Virtual Winter Music Showcase on Sunday

By Blazer

It’s happening again and it’s this Sunday. The 3rd annual Winter Music Showcase at the Granada Theater featuring the works of Gracie Fisher.  This year’s performance cannot be viewed in person and is available on KEYT Channel 3, Hulu, and YouTube live at 4pm this Sunday December 20th.

Gracie Fisher was diagnosed in 2014 with Acute Flacid Myelitis which left her paralyzed from the neck down, but Gracie has not allowed the disease to define her. Instead Gracie created the Grace Fisher Foundation to help other children with disabilities through art and music. One of the highlights of the Foundation is the annual Winter Showcase.

The headliner is Will Breman semi-finalist on The Voice and Jackson Gillies also a Santa Barbara local who appeared on American Idol.

Grace has written an original piece for orchestra that will be performed by a group of community members.  Some of the very best players in town have volunteered including Mary Beth Woodruff, Leslie Hogan, and conductor Andy Radford.  SB Teen star finalists Bridget Devine, Dawson Fuss, Andie Bronstad will also appear with some original songs. A young string trio Three for Joy, current and alumni members of the Madrigals, and the Bar Back Boys will round out the program.

“Composing has always been my passion, it’s what I do because I can’t play,” said Gracie. “I am learning at UCSB the composition guidelines, by instrument and how it all falls together.” Gracie’s latest inspiration was Disney’s Fantasia, and this piece is set to animation.  The characters are made by some of the special needs kids in her program.  “Being different brings color to the world. The caterpillar doesn’t fly but hangs out with the snails and sees it’s OK just being on the ground.”

Don’t miss the Winter Showcase this Sunday at 4pm on KEYT Channel 3, Hulu, and YouTube Live.

Special thanks to the Chispa Foundation, Montecito Bank and Trust, American Riviera Bank, Partnervest, Premiere Physical Therapy, and The Turner Foundation.

To learn more about bringing the arts to kids with disabilities visit the Gracefisherfoundation.org.