The Kandoo Band will appear on WWPT-FM’s Live From the Media Lab on Friday, April 1, to promote awareness of disabilities and will provide the music for the Best Buddies Ball at Staples High School on April 2.
All of the Kandoo Band members were born with Williams Syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. The group’s philosophy is best summed up by Olympic figure skating champion Scott Hamilton: “The only true disability in life is a bad attitude.” The band not only tries to convey this message, they also share their love of music with the world.
The Kandoo Band, based in Connecticut, was established in 2007 and is composed of six people who play music ranging from rock, pop, R&B, to jazz, along with their own originals. The band came together thanks to the Williams Syndrome Association and the Belvoir Terrace Music Camp in Lenox, Mass. They have a long list of performances at many venues and events.
The band’s line up of Tori Ackley (keyboards and vocals), Robby Belknap (trumpet and bass), Bret Fleming (drummer and vocals), Brendan LeMieux (drums, guitar and bass), John Libera (clarinet and sax) and Lucas Wahl (guitar and vocals) have all studied at the Berkshire Hills Music Academy.
Staples High School’s Best Buddies faculty adviser Patty McQuone and some student members of Best Buddies saw the band perform at the Friendship Walk at an elementary school in North Haven, Conn. “The band was awesome, and we thought they have to be a part of our event here at Staples,” said McQuone.
The band’s Friday recording session and concert will be broadcast live over the radio on 90.3 FM. The performance will also be available on Cablevision 78 and streamed live over the internet at WWPT’s website.
