By David-Elijah Nahmod
Blind and low vision musicians from as far away as Australia along with numerous performers from the U.S. will participate in WhiteStickFest, an online celebration on October 15, 2021, which is International White Cane Day. White Cane Day is an annual commemoration of the achievements of blind and low vision individuals, and of that important symbol of blindness, the white cane, which is a tool of independence for the blind and visually impaired community. The event is a co-production of Platinum Cre8ive and Vision Australia Radio. Platinum Cre8tive works with artists and bands to help them find and develop their unique musical voice and present it to the world, with an emphasis on creative people with disabilities. Vision Australia incorporates ten radio stations that offer a wide range of programming services for the blind. WhiteStickFest is sponsored by tour operator Cocky Guides, which specializes in presenting destinations for blind, low vision and deaf travelers. Also sponsoring the event is Oleb Books — a disability publishing house.
WhiteStickFest Performer: Diane Schuur
WhiteStickFest will offer a diverse array of performers, including Diane Schuur, a Grammy-winning jazz singer and pianist. Schuur tells the Disability Tribune that the white cane represents for her a freedom she would not otherwise have.
“So in celebrating International White Cane Day, I believe we celebrate freedom for those with vision impairment,” she said. “And by celebration, I mean that it is important to acknowledge and celebrate our special abilities, each and every one of us.”
Schuur has always been drawn to music and cites jazz legend Dinah Washington as a major influence. Blind since birth, Schuur found comfort in singing when she was a child. Her musical career has taken her to the heights of the jazz world and includes performing at venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as numerous appearances on television. She has worked with Ray Charles and The Count Basie Orchestra.
“I believe that my lack of vision enhanced my other senses, which play such an important role in performance,” Schuur said. “My hearing and my sense of rhythm is what I rely upon for music and in my world in general. I am so grateful that my parents encouraged my music and that I was able to take piano lessons at the Washington State School for the Blind. I will forever be a student and still take vocal lessons on a regular basis. Having my inspiration supported by others, particularly as a young person, propelled me along my path.”
Schuur wants people to know that in spite of her disability, she remains an independent person. She lives alone with her Blue Point Persian cat Puss Puss, and is able to work and manage her needs.
“I put a focus on the gifts I was given, including a strong memory, and have gratitude for a beautiful Earth and the people I share it with,” she said. “I use song to express myself creatively. There is a special feeling and experience I receive when leading a band and that is a deep-seated joy I wish to share with those in the audience. I may not be able to see their smiles, but I can feel their loving response and understanding in my heart.”
Schuur said she’s really excited about the music she’ll be sharing during the WhiteStickFest. She enjoys singing with a large group of musicians and recently recorded a song with a big band, which will be her piece in the WhiteStickFest. The whole idea of the Fest appeals to her. She likes the concept of spreading the word around the globe about who the blind are and who she is.
“My white cane, which I nicknamed Ponchita, has taken me to many places and allowed me to walk with confidence,” she said. “I have a nickname for many people and things, always given as a sign of affection. Go, Ponchita!”
WhiteStickFest Performer: Shayy Winn
Also performing in the WhiteStickFest is Shayy Winn, a contestant on season 17 of “American Idol.” Shayy is an R&B singer who possesses a powerful voice.
“To me, International White Cane Day means a celebration of my confidence and my journey,” Shayy said.
Shayy admits that she was nervous when she performed on “American Idol.” “But the feedback and response I received from people all over the world was amazing,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Shayy, who exudes confidence, does not consider herself disabled. “I hope the audience will realize that having a white cane is not a disability,” she said. “It means we have a different ability.”
WhiteStickFest Performer: Mac Potts
Mac Potts, also one of the day’s performers, is another person who sees himself as differently abled.
“Honestly, I don’t even identify with my blindness, because a lot of the times it’s just not relevant,” Potts says. “However, for those who do struggle from low self esteem because of a disability, or for those who doubt the possibilities of people with disabilities, I do like to put myself out there to make a difference in the lives of both.”
Potts refers to his music as “piano pop”. On his YouTube page he can be seen singing and accompanying himself on the piano, to the delight of his followers, who post comments in support of him. He likes the idea of having a White Cane Day, a day designated to acknowledge a method in which blind people get around.
“For some people, it’s like an attachment of their body,” he said of the white cane. “For myself, not so much. Yes, using a cane is helpful, but I don’t travel alone very much. I’m independent in my own house and in my business dealings, but I do rely more on other people to help navigate me.”
He notes a common misconception about blind people: that they can’t relate to something that is usually enjoyed by sighted individuals.
“Mine is football,” he said. “Football season is in full swing and I really enjoy watching it. I root for the Seattle Seahawks, who aren’t doing that well this year as of right now. Bummer! But I also watch as many other games as I can, and I do root for other teams based on cool personal testimonies of certain players or historical events, such as the Cleveland Browns actually being a good team after being garbage for almost 20 years. They’ve also never made it to a Super Bowl, so that would be pretty cool to watch.”
Potts enjoys being part of programs like the WhiteStickFest.
“Because it features talented individuals,” he said. “And they all have a common goal, either because they have a disability themselves, or because they really like to be all inclusive for people like myself that have a disability. It’s just fun to get my name out there and be a part of something like this.”
When he appears on the WhiteStickFest, Potts will be performing a song by a well respected blind artist who, according to Potts, has written hundreds, perhaps even thousands of great songs, though he declined to say who the artist is.
“I picked one (a song) that wasn’t so obvious, but it really fits my voice well,” he said.
How to Watch WhiteStickFest
More than 22 blind and low vision musical artists will perform on the WhiteStickFest, along with several sighted performers. The concert is being produced in Australia on October 15, 2021. Due to time zone differences, the concert will actually air live in the U.S. at around 8pm (depending on which time zone you live in) on October 14. The concert is scheduled to run for two hours and will remain online after the live event, so it can be retrieved at any time on the 15th, which is the actual White Cane Day. The concert can be accessed at the WhiteStickFest website: https://www.whitestickfest.org/
Photo Credit: Tim Courtney