By Geena Molinaro, Special Writer
HAMILTON — Musicians from The Arc/Mercer Inc. performed at Hamilton Square’s Halo Pub for the third time on Aug. 25 as part of a monthly coffeehouse program.
The Ewing-based organization provides residential, vocational and day program services in the Greater-Mercer County area for more than 1,000 individuals with disabilities and their families.
Of the coffeehouse program, Reed Thomas said, "Our goal is to provide unique programming in the community, not only for people with developmental disabilities, but for everyone to enjoy music together."
The coffeehouse performances give musicians with and without disabilities the opportunity to perform together and showcase their talents, executive director Steve Cook said.
When people with disabilities are given the respect of playing with people without disabilities, they grow to their full potential, Mr. Cook said.
He hopes the "enlightening and uplifting" program will inspire other business leaders to showcase the talents of people with disabilities and hopes more musicians will come to the event and play with the current performers.
Mr. Thomas and Chris Hargrave run the coffeehouse and music program at the Arc, said Mr. Cook.
Established three years ago, the Arc’s music program gives people the opportunity to participate in music at all levels including music appreciation, song writing, private lessons and performances.
"This (music) program has been a great outlet for musicians with disabilities, they have learned to express themselves in truly unique ways in collaboration with musicians in the community," Mr. Cook said, noting that one music program participant has even produced his own CD.
He described the coffeehouses as a "win-win" situation for the Arc and Halo Pub.
Halo is generating more business by having musicians there, he said.
Mr. Thomas said Halo has had to add an extra person behind the counter to accommodate the crowd, and each time they have played for a full house.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Arc/Mercer consumers to enjoy some great music in an integrated setting in the community," Mr. Cook said. "This is an awesome collaboration between our music and recreation programs and a great business partner in Halo Pub."
Mr. Cook said the program will continue as long as people are willing to participate in the coffee houses, and the group may travel around to other locations. He said the group would still perform at Halo in Hamilton if they went to other locations.
Mr. Cook credits the program’s success to Mr. Thomas and Mr. Hargrave’s dedication to creating an environment where people with disabilities can showcase their talents along side of people without disabilities.
Halo’s involvement as a community sponsor has also contributed to the success, he said.
And, the courage of the musicians with disabilities performing in public is important, he said, "I’m really proud of them."
