Recognizing the Ability in Every Child

 

Let's Play! A benefit concert for inclusion

                   

On October 25, 2008 Kids Included Together (KIT) filled and inspired San Diegans with music from the heart during Let’s Play! A benefit concert for inclusion.  We were joined by the world famous Sheila E. and her group C.O.E.D., Justin Hines, Slim Man, Randi Driscoll and Gabriella, all singing out for inclusion.

 

Performers:

  Contemporary jazz vocalist Slim Man, described by J.D. Considine (Rolling Stone)

  as “...a near perfect example of how jazz and soul can be combined as pop.” When Slim

  Man was five years old,his Dad took him to see a movie -’The Five Pennies’, starring

  Danny Kaye and Louis Armstrong. When Young Slim saw Louis sing and play, he told

  his Dad...”That’s what I want to do.” Since then,Slim Man has performed with Peter White,

  Randy Brecker, Freddie Ravel, Marc Antoine, Everette Harp and many more.

 

 

   Through his overall mantra of looking for hope to shine through in all things, Justin Hines

   helps others to see the beauty in the light, in the remarkable everyday realities of their

   existence, whatever their individual journey might be. His powerful songwriting and strong  

   message of love and determination is a pleasant breath of inspiring air in a tumultuous

   day and age. Possessed of an unflagging spirit that’s remarkable under any circumstances, 

   Justin is also in part referring to the rare genetic joint condition, Larsen Syndrome, that keeps

  him wheelchair bound, “Sometimes people find it hard to understand why I would be so positive,” he explains. “I was born into my situation, I don’t know any different, and I feel very fortunate for my family and all the support that I have. I’m hopeful, I don’t dwell on it, and I’ve always looked at it as a tool. I know my  physical situation is a bit of an attention grabber, but as an artist and performer, it is my job to hold the audience’s attention, and let the music speak for itself.” Justin’s debut album “Sides” has garnered much  positive attention with his single “Wish You Well” holding in the top 20 national radio chart for nine months. He has also become the focus of the documentary film, “Like Each Day Was Your Last”, which chronicles Justin’s tour of The Middle East and The United Kingdom. Being the extraordinary musical talent he is, Justin is a shining example of what we can all accomplish if one chooses to focus on their abilities rather than on their disabilities.

Sheila E. was born into the music dynasty of the Escovedo family and is the world's most famous and sought after female drummer and percussionist. Best known for hit singles such as "Glamorous Life" and "Love Bizarre", Prince introduced Sheila E. as his favorite protégé. She has directed shows for Prince, Beyonce, TI, Jay Z, and Jennifer Lopez and appeared in concert with Ringo Starr, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Brooks and Dunn, Diana Ross, Prince, among others.

 

Sheila E. has had a unique vantage point for identifying other extraordinary female talent in a mostly male music world. It is from this point of view, that she has created her new band C.O.E.D. Chronicles Of Every Diva. This awesome ensemble of three are acclaimed professional musicians in their own right, and has graced the stage and recorded with some of the greats.

  Randi Driscoll, a local San Diego singer-songwriter who has opened for Bonnie Raitt,

  BruceHornsby, Dar Williams, Pat Benatar and Linda Ronstadt among many others.

  Randi's music hasbeen featured in numerous documentaries, commercials, and the

  WB hit series, "Dawson's Creek".

 

 

  14 year-old, San Diego local, indie/pop musical sensation Gabriella. Diagnosed with

  Type-1Diabetes in 2002, Gabriella knows the challenges that children with chronic

  health challenges face. Gabriella’s music is mature and complex, her stories played

  out through insightful lyrics and delightful musical arrangements.

 

 

Thank you to our community supporters: