "United States friends" of United by M
usic. In the USA Joris has contact with Barbara Hammerman, she is introduced by Candye Kane.
Candye and Joris are especially excited to have had the guidance and support of Barbara Hammerman for this past year. Inaddition to receiving a 2009 keeping the Blues Alive award. Barbara is a 30 year professional in the field of organizational development and fundraising and is working with us on starting a US based Friends of United by Music. Information about this will be at blues festivals this year and on our website soon.
In the first week Barbara arranged a lot of meetings with possible interested people. One of the meetings took place during a performance of Candye Kane in the famous blues club Biscuits & Blues. A day later Candye also joined the meetings.
The next day Joris flew to Portland, where a big blues festival was held. The Safeway Waterfront Blues Fest will be held for 4 days and about 100.000 visitors are coming for this Blues Fest. It is really amazing. On 3 stages the best bands are playing and you can also take a trip with a Blues Cruise. These Blues Cruises will be sponsored by Delta Music Experience. Amanda Gresham (daughter of Barbara Hammerman) leads Delta Music Experience (www.deltamusicexperience.com) and she owns a Louisiana Pavilion with various art and a French Quarter. Amanda adopted United by Music, so we got a beautiful place in the Pavilion. In this Pavilion a lot of promo material of United by Music will be watched and a promo DVD will be screened.
Many famous bands are playing (www.waterfrontbluesfest.com) and there's much interest for United by Music. Friday Candye Kane will perform during a blues crews and the next day she will perform at the main stage. Candye Kane, as health as she is right now, got a great article in the Blues Revue. This article also contains information about United by Music and even Joris is named. An amazing picture of the artist of United by Music. This is the first step towards fame in the USA (also other countries in the world, because this magazine will be read worldwide).
Sujeet Desai Special Guest in Dublin
Sujeet Desai special guest in Dublin
United by Music will be at the 10th World Down Congress at Dublin.
From Cleveland (USA) a special guest Sujeet Desai will peform with Candye Kane. For more information www.sujeet.com
Hayley will be MC in Dublin
HayleyRehbock (SA) will beMC in Dublin.
From Cape Town Hayley Rehbock is coming. We met Hayley during the IASSID World Congress where she did the opening speech. We invited Hayley to join the artists of United by Musicfor two weeks during this tour. We are proud to have this lovely young lady with us and she will be the MC during the shows. Hayley is a big fan of United by Music and she promoted our concept to the visitors of the World Congress in Cape Town. Hayley lives in this beautiful South African city.
United by Music goes to Dublin
The United by M
usic tour 2009 starts in Ireland. The artists of United by Music will perform at the World Congress Down Syndrome in the Irish capital Dublin. Besides a performance, workshops will be given for the visitors of the world congress. The band of Candye Kane will be performing, but there will be a guest performance by Sujeet Desai (USA) as well, an extraordinary musical phenomenon.
The show at the world congress won’t be the only show, one or more shows will be given in the centre of Dublin.
United by Music Worldwide
Since one year Nanda Lourier, one of our volunteers at United by Music, moved to Singapore. Nanda got involved ever since the very beginning of United by Music and she is still supporting the project at the background. She is a helping hand with the translations of the English website and she supports Margareth with making and maintaining an international network. Last summer she travelled to the Netherlands to work at the tour 2008 and in August she was the first to fly to South Africa together with Therèse to do some research 
before the congress started.
“ I am involved in the project since the start and United by Music has become a big part of my life. I do not live in The Netherlands, but there are many ways to participate from Singapore. This project is in my heart. I enjoy it so much that our artists get more self confidence through the music, not only during the performances, but also in their daily life. That’s why I do this!”
Quotes
Bruce J. Tonge-Head Monash University in Australia
The project is an inspirational example of effective approaches to counter discrimination and meaningfully include people with disabilities into the community. It is also an excellent example of the therapeutic power of music when constructively used as an element of community participation. I will mention your project to the Organising Committee of our Australian ASSID Conference this November.
Dana Roth Ph.D. Director of Research & Evaluation
You were the high light of the conference and we have been telling about the group!
Marja Sirkkola from Finland
During the performance I could really feel the vibrations of empowerment around the performing group. I got a personal invitation to join the concert, which felt good. After the marvelous concert I took care that I got all those postcards with signatures which the artists were delivering among the audience. Nice souvenir and memory from that event. Blues is great!
Patricia Struthers - Assoc. Professor- Department of Physiotherapy University of the Western Cape from South Africa
I was inspired by the music and singing of the performers at the IASSID conference. Their joy and love for what they were singing shone through. People looked so beautiful in the costumes and it was fun seeing them in the convention centre before the performance making me want to come to see them perform. The fun everyone had, performers and audience united all of us in the experience. Thank you so much.
Jeanie Morgan- Towner Gardens School - MINDS from Singapore Iit was great meeting you at the IASSID Conference in Cape Town. I hope you had a wonderful time there -- I did! I thoroughly enjoyed United by Music's performances that evening and hope that the day will come soon when they are able to make good money selling their music.
United by Music in Cape Town
23 August 2008 a delegation of ‘United by Music’ members flew to South Africa to visit the World Congress IASSID. It was a big surprise what we could expect, but full of confidence we headed to Cape Town. After approximately 13 hours we landed and we were able to look back at a peaceful flight. We arrived in an amazing country and in a wonderful city. Cape Town has many influences of different countries. Within a few hours you can enjoy visiting the ‘big 5’ surrounded by mountains. Very famous ‘Stellenbosch’ is only one hour from Cape Town. There you can enjoy many wineries with a scenery where you think you are in green England. An absolute recommendation is visiting the townships where you will learn the interesting history of the ‘Apartheid’ and where you can still see the life style of millions of African people. We all visited Cape Point and Bourders, a penguin beach. Some of us had the luck to even spot some whales.
After all the sight-seeing it was time to prepare ourselves for the congress. Therèse and Nanda had arrived a few days earlier than the rest to try to arrange and organise some things in front. Not without success. They mostly researched how the week could be filled at the congress and if there would be possibilities for other performances outside the congress. Candye and her band members were the last to arrive. We were finally complete!
At the congress we arranged a stand. During the opening of the congress our artists were singing, so that all the visitors started to wonder who they were. Our stand was situated in the Ballroom where everyone gathered during lunch and in between workshops and presentations. During the rest of the week our artists constantly handed out flyers. We also had two big television screens presenting our documentary. Both the crew and the artists spoke with the many people visiting the congress.
Many people walked to our stand and were very interesting in our project. We got the opportunity to present our project during two workshops. Joris started the workshop by telling about the beginning of the project. Candye talked about blues music and how music can be used as an integrated project. She also performed, singing two songs, guided by Sue Palmer on the piano. Finally Nanda interviewed the artists and gave the public the opportunity to ask questions. It was fantastic to see that we were telling the world what we did! We were all united and at the end everyone was singing the ‘United by Music’ song.
At the end of the congress we presented our show! It was a success. The Ballroom had not been this busy the whole week! Scientists, professors, doctors were all swinging and singing. We were very proud to share our music with everyone on the congress. We still cannot believe we were singing in South Africa, Cape Town during a world congress.
Last goal of our stay in Cape Town was to perform outside the congress. We were able to use the amphitheatre on Friday evening at Waterfront. Waterfront is one of the main tourist places where you can eat, shop and walk around. We were aloud to perform under the only condition that it should not rain. Candye started her performance. Jerry Wish (Cor) followed and when Princess (Mylene) started her lines with “it should be raining”…. the rain came heavenly out of the African sky. That was a disappointment as we had to cancel the concert. Still we look back with a proud feeling with all we achieved in one week. We did it! …… All together…
Interview with Joris van Wijngaarden
Joris van Wijngaarden is chairman of the foundation United by Music.
What is your involvement in United by Music?
A few years ago I started thinking about doing more with people with an intellectual disability. I have been working a long time of my life in the care of the disabled, but I didn’t work directly with the people. At that time I became friends with Candye Kane, Blues singer in San Diego. This friendship eventually led to touring around with people with an intellectual disability. We travelled around The Netherlands and Belgium for a month during our tour this summer.
Candye and I chose the music genre. Since this year we have our own song, 'United by Music',written by Candye Kane.
What kind of Music do you play?
We mainly play the blues, which ever since earlier days represent the Music of disadvantaged groups. In a way people with an intellectual disability walk the same line. They have difficulties integrating in the society. This succeeds better and faster by making Music. They gain more confidence. I think it is terrific that they walk at this congress talking to other people in English!
What is the reason of visiting the congress?
It is a pleasure to spread the joy and success we had in the Netherlands to many other places. You can compare it with the Olympic thought.
When will this congress be successful for you?
If we inspired other people. In advance I thought it would be hard to reach scientists. Glynis Murphy sent us a positive mail telling us we were very welcome. At that point we did not know what we could do at the congress. Now we are very busy promoting our activities here. We hope that the people get so inspired that they are thinking about us on their way back in the plane. And hopefully they get inspired to work with us!
We get a lot of ideas at this congress. We think about finishing the congress with a music festival.
How is it for the members of United by Music to be in South Africa?
They love it. We have to arrange and organise things for them. They are people with a disability, but thinking without restrictions is the secret. We learn them to be more independent and to use certain skills. They have to work with us.
What did the congress gave you up till now?
Only positive reactions. We tried to build up the excitement. We did not bring many materials as we didn’t know what to expect in front. Now we are planning to do two workshops and hand out 200 shirts. Besides we perform Thursday afternoon.
How do you feel about the atmosphere at the congress?
I really appreciated the openings reception. Participants seem to be very interested in the members of United by Music. They approach each other very easily. That makes the atmosphere pleasant. I enjoy it very much.
United by Music to Cape Town
From 23th of August till 30th of August United by Music is invited at the worldcongress Iassid in Cape Town (South Africa).
Programme in Cape Town
United by Music will organise different activities during the world congress. On the programme is a lunch meeting, a workshop, live performances as amusement, presenting the documentary “invisible walls” and live performances in hotels where the congress visitors are staying. In Cape Town will United by Music also perform in the normal clubs. Also a unique chance for a cultural capital of South Africa. Who are going to Cape Town?
Fivesome artists are in luck of travelling to this city under the Table mountain. Last weeks they performed daily and the artists are Arthur de Kort (Ridderkerk), Pascal van der Hoorn (Almere), Mylene van den Berg (Gouda), Danitsa van Son (Sliedrecht) and Cor Reek (Rotterdam). For them this is a dream come true.
Off course they will be accompanied by professionals, mostly by employees of ASVZ and some volunteers. There is also someone with an intellectual disability in the crew for the sound. This is Ovidiu van den Berg (Sliedrecht) who lives at the Merwebolder.
Candye Kane is coming with a smaller band. She is coming with the pianist Sue Palmer and with Evan Caleb, Laura Chavez and Paul Loranger.
What will we show?
We want to show the experts on people with an intellectual disability that with the idea of United by Music the behaviour, the contact and the well-being of the special needs kids can improve. The artists are involved in the music spectacle for almost three years now. They have to practise every week and they are getting individual singing classes and guidance. They sing the blues and that is not what they are used to. They need to give their everything to reach something. But when they do that, they will get the chance to really be on stage with a good live band. A unique chance to show the experts of the whole world what we are doing and we will try to inspire them to join this formula.
Financial support essential
A unique chance that we, as a non profit establishment, do not want to let go. Fortunately a part of the inputs are already gathered by sponsors that show with their support that they are socially involved with the initiative. The foundation management has to work hard to gather the lasts Euros or African Rands, but they hope for enough enthusiastic support.
The journey can be followed at the website www.unitedbymusic.eu where you can also watch more than 1000 pictures of the last tour.
Tour 2008 United by Music final word Joris van Wijngaarden
Victory Tour 2008 with “ Tears of joy and love”
The tour 2008 is over and with much pride, I went to bed last night. I tried to make a short summary of all we experienced but I could not go further than, “it was so great!” I needed to sleep and that was a good sign.
The next morning I woke up with a strange feeling. Of course we still have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks, but for the first time for a month there was no show on the horizon. The tour has ended. The trap cases and soundboards have all been packed away. The sound crew and volunteers have gone back home. We are finished and now, I have the time to look back. My proud feelings grow even more. Let me revisit the highlights and victories;
All the shows were amazing! The supporting program grew to a higher level this year and the artists changed from insecure performers to singers with a lot of confidence, impressing every audience and our band of professional musicians. Our UBM instrumentalists; Jan, Johan, Anet, Virgil and Petra became part of Candye’s band. We had beautiful dancers, Kwam, Ms Phoebe and Dutch Lady. Together with our great vocalists, Lady Angel, Princess, Mireille, J.A. Grace, Dutch Boy, Shorty, Jerry Wish, Robbie Boy and Fernando, they showed their talent and proved why they were chosen for the United by Music tour. It is a big Victory march after a year of hard work and preparation. At the final show, Big Rivers in Dordrecht, many people surrounded the stage, listened to the music and wondered who all these great artists could be. It was YOU they were talking about and you they clapped for! United by Music may be unknown but in every town, we were definitely appreciated and loved. The audience was captivated by the high quality on stage and that was exactly what we wanted to achieve. We showed them what we do best!
But there was another person outshining herself. The last few years, we have grown to love Candye Kane from San Diego, California. Since February, I contacted her daily to keep myself informed about her progress. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and we were all worried about her health. Our UBM artists were especially worried because they counted on their coach for inspiration and guidance. The good news was that the tumour was operable. She had a heavy, 9 hour operation in April and afterwards, her long recovery started. My visit to her in May gave me confidence. I could see with my own eyes that she was fighting to get back and get healthy again. She lost more than 30 kilo’s (to be honest I was jealous) and together with Suze, we walked through San Diego. Not too much walking with lots of resting in between, but walking with the definite feeling that it is going to work! I flew back full of confidence and I hoped I had supported her to keep on going. Our strong woman did it and we got back to work. The flights were booked and the publicity campaign started. Read about her battle with cancer in in her own words www.myspace.com\candyekaneband.
Our first highlight was Schiphol, where we had a big welcome party. Not since the Beatles landed in 1966, had Schiphol seen such a big welcome committee. There were tears of joy as we were reunited and said, “Hello” to our old friend Candye, and tears of joy when we said, “Goodbye” one month later. I will not discuss every show but I will mention some highlights for me:
Rock for Specials: in Belgium. You must see it to believe it! The festival was packed with an enthusiastic crowd of about 3.500 people. To experience this in the beginning of the tour was amazing for our artists. A victory for United by Music as this was the first time in 12 seasons that people with a disability were allowed to perform.
Porgy and Bess: we were honored to play in this 50 year plus bluesclub in Terneuzen. Porgy and Bess is a legend amongst blues musicians all over the world.
Spiegeltent in Gouda: Perhaps the most unique location of this tour and a fantastic show. One of the highlights of the evening was a great performance of J.A. Grace and Billy Watson, singing Hit the Road Jack.
Sliedrecht: We had many spontaneous visitors for the show and many extra clients working as volunteers. Despite the rain, we presented a real festival in my hometown.
Hooischuur in Rotterdam, What an experience to play amongst the hay where a peacock was still brooding.
Bosvreugd in Tilburg: a fantastic atmosphere and a “normal” public that enjoyed this open air festival.
Prinsestheater in Delfshaven: a great party with all the artists on stage and all of our sponsors present. There was beautiful sound and wonderful performances with an appearance by almost all of our artists.
Big Rivers with United by Music: many people enjoyed the 1.5 hour of the show with our artists and the Candye Kane band. Even at the end of the show when it started to rain, the crowd stayed put, under the safety of their umbrellas, and enjoyed listening to our talented singers.
Big Rivers with Candye Kane: for the first time since her operation she performed a full 90-minute set, onstage. There was a tremendous finale with the United by Music artists and a wild crowd, buying all our merchandise after the show.
Of course, all the other shows: L’Esprit, Biezenmortel, Ridderkerk, Beernem, Nieuw Wehl, Golden Tulip Hotel Branche, Hoogvliet, Noordwijk, Losser, Beverwijk, Almere, Rolde and Leerdam were great as well, presenting a big party on stage every time.
Another beautiful moment was when Candye spontaneously invited Johan Boekhout to replace Evan onstage in Almere. Our Johan played like he never did before. One night, Jo Anne got really angry and upset but as a professional artist she climbed on stage and performed her songs anyway. Candye had a great duet with Fernando on Hit the road Jack in Almere and every night, Danitza did a great job with the booming horn section on Tall Skinny Papa (my favourite). Jerry Wish started performing quietly but by the end of the shows, he danced so crazily that he could hardly breathe afterwards. Jo Anne handed over the lovely painting she made to Candye. Sue Palmer played the piano alongside our own Anet. And during Big Rivers many people started to cry, even people in the audience; as they witnessed the love and emotion evident between all of the people involved in our UBM celebration.
Inner Simplicity, de Bent and Kaba took care of the great performances before the main act started. I want to thank you all for the successful shows and for being a part of this important group effort.
Last Friday there was another amazing moment. I was so proud as we recorded four songs with our artists in a professional recording studio, The Van studio in Spakenburg. What a wonderful moment to see all the musicians working together to make the best background music possible for our artists. Who could have dreamt of our own cd “ United by Music “ showcasing our own theme song written by Candye Kane, herself!! Soon it will be a reality!
After the recording time we had a relaxing after party at the Merwebolder. We enjoyed listening to a terrific speech of Mireille and two moving poems of “tall” Jan. It was an evening with thank you’s, gifts and many tears and kisses. It was hard to say goodbye as many people connected and re-connected during the tour. We really became a family over the four-week tour and it was bittersweet to see it end.
But it is over. Of course we have things to improve but as amateurs we have outdone ourselves by doing our best work and presenting a professional organisation to the public. Almost everything has been done from the “heart” and that is why I am so thankful to all our volunteers. Only with the warmth of your hearts, could we do this. It would be impossible to accomplish a project of this magnitude without everyone’s hard work and complete devotion.
Consider the stage crew just for a moment. Think about the stage lights and building all the lighting elements that make our stage look so professional night after night. They are the first ones to arrive and they are the last to leave. There is hardly any time for resting and relaxing. Unfortunately, there was an issue between one of the sound guys and me. It is never the intention to hurt someone or even to burn a bridge with someone, but sometimes there is too much tension and a break is inevitable. I will do my best to restore it and undo the damage in the coming period.
Another challenge for the organisation was when one of the team leaders decided to keep one of our UBM artists at home resulting in them missing three shows. Our goal of respect and emancipation was thwarted by this action. We try to run the tour as normally as possible, like a real theatre group, but not everyone shares this goal. A possible suggestion for improvement would be to convince the staff that the clients should make the final decision on whether or not they will join the shows. We have incidents where some of the staff are occasionally traveling for as much as an hour with big groups, because they do not want to miss a single show. This is the kind of dedication we love to see. I would recommend that every caretaker visit the Rock voor Specials festival in Belgium next year. This is definitely a victory party for all people with an intellectual disability and all who love and support them.
I will not mention every single name of every person who assisted us, because I will probably forget to mention members of the daily crew or the “short term” volunteers or the local organisations who had their own pool of volunteers. So let me just give a big, heartfelt THANKS to you all! It was an unforgettable, super, super, super triumph - A brilliant victory- especially since many people say that nowadays it is hard to get volunteers. I dare to say: it is not true!! There will always be people who are willing to help from their heart and those are very welcome at UNITED BY MUSIC.
We want to connect and inspire. Now is the time to evaluate and to look forward. I know for certain that this tour was too good to stop the momentum! Again, many thanks to everyone who helped with the success of this unforgettable tour; Candye, Sue, Dani, Johnny, Laura, Evan, Paul, Harm, Robbie, Billy and Tommy -thanks for the great musical support! And finally, thanks to Heather who during her birthday became the first foreign volunteer of United by Music. Heather came all the way from Oceanside, California to care for Candye and coached many others as well.
I started to mention people by name and I promised not to do it! It is time to stop now.
Thanks again, and I will finish with this motto:
“If there is a will, there is a way to achieve it.”
Joris
Artist Shorty (Arthur de Kort) interviews artists and crew during the tour
Hereby a short resume of the interviews by Shorty
Jerry Wish (Cor Reek);
Jerry Wish was impressed by the good performances during Rock for Specials. He thought the stage was amazing and that there were so many people. “The adrenalin starts running through your veins.” Until then it was one of his highlights as he was able to sing for a big crowd and everyone was screaming for him. In the beginning he had problems with performing the bluesy elvis songs. He had to get used to the music. Eventually, it was a big success and that was fantastic for him.
Princess Mylene (Mylene v.d. Berg)
Princess told me that during the tour she sang original songs of Candye’s; It should be raining and Dance Hall Girls. She is 23 years old and in her personal life, she loves to sing as well. For her it was very special that Candye came over to sing with the artists of United by Music. She also loved Rock Voor Specials. According to her it was amazing to sing for so many people.
Miss Phoebe (Michel Wolleswinkel)
Miss Phoebe dances in the shows. He told me that he always dances spontaneously by feeling the music. It was very hard for him to get used to performing every day, because you are away more than you are at home. But he would like to start dancing as his profession. As many others he loved performing on Rock Voor Specials as it is so much different than performing at smaller locations. He will dance at 16 shows and during the interview he had done 5 of them already. In Belgium, things went differently than he planned. But anyway, they had to go on and the next day he had already forgotten what made him uncomfortable, prior. It was strange to get used to being so close to the crowd. The best moment for him was in Amersfoort because he danced while Lady Angel was performing. He loved Candye as she coached him and talked to him before the shows.
Peter Berkenbosch (care taker)
Guiding is a bit heavy as his regular work at the office came to a stand still and during the tour he was working almost day and night to get the artists at the shows in time and bring them home again. The atmosphere in the bus was very good. “During a tour like this you have to be flexible and sometimes we really had problems with the clients. I was asked by Joris to bring the artists to the locations and guide them wherever possible. The performances are more than great! You see the artists grow in the music. The atmosphere amongst the artists is also good and there is a lot of respect for each other. However, things do not always go as agreed and then, it is our task to handle things so we can move on. Together with Joris, we try to handle things as well as possible.” Peter likes the way Candye hangs around with the clients and how the clients react on her. “ I had to get used to finding a good routine to be at the shows at the right time. Sometimes this presents problems like heavy traffic on the roads. We try to manage that as well as possible. Everyone has one contact point and we had to adjust ourselves to that. We need the sponsors to realise this project. People with a disability can be as good as famous artists. It is our goal to reintegrate people with a disability. The artists themselves work hard as well to promote United by Music.”
Nanda (Band leader Candye Kane)
Nanda told me that she is overwhelmed by the idea that this tour already has been improved after two years. “It is so cool to see the artists on stage and this gives a lot of energy and balance.” She sees people onstage with a talent and she does not see people with a disability. “To be an artist means mostly a heavy life. By selecting artists we search for talented people and of course we take into account that they can cope with the heavy program and long days without misusing the selection procedure. Touring for a month is a long time. It is important you can support each other well during that time. The formula is a success because the people who are ultimately chosen to perform all have talents and that is why we have to continue this formula. It is our goal to show the crowd that our artists are good with or without a disability. During the tour I guide the Candye Kane band by taking care of their needs, making sure we are on time at the shows, informing them of details and changes, confirming the hotel visits, taking care of the right equipment needed and of course by arranging their food. Everyone has his own tasks, but together we have made it a success. Everyone works real hard.”
Music Spectacle 5 July Sliedrecht
Sliedrecht – The 5th of July there was a party at the location Merwebolder from ASVZ. United by Music was there. It was a big party with many shining faces that day. The festival started early. Besides the great music, one could enjoy the lovely and diverse market. Van Wijngaarden Sr; sold his antique clockworks and there were many other things to do that day. Many people came and went. We counted more than 3000 visitors.
The performances started with DUH, The Drum band from Hoogvliet. They were also there during the previous tour and were there, welcoming Candye at Schiphol. The mayor of Sliedrecht – Mr Boevee – opened the festival with many balloons. On stage were many artists like Sarah, Rapper SLD, Otto Cuss and Tiziana. All these artists were guided by Kaba and friends, The Bent and Inner Simplicity. In between these performances Hind - our Dutch representative of the last Song festival - and Duo Lange Frans and Baas B. – our famous Dutch rappers – were performing as well! These famous artists also asked some clients on stage. Mylene van de Berg (Princess) was invited by Hind to sing a duet with her. And it is up to us to decide who had the best voice…..!
In between the shows visitors were able to play chess against The Lion or eat a snack at Benny’s. They could also play games to win nice prizes. From 15:30 pm on it was time for the big work; The United by Music Show. You had to be there to witness it! All of the UBM artists were performing with Candye’s Band at the same time. J.A. Grace and Billy rocked onstage with “Hit the road Jack.” Jerry Wish will never sing Dutch songs again, since his renditions of Elvis songs were a pure joy to listen to. Lady Angel touched many visitors with her charming performance and her sparkling voice. And the visitors know from now on that our big artist, Shorty is “just a gigolo” onstage. The highlight of the show was the performance of Candye and all her United by Music friends. They all sang a hole in the sky as it started raining heavily. But nobody left the scene and everyone was able to see Candye Kane singing some songs of her repertoire. And this is how this beautiful day ended as we demonstrated the formula of the tour. Our artists showed their talent and shined as true professionals. That is more than impressive.
Bassist Paul Loranger on flickr
The friendly and cool playing Bassist Paul Loranger made a report of the tour United by Music in his own way. The next site is full of unique pictures; http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauldebass
United by Music and Candye Kane on Radio Ridderkerk
United by Music and Candye Kane visited Radio Ridderkerk. During the great show in Ridderkerk, Nico Bravenboer from blues program Bluezy, interviewed Arthur de Kort, known as Shorty, Joris van Wijngaarden and Candye Kane. This report was broadcasted Thursday 26 June from 20:00 till 21:00 at Bluezey 105.7 fm or 107.1 fm. The interview will also be available on internet www.bluezy.nl.
Special Guest Harm van Sleen
Dur
ing the first workshop in January we asked Harm van Sleen, a musical centipede, to play the piano. Candye and Harm helped the artists to choose the right songs and keys, that would suit their voice. The cooperation continued. Harm had a lot of affinity with our artists and practised every Monday evening with them in Lombardijen. He guided the other workshop as well, sometimes on the piano but also on the bass. Harms life is dedicated to music. You can see his site www.harmvansleen.nl. During the tour Harm performs with the band of Candye Kane and he will be the intermediate between the artists and the band. Together with Candye he will coach the artists.
Special Guest Dani Wilde
Although Candye’s recovery goes better than expected, we still choose to expand the band with a special guest from England. She is in her early twenties but plays the blues since she was only fourteen. Inspired by female blues guitarists Deborah Coleman, Sue Foley and Susan Tedeschi, Dani started singing the blues very young. She is very proud at her debut album ‘Heal my Blues’ which was released last year. Shortly after this highlight she was invited to join the Blues Caravan 2008. The Blues Caravan is the brainchild of Thomas Ruf who owns RUF records. During the Caravan he puts three big artists on stage. With the Blues Caravan Dani Wilde started to perform internationally. She had the privilege to work with two blues giants Candye Kane and Deborah Coleman. For more information see. www.daniwilde.com
Candye Kane welcome at Schiphol
Friday 20th June we welcomed Candye Kane and her band at Schiphol with more than 200 people. It was a giant event. The drum band from Hoogvliet (DUH) made certain that everyone at Schiphol knew we were present. Everyone sang the song “United by Music” when Candye arrived in the arrival hall. AT5 broadcasted the whole event. You can look at this site for the report.
Workshop nr. 4
Sunday 8th June workshop number 4 will start. The artists will practice their performances this day and in about three weeks, the tour will start. The workshop starts at 11 am and will be finished at around 4 pm. The workshop is at the ARK (Merwebolder).
United by Music visits GIEL
Friday 6 June 2008, between 6 am and 8 am everyone should have listened to 3 FM on the radio. United by Music was invited to the famous and popular radio program GIEL. This meant that Danitsa van Son (Lady Angel) and Arthur de Kort (Shorty) had to wake up very early. They both joined the previous tour (2005) and they were able to talk about their experiences and their future expectations. The next tour starts 20 June 2008 with many shows spread out over one month.
Danitsa meets State Secretary Jet Bussemaker
Our State Secretary Jet Bussemaker visited the Carante Group . She wanted to get in touch with the care system, so after two short speeches of Wim Kos (Chairman of the Board of Directors) and Hanneke Kooiman (Director Care Development) she got a guided tour in the beautiful restored windmill in Nieuwerkerk a/d IJssel.
Clients were busy working on the ASVZ Ship Res Nova to get it in the old and perfect shape. Jet Bussemaker also visited the bakery. The windmill with the tea garden is worth while a visit for everyone. Danitsa from United by Music was present and started an animated conversation with Jet Bussemaker. She was very interested in hearing the experiences and impressions of Danitsa, who has been part of the United by Music tour since its inception.
Our beautifully dressed Danitsa spoke passionately about her dreams and about realising part of her dream…. becoming a singer.
She asked Jet to organise a party within the VWS and then advised her to invite artists of United by Music to sing. Jet Bussemaker also got an invitation to visit one of the coming shows of the tour.
Our Lady Angel presented Ms. Bussemaker with a gift her photo fan card, the dvd and our beautiful photo book.
Besides CDA politician Jan de Vries, who really appreciates our concept, our fan base within political Den Haag is growing.
(photo's: Liesbeth Dinnissen)
Publicity campaign starts
The printed truck, the placement of the banners and the distribution of the posters are all signs that the publicity campaign has been launched.
In the coming weeks, newspapers articles will be published and end of June 160.000 door to door papers will be distributed all around the show locations.
Along the Blues Highway 61
During a holiday trip in the deep South of the USA, Joris van Wijngaarden visited the historic Blues Highway 61. Joris was thrilled to realize his own dream of visiting the heart and birthplace of the blues. The Blues Highway is a beautiful road from New Orleans to Chicago, still lined with the cotton fields and plantations of Mississippi that gave birth to the blues. This was the highway where countless blues musicians and freed slaves hitchhiked or walked their way to their next adventure, many risking their very lives at a time of segregation and oppression for people of color. Joris stayed in an authentic plantation and visited the home of the blues in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Robert Johnson, Memphis Minnie, Son House and Leadbelly traveled these roads, now dotted with historic markers showing their journeys. Joris also made time to visit the west coast where Candye Kane was recovering from a nine hour operation for pancreatic cancer. After a week Candye was released from the hospital to recover at home.
She recovered surprisingly well and is excited to return to the Netherlands for the United by Music Tour. Every day is a bit better, although it goes step by step. United by Music will be her come back tour. Friday 20th June she hopes to arrive at Schiphol guided by her band.
United by Music Workshop a great success again!
SLIEDRECHT – In June 2008 United by Music starts with the tour 2008. Over the last year many auditions took place to select the best artists. Finally about 20 singers, guitarists, drummers and dancers will join the tour this summer, which include 20 performances.
The organization of United by Music initiated a broad program to prepare the artists in a professional way. Rehearsals, Photo sessions and blues education workshops were all planned to help our artists rise to their challenge. For example; workshops with professional artists who guide the United by Music participants are part of this program. After the workshop in January, the artists advanced to their second trial session last Friday 28 March.
The workshop started with a big disappointment. Organizer Joris van Wijngaarden had to tell the 20 artists that their biggest source of inspiration, the American Blues singer Candye Kane, could not join the workshop because of a cancer diagnosis. After a moment of silence the artists decided it best to work even harder to make the tour a big success. One of the other reasons to work hard this day was to cheer up their friend and mentor, Miss Kane.
Subsequently, a flurry of activity started on different stages. Harm van Sleen, who was by Candyes side during the January workshop phase of United by Music, guided the artists on his keyboard and helped them rehearse their songs. Every single artist got advice on his or her song and received homework to continue practicing at home.
After the rehearsals, they were ready to perform their songs on stage, guided by Blues artist Robert Smith, Inner Simplicity and the Bent. They did all this in front of a big audience, namely their escorts, family and the UBM crew. Part of our United by Music strategy is to provide a professional head shot for each artist. The artists receive a beautiful hairstyle and professional make up after which they participate in a professional photo session. The pictures will be used for the site of UBM and the tour publicity, but also as collectible autograph cards for each artist to hand out to the audience after a performance.
The dancers had a dance session with Margareth Kamermans, who gave them some dancing advice.
At the end of the day all artists were interviewed. Most of the questions were answered with a lot of success stories and most of the artists were very excited to take part in the coming tour. Some mentioned how honoured they felt to participate and were glad to be acknowledged as normal people with many talents. The interviews will be published at the new site of United by Music. At this site every artists will get their own page. The interviews will also be published in the tour papers. These papers will come out just before the tour 2008 starts.
Last but not least, every artist was gifted with the new Tour t-shirt.
If United by Music is successful, it will be cause for celebrations in The Netherlands and in Belgium. The artists will hopefully become famous Dutch people because of their talents and not because of their disabilities!