The Blind Leading… An exploration of blindness and creativity

This project brings together several notable artists and a consortium of cultural and social service providers in an extended exploration of the bonds connecting blindness and creative artistry. Historically, and across cultures on a global basis, the image of the itinerant blind musician is pervasive. Indeed, blind artists have been among the most celebrated creators in many genres. Johann Sebastian Bach lost his sight late in life but continued to produce prolifically. Turlough O’Carolan, the blind 18th century Irish harper is still today the dominant figure in Irish traditional music. Houdi Hrant was so popular throughout the Middle East that his name was virtually synonymous with his instrument, the oud. Art Tatum is regarded by many as the greatest jazz pianist of all time. Lemon Jefferson was the most famous bluesman of the pre-electric era. Ray Charles is celebrated as the “inventor” of soul music. The list can go on indefinitely.

Why is this? There is a widespread folk belief that the blind can hear better than sighted people. Neurologists theorize that the visual cortex of the brain that is usually occupied with processing visual information takes on new functions for blind people, giving them a creative advantage. Sociologists speculate that since many occupations were historically inaccessible to the blind, they gravitated towards music as one of the few available options for employment. Whatever the explanation, there is no doubt that blind musicians are disproportionately represented among the ranks of our finest performers. Our proposed programs ask blind artists, the regional blind community, and the general audience, to consider the role of blindness in the creative process.

The Blind Leading… will encompass several related program components, taking place over a period of five months, including:

Concerts by internationally acclaimed blind artists, gospel greats the Blind Boys of Alabama, legendary blind country guitarist Doc Watson and blind Louisiana barrelhouse pianist Henry Butler. The performances will be accompanied by interpretive programs and opportunities for the artists themselves to engage questions of how blindness has impacted, both positively and negatively, their careers in the arts.

The Blind Leading… will address significant goals of Jefferson Center, including the presentation of the highest quality artistry to a diverse audience; the establishment of working partnerships with several educational and social service providers; and the strengthening of our community through initiatives that highlight the accomplish-ments of an underserved constituency.

The proposed events will unfold over approximately five months during the Jefferson Center’s ‘07/08 program year. The calendar includes:

Dec ’07: Blind Boys of Alabama in concert; audience talkback

Mar ’08: Doc Watson in concert

Apr ’08: Henry Butler in concert; audience talk back

Partners in developing and producing The Blind Leading… and in facilitating participation of their constituents are:

• Virginia Association of the Blind, Shenandoah Valley, John Elliott, President (consortium partner).
• Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Stephen Aukward, Director.
• Roanoke Alliance for the Visually Enabled (RAVE), Mary Powell, President.
• Roanoke County Parks & Recreation Department, Therapeutic Division, Betsy Dennis, Director
• Voice of the Blue Ridge (VOBR), Bayne Sandridge, Director
• Public Radio WVTF, Radio Reading Service, Ben Martin, Director

Obviously, this project is fundamentally directed towards a community for which accessibility issues have been and remain important. Through our partners, transportation to Jefferson Center for members of the blind community will be offered free of charge. Programs and other project information will be translated into Braille and large print formats.