Page 95 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2018

other and work collectively to build abilities, have fun and
entertain the general public. It is a program to help these
artists develop their talents and musical careers where there
are few other outlets.
Gresham, who serves as UBMNA’s producing artistic
director explains, “In United by Music, we imagine a world
where these differences are celebrated and musical talent is
encouraged to soar to the highest levels possible for each
individual. On stages from Memphis, to St. Louis, to Lexington,
Portland, Tacoma to Seattle our unified band is challenging
assumptions and providing entertainment.”
Based in Portland, OR, Hammerman and Gresham
collaborate selected artists, mentors and supporters across
America to make this program a reality. Gresham and Music
Director Dave Fleschner work with band members and other
UBMNA mentors – both resident mentors and pro musicians
traveling through town – in weekly rehearsals to create
performance shows to play at festivals and events.
Why blues music? As Hammerman observes, “Many of
the original blues men and women came from historically
chanceless populations. Much like those with developmental
challenges and delays today, these groups have not been
included and have had limits placed upon them merely
because of their circumstance.”
The UBMNA band has played at festivals, clubs, private
and corporate events across the country. They were even
invited to perform on Beale Street during the 2017 and 2018
International Blue Challenges. The band will also perform
at the U.S.A Games for Special Olympics this summer in
Seattle, WA.

In their own words…

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Guitar and vocals
“Blues and United by Music helps some of us who have
special needs to cope with it. When we are on stage, we
just forget about it because we’re having a lot of fun.
I turn into a big bold person that just wants to show
people what he can do.”

Jessica Raz
Vocalist
“My dream is to make music all over the world. United by
Music has helped me to make that dream a reality.”

Nick Baker
Piano and vocals
“When I am on stage with United by Music,
I am completely part of something bigger. Many
individuals who are disabled are ABLE to come
together and perform with each other.”

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