Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

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 “The Americans with Disabilities Act celebrates 25 years of removing barriers and empowering people.”

United by Music North America is honored to be participating in activities and events celebrating this historic legislation which has advanced equal access throughout the country.
We at United by Music have turned to the power of music to provide performance opportunities for musically talented people to soar in their many ABILITIES!
We’ve had a busy October! In addition to three shows at clubs from Seattle to Portland playing on bills with United by Music supporter Karen Lovely,  a special private employee event at a major Seattle corporation,  a private house party featuring national touring artists Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, a performance with United by Music mentors Julianne R. Johnson and Michael Allen Harrison at the annual support dinner for L’Arche of Portland,  our artists are scheduled to be the entertainment at a National Dis-ABILITY Awareness month at the campus of University of Washington – Tacoma.  During this free lunchtime special event on Wednesday, Oct 28th we will be participating in a Community Resource Fair inside William W. Philip Hall (WPH). Easy parking on Commerce near 21st Street, downtown Tacoma.
University of Washington-Tacoma’s Heather Ruiter has put together a fabulous event with over 15 area organizations coming together to share information about their services and activities. United by Music artists, backed by our mentors in a Pacific Northwest favorite band, Junkyard Jane will be playing several times during this event. See this link for a list of those organizations and details about the location on campus for the 12 Noon to 1:30PM FREE event.
What a treat!  During the first week in October, the Pacific Northwest enjoyed a visit from our United by Music CEO and Founder,
Joris van Wijngaarden, and United by Music Foundation board member, Therese vd Berg.  They met all of our artists from Edmonds to Seattle to Tacoma to Portland & Eugene and our professional mentors who work every week with Amanda Gresham, United by Music North America producing director and co-founder, to coordinate the performances for our appearances.  Joris and Therese visited with new friends and saw many who have come to know them over the years of our work together to bring their original program from The Netherlands to North America.
A big announcement:   During our Pacific Northwest tour and performances, Joris made the announcement of his invitation for several of our most experienced and long-time artists to participate in a week of performances and activities in The Netherlands celebrating the 10th Anniversary Jubilee of United by Music in Europe.   Your donation at this time to support our program and our artists to participate in this unique opportunity is greatly appreciated.  Click on the DONATE button to easily make your contribution!    Also! Our artists can use your unused airline miles. You can participate in our Miles for Smiles program with your contribution! Contact me at Barbara@UBMNA.org to find out how easy this can be!
It was a big day for me and United by Music October 19th! While on a visit in my home state of Louisiana, I was connected by United by Music friend and supporter, Julie Jenkins, with New Orleans’ most famous radio station, WWOZ. Julie suggested to long time on air personality, Ms. Maryse Dejean that she might like to bring me on her show for a discussion about United by Music.  She called. We talked. And by that afternoon, I was on the air at www.WWOZ.org, live from the French Quarter!  Amazing!  We had a fabulous time over the course of a full half hour of discussion, including the wonderful people who called in to say “We want this program in New Orleans!”  
Much appreciation to our hosts and sponsors during the past few months for hosting rehearsals, providing snacks and meals at rehearsals, and support in performance opportunities.  Allstar Guitar & Music Academy, Highway 99 Blues Club, B Sharp Coffee House, O’Connor’s Pub, The Lehrer Pub & Eatery, F5 Networks, Mighty Mouth Entertainment, Dave Corry Photography, Corrales Creative, Lavine LTC, Wurlitzer Manor Properties, Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers and Delta Music Experience.
Our continued appreciation to our volunteers, professional musician mentors led by Dave Fleschner, and especially to our artist caretakers and parents who are all critical to growing United by Music North America so that we can engage ever more people in transforming lives through music!
Who do YOU know who might want to be a performing musician, volunteer or donor for United by Music? 
Join us on Facebook and return to this website often to keep up with activities and news!
Look forward to hearing from you.
Barbara Hammerman, President & Co-founder                            
Amanda Gresham, Producing Director & Co-founder
United by Music North America
Barbara@UBMNA.org   

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