June 2022: The Deaf and The Musician, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is expanding outside of Utah with their first out-of-state tour, to Alaska. Their eclectic mix of popular songs has something for everyone. Each song is picked for its lyrical power and personal influence, and make for enjoyable entertainment and education.
The songs you've heard again and again are given a visual spin with sign language. Cindy's signing performance fits perfectly with Ben's 12-string acoustics guitar. Plan on a collection of familiar and original songs performed in a new way. You will see the words!
Alaska performances held in July 2022:
Thursday, July 14
Fairview Inn, Talkeetna, 8-11pm
Friday, July 15
Friday Fling, Palmer, 11:30am-1:30pm,
Sponsored in part by LINKS Resource Center,
Mat Su Sertoma, and Make A Scene Magazine.
Sunday, July 17
Seaview Cafe & Bar, Hope, 6-9pm
The Deaf and The Musician is a combination of deaf artist Cindy McAllister and singer-songwriter Ben Brinton, as they combine visual sign language with music. The project came together during covid and has been educating and entertaining since. Cindy's understanding of sign language comes from her own deaf disability and Ben's history of being a Salt Lake City songwriter make for an enjoyable duo, as she interprets the songs and he guides you through a broad history of music and American songwriting.
Each performance is unique, but include themes of sign language education, interoperation, storytelling, and more. The duo work to highlight the underestimated disconnect that exists between the general public and the disabled and hope to help bridge the gaps that exist by improving communication.