"Out of Sight", Band of Blind Kansas City Area Musicians Debut Performance at Union Station, Follows Dialog in the Dark's Opening in only the 2nd U.S. City

    KANSAS CITY, MO, November 19, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Allied Workers for the Blind of Kansas City, a non-profit, is hosting a fund-raiser in Kansas City's Union Station. The organization is raising funds to expand its programs and will donate a portion of proceeds to the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired. The Dialog in the Dark exhibit has opened here in only the second U.S. City after being established internationally. The innovative exhibit allows people to tour in total darkness to experience life as the blind live in everyday situations. AWB members wanted to take advantage of the attention that the blind community will receive and use the opportunity to educate the public about blind people as well as different events and resources that are available.

AWB, whose purpose is to promote the equality of the blind and visually impaired, wants the public to come out and take a listen to Out Of Sight, a band made up of blind musicians and vocalists. They are still searching for additional musicians and vocalists, since the band will be available to perform for the public in the future for private parties and other events. A portion of the proceeds from the bands' ongoing revenues will be donated to non-profits in the areas that they perform, organizations that are dedicated to serving the blind and to fund AWB's programs. The band plays a wide range of music, including rock, blues, R & B, Top 40, 70's, 80's, jazz and country.

The evening of live entertainment will be held in the Arthur Stillwell Room, located inside of Union Station, on Saturday, November 29 from 7:30 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. It begins after the last tour of the exhibit. The cost is $20.00, which includes hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and plenty of space for dancing. The deadline for purchasing tickets online is 11/28/08. Guests can pay at the door that evening, but due to limited seating, are encouraged to order in advance.

"Being involved in some manner is something that has been on our minds every since we heard about the Dialogue in the Dark exhibit coming to town," according to James Hollins, spokesperson for the group. Several AWB members are working during the exhibit as guides. The group feels that this is a great opportunity to educate the public about resources and upcoming events and plan to have an information table set-up.

Kansas City music store, Big Dudes, is taking an active role in the event by providing/donating musical instruments and sound equipment for the evening. The store owner and manager has expressed interest going forward of being a partner since the group is raising funds for charities. Explorers Drums and Percussion has also volunteered to help with equipment going forward if necessary.

AWB is planning another innovative public event. In February, they will host a recognition ceremony and are announcing Calls for Nominations of local companies, teachers, counselors and organizations who improve the quality of life for the blind. They are seeking stories about those who go above and beyond to make life easier for the blind community. Anyone can nominate and the deadline is January 9, 2009. The Out of Sight band will perform at that event as well. You can get more information on their website.

Online donations are accepted as well.

Tickets for the event are $20 per person and can be purchased online via the group's website: www.alliedworkersfortheblind.org or they can call with questions: Tracey Hawkins, AWB Activities Chairperson at: 816-372-0939 or e-mail at: [email protected]

Band members:

Norman Burke Yale, Sax and Vocals
Reginald George, Keyboards and Vocals
William Hawkins, Drums and Percussion
Bill Heeter, Bass and Vocals
Steve McGinnis, Guitar and Vocals


Media opportunities:
Interviews with AWB members who will be working as guides during the exhibit
Interviews with AWB members
Interviews with the musicians
Photo and interview opportunity during band rehearsal
Coverage the night of the event (AWB would like advance notice, if possible, please)

About Allied Workers for the Blind

Allied Workers for the Blind is a non-profit in Kansas City, Missouri. AWB's purpose is to promote the equality of the blind and visually impaired through programs and events, as well as serve as a resource for them and their families.

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