Thomas Reid:
Welcome to WhiteStickFest 2023, the music festival to celebrate International White Cane Day. My name is Thomas Reid and I'm honored to be your host for this year's festivities. First things first, let me provide you with a bit of access. I'm a brown-skinned Black man with a smooth, shaven, bald head, full neat beard, sprinkled with a bit of salt and pepper. And I'm wearing dark shades and a mustard colored buttoned-down shirt. Similar to how the white cane is a tool for accessing information about physical spaces, self-descriptions allow us to provide visual information about ourselves that non-blind people casually glean. This is WhiteStickFest, so we're all about improving access and we're all about bringing you some talented musicians. This year that consists of performances by artists who are blind or have low vision, as well as non-blind musicians, including Cobhams Asuquo, Kimié Miner, Wild Rivers, Tonal Vision, the Inner Vision Orchestra, Albi & the Wolves, The Wiggles, and many more. Now, I know you're ready to get started, but before we get into the music, we have a special message from blind adventurer, Miles Hilton-Barber.

Audio Description:
Miles has light skin, short gray hair, and is wearing a light-colored, buttoned-down shirt.

Miles Hilton-Barber:
Hey, hey, beautiful people. Welcome to WhiteStickFest as we celebrate International White Cane Day, 15th of October, 2023. I am a 73-year-old blind adventurer. Miles Hilton-Barber. Grew up in Zimbabwe in Africa. At 21, told I had RP, retinitis pigmentosa, going blind. I'd never met any other blind people. By the time I was 30, lost all of my useful vision. I now live in England in the United Kingdom. With my sight loss, I lost my confidence, my dignity, my independence. Did I want to use a white cane? No, baby. The last thing I wanted to do because using a stick meant I was disabled. When I came to England, I met other confident people, dignified, independent, using a white stick. So, I learned to use one, changed my life. I was working with the RNIB, doing assessments on other people going blind.
Biggest stumbling block, people did not want to use a white stick. One chap I went to visit, he said, "Miles, when I go to the pub, I'd rather bump into lampposts on the way to the pub. I don't want to use a stick to show I've lost my independence." I said, "My friend, that white stick is not a symbol you've lost your independence. It's a passport back to independence. Use the stick." What changed my life at the age of 50 was my brother, Jeffrey, living in Durban, South Africa, also totally blind. He built a yacht in his back garden by feel. Then sailed it solo to Australia, Africa to Australia. Only blind person in world history to have crossed an ocean solo. He was my turning point and he said, "Miles, stop seeing blindness as a handicap, as a limitation. It's a challenge, not a handicap. Typical thing you've got to do, my friend, use a white cane. Get your independence back, get your mobility independence back."
So, my brother inspired me. I wanted to be a pilot. Our dad was a World War II fighter pilot. I learned to fly using my ears, not my eyes. All my flight instruments came into my headphones. I'm now a fully-qualified micro-light pilot. It's like a hang glider with an engine on the back. I flew it from London to Sydney, 53 days. First time for a blind person in world history to fly and navigate with the ability to do so. I've also done loads of other things. I've gone cage diving with great white sharks. I've been whitewater rafting down the Zambezi. I've gone supersonic in a jet fighter, doing over something like 1,100 miles an hour. I've done aerobatics in another fighter jet. Run across four deserts doing ultra-marathons, averaging 120, 130 miles. Sahara, Gobi, Death Valley, all over the place. I've climbed in the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc.
I've done motor racing. I hold the lap record on the Malaysian Grand Prix circuit for a blind driver. I've done drag racing. I've been driving cars at 250 kilometers an hour in total darkness, not being able to see. Had so much fun. I've done loads of other stuff. I've done 40 skydiving jumps. I've been bob sledding down the Olympic track, getting up to 80 miles an hour, less than a minute, pulling 5Gs around 17 corners. I've done the solo skeleton run, probably the scariest thing I've ever done. But what I've learned is that instead of seeing blindness or sight loss as a handicap, it's a challenge, baby. We've got to find another way of doing it. We've been given two lives. We begin the second one the day we realize we've only got one.
My friend, the only limits in your life are those you accept yourself. Starting point, you've got to get your independence back again. Learn how to use a computer. White cane is such an important thing. And this WhiteStickFest as you get into it now, you get to listen and hear some amazing musicians and stuff, and other blind people living lives to the full. My friend, it's like if you play Monopoly, you've got to pass go to get your 200. Realize that a white stick is such an important route for you to get back your independence. If you are on your own, you're insecure, you're not sure about what blind people can do, catch up with other blind people. Go and learn. If you're in the UK, Australia, America, wherever you are, learn all the tips. These days, technology is so good for blind people. Get out there. You've got to push limits.
So, my friend, I want to tell you, this could be the beginning of a whole new way of life. If you listen to WhiteStickFest, all these beautiful people, get out there, learn to use a long cane. It's a beautiful thing. I cannot bear to go anywhere without a white cane anymore. It's turned my life around. And I want to tell you, it can turn your life around as well. Also, I'm a scuba diver. I've gone, as I said, cage diving with great white sharks. I've had such fun, and it all began when I realized that blindness is not a handicap, it's simply a challenge, like many, many other challenges people face in life. My dear friend, whoever you are, whatever your situation, you can do more with your life. Get out there. That white stick is your best friend, use it.
Thank you very much for listening to me as you get into WhiteStickFest now. God bless you all. Thank you very much for having me. Enjoy the rest of your life. The only limits in your life, my friend, are those that you accept yourself, so don't accept them. Push the limits. It's up to you. Go for it.

Thomas Reid:
What a great way to kick off the celebration of International White Cane Day. Big thanks to Miles Hilton-Barber. I don't know about you all, but I'm ready for an adventure. Maybe not getting submerged in a cage with great white sharks circling me. I mean that's too much. My white cane ain't going to help me, but I am down for an adventure and a celebration, so let's get into some music. First up, we're excited to welcome back this three-piece folk band from New Zealand that I somehow thought consisted of singing canines. Thankfully, I was wrong. Joining us for the second time with a brand new song, our first musical act, Albi & the Wolves.

Audio Description:
Three people are standing outdoors amongst the trees, holding musical instruments.

Christian:
Hello WhiteStickFest. We are Albi & the Wolves from New Zealand. We're so thankful to be here again. Thank you for having us. My name is Christian, AKA Albi. I play the acoustic guitar and I sing. I've got Pascal Roggen here, he plays the electric violin. Today he's playing the acoustic violin because we're outside on a mountain. And we've got Michael Young playing an electric double bass, which is a double bass on a diet.

Audio Description:
Christian, standing in the middle, has light skin with a shaved head and white beard. He's wearing sunglasses, a black shirt and black pants. Pascal is standing on the right side of the screen, he has light skin with long curly brown hair and is wearing sunglasses and a black suit with a red buttoned-down shirt. Michael is standing on the left side of the screen, he has light skin, light brown hair and a white beard. He's wearing a red bandana, black pants and a red and yellow patterned long sleeve top.

Christian:
We're called Albi & the Wolves because I don't have any melanin in my skin, this affects my eyesight and that's where the Albi name came from and that's part of the reason why we're called Albi & the Wolves. Today we're going to play you a brand new song. It's called Underpass. All right. 1, 2, 3, 4.
(singing)
Did I miss the sun 
Have I crossed the line 
In cafes and bars 
Through an underpass 
With nowhere to go 
And no direction home 
I found my faith I found my heart 
But what did I do 
I found my faith I found my heart 
But I gave it all to you 
The grind is in the find 
To keeping love alive 
It's moments like this 
In my abyss that makes it worth the fall 
I drift in darkened skies 
I looked into your eyes 
As it thundered on the roof 
It's not my search for proof 
With nowhere to go 
And no direction home 
I found my faith I found my heart 
But what did I do 
I found my faith I found my heart 
But I gave it all to you 
The grind is in the find 
To keeping love alive 
It's moments like this 
In my abyss that makes it worth the fall 
Reflecting on the night 
Streets full of starlight 
Blue denim's warm embrace 
Footsteps lost in grace 
Fawning on these words 
Comes easy on my mind 
They'll never know 
How much love will never know 
Just how much
I found my faith I found my heart 
But what did I do 
I found my faith I found my heart 
But I gave it all to you 
The grind is in the find 
To keeping love alive 
It's moments like this 
In my abyss that makes it worth the fall 
It's moments like this 
In my abyss 
That makes it worth the fall

Lydia:
Hi, I'm Lydia, coming to you from Worcester in England, and I am also visually-impaired.

Audio Description:
Lydia has light skin, long, dark, blonde hair, is wearing blue overalls and is sitting at a piano.

Lydia:
To celebrate WhiteStickFestival, I am singing a Secret for the Mad by Dodie. Hope you all enjoy.
(singing)
I've got a secret for the mad 
In a little bit of time it won't hurt so bad 
And I get that I don't get it 
But you'll burn right now and then you won't regret it 
You're not gonna believe a word I say 
What's the point in just drowning another day 
And I get that I don't get it 
But the world will show you that you won't regret it 
Little things all the stereotypes 
They're gonna help you get through this one night 
And there will be a day 
Where you can say you're okay and mean it 
I promise you 
It'll all make sense again 
I promise you 
It'll all make sense again 
There's nothing to do right now but try 
There are a hundred people who will listen to you cry 
And I get that they don't get it 
But they love you so much that you won't regret it 
You're at the bottom 
This is it 
Just get through 
You will be fixed 
And you think that I don't get it 
But I burned my way through and I don't regret it 
Little things all the stereotypes 
They're gonna help you get through this one night 
And there will be a day 
Where you can say you're okay and mean it 
I promise you 
It'll all make sense again 
I promise you 
It'll all make sense again 
I promise you 
It'll all make sense again

Robert Cini:
Hey, everyone. My name is Robert Cini. I'm a singer-songwriter from the small town of Innisfail in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Audio Description:
Robert Cini has light skin and short brown hair. He's wearing dark sunglasses and a white T-shirt.

Robert Cini:
I was born with a rare eye condition called aniridia, so I've been visioned-impaired my entire life. Although it's made things challenging at times, I haven't let it stop me from doing the things that I love to do, like music. I've won two Australian Songwriters awards. One was for a song called Different Road, which was inspired by my journey of being vision-impaired. Wherever you're watching or listening from today, I hope you're keeping safe and well. And I just want to wish you a happy White Cane Day. Thanks very much, guys. Bye.

Audio Description:
Robert is now seated in a studio wearing a black T-shirt and playing an acoustic guitar.

Robert Cini:
(singing)
Theologians say that it's God at play 
How on Earth do you explain 
How the nature emits 
And some people who are sick 
Heal strong and amaze 
The odds are all opposing 
You can make it believe 
The world will show you just a little bit of magic 
Oo 
I'm not that trivial 
I know science fills the world 
The way that we overcome 
It's a miracle 
A new day a new life a newborn 
They're all miracles 
You're my miracle 
It's the soft of your skin 
And the shapes you're moving 
I could watch you for days 
And the stars in the sky 
How they shine so bright
Reminding how small are we 
Where are we without hoping 
When you're lost at sea 
The world will owe you just a little bit of magic 
Oo 
I'm not that trivial 
I know science fills the world 
The way that we overcome 
It's a miracle 
A new day a new life a newborn 
They're all miracles 
You're my miracle 
Oo 
Do you ever really wonder 
Do you ever really wonder about 
Do you ever really wonder oh 
Everyday we're surrounded 
By the skies and the mountains 
Gravity splashes us back into place 
I know there's a reason 
I don't care 
I want to believe in a world 
That brings love hope and miracles 
You're my miracle 
It's a miracle 
You're my miracle

Justine:
Hey, what's up? This is Justine On Green.

Jugpreet Bajwa:
Hey, what's up, guys? This is Jugpreet Bajwa.

Justine:
And we are Tonal Vision. We are a totally blind pop duo from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Audio Description:
Jugpreet and Justine are sitting in a studio with guitars hanging from the wall behind them. Jugpreet, seated on the left, has dark skin, short dark hair, and has a short neat beard. He is wearing dark sunglasses, a white, gray and black button-down shirt and is holding a white cane. Justine, seated on the right, has light skin, long brown hair and is wearing a blue and white pattern buttoned-down shirt.

Justine:
And we are so honored to be performing for y'all tonight. The WhiteStickFest, we just want to extend our sincere thank you to everyone organizing this. It's such an honor to share the stage with so many big names and we can't wait to show you this next song.

Jugpreet Bajwa:
I think it's such a pleasure to be on the stage performing for all of you guys and to celebrate White Cane Day and what blindness is really all about. That black is beautiful and that everything else, the darkness that surrounds us, it's basically for us, as Tonal Vision, we want to show people that we can see the world through music.

Justine:
This next track that we're going to be performing is called Over You. Both myself and Jugpreet had just gone through breakups when we wrote this song. And we actually wrote this song before Tonal Vision was even a concept or idea that we had. So, this is like the first, and there's a lot of emotion behind it. So, strap on in and enjoy.

Jugpreet Bajwa:
Lots of love to you guys.

Audio Description:
During this video, Jugpreet and Justine are shown performing outdoors amongst grass and trees, and in a studio.

Jugpreet Bajwa:
(singing)
Heartbreak's in the making 
You know that I'm shaking 
Why did we end this way 
Girl you know I miss you 
I was never faking 
We just had our two year the other day 
Going through the night 
Thinking about the good times 
Hearing sirens and airplanes 
Things weren't right 
Remember our last fight 
And now I'm standing in the rain 
And I know that these wounds keep hurting 
Girl like a fire these flames are burning up 
I know it's rough 
And I know that it's gonna take some time 
To heal these cuts 
Tryna' get over you over you 
Tryna' get over you 
But it's always hard to face the truth 
The fact that I'm not with you 
And I know it hurts 
But we always have to prove our worth 
Tryna' get over you over you

Justine:
Okay, I see you.

Jugpreet Bajwa:
All right, one more time.

Justine:
(singing)
Isn't it enough to be loved 
Do you need all that to show you're living it up 
Gotta have some fun but you wanna run 
Can you stand your own emotions without those drugs 
Better make it strong 
Don't do it wrong 
'Cause you need to be just the right level 
Wanna keep in touch but it's too much 
Trying to pull myself together 
Because I'm so tired of 
Tryna' get over you over you 
Tryna' get over you 
But it's always hard to face the truth 
The fact that I'm not with you 
And I know it hurts 
We always have to prove our worth 
I'm tryna' to get over you 
Over you 
Not over you 
Not over you 
Not over you 
Not over you 
I'm not over you 
Not over you 
Tryna' get over you 
Not over you 
Not over you 
I'm not over you 
Not over you 
I'm not over you 
Not over you 
Tryna' get over you

Thomas Reid:
Big thanks to Tonal Vision. When I first heard the name Tonal Vision, I thought my screen reader said, "Tunnel vision." I got nervous because the last time I heard a band named after an eye condition, it didn't turn out well. Detached Retina. This song was just all over the place and I just couldn't focus. Anyway, let's keep this party going. This next group features Baluji Shrivastav, Victoria Oruwari, and many other blind musicians from all over the world. Get ready. It's time for the Inner Vision orchestra.

Audio Description:
10 people holding musical instruments are arranged in a semicircle on a stage. Behind them is the Inner Vision Orchestra logo.

Victoria Oruwari:
My name is Victoria. I'm going to be singing a song titled [Name in Foreign Language]. It means God's work is awesome.

Audio Description:
Victoria is standing second from the left. She has dark skin, long, dark hair, and is wearing a floor-length red and orange dress. She's holding a microphone.

Victoria Oruwari:
(singing)

[Music in another language, this was not transcribed]

Ghow Rison Ratnarajah:
Hi. My name is Ghow Rison Ratnarajah. I'm from UK.

Takashi Kikuchi:
Hello. My name is Takashi Kikuchi, and I'm from Japan.

Ziad Sinno:
Hello. My name is Ziad Sinno, and I am originally Lebanese. I live in London.

Abi Baker:
Hello. My name is Abi Baker, and I'm from the UK.

Baluji Shrivastav:
Hello. My name is Baluji Shrivastav, and I'm from India.

Yousuf:
Hello. My name is Yousuf. I'm from Bangladesh.

Uttara Sukanya Joshi:
Hello. My name is Uttara Sukanya Joshi. I am from the UK, but I have roots in India.

Aksa Canolli:
Hello. My name is Aksa Canolli. I'm from Kosovo, but I live in London.

Victoria Oruwari:
Hello. My name is Victoria Oruwari, and I'm from Nigeria, but I live in London.

Alex Hill:
My name is Alex Hill. I'm from the UK. 

Inner Vision Orchestra:
We are the the Inner Vision Orchestra. Happy White Stick Fest.

Connor Wink:
Hello, everyone. My name's Connor Wink. 

Audio Description:
Connor has light skin, short, blonde hair, and a short beard. He's wearing dark sunglasses, a brown T-shirt, and a black jacket.

Connor Wink:
I'm 24 years old. I'm a singer-songwriter from Newcastle, Australia, and I was born with Leber's congenital amaurosis. Today, I'll be playing for you guys my new single, This Is What I Know. Hope you'd like it.

Audio Description:
Connor is now seated in a studio. He is wearing headphones and is playing an acoustic guitar. Connor is accompanied by a male who is seated on the right side of the screen. He has light skin, is wearing headphones, a hat, a white T-shirt, black jeans, and is also playing a guitar.

Connor Wink:
(singing)
Sometimes I feel like I'm hidden 
In a bubble of my own 
Sometimes I feel like I'm invisible 
But I know I'm not alone 
Who ya gonna be is up to you 
We all have to find our truth 
I'm nobody but I'm everybody at the same time 
It's all nothing but it's everything 
Ain't it funny how we're all the same 
But we are our own 
This is what I know 
Sometimes I seem to be the middleman 
I can see it from both sides 
Our common ground can build us bridges 
Where we can stand side by side 
How ya gonna live is up to you 
We all have to find our truth 
I'm nobody but I'm everything at the same time 
It's all nothing but it's everything 
Ain't it funny how we're all the same 
But we are our own 
This is what I know 
I'm nobody but I'm everybody at the same time 
It's all nothing but it's everything 
Ain't it funny how we're all the same 
But we are our own 
This is what I know 
This is what I know 
This is what I know

Caitlin Smith:
Hello and happy White Stick Fest 2023. Thank you so much for inviting me. I'm Caitlin Smith. I'm legally blind since birth, living in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Audio Description:
Caitlin has light skin, long, wavy, dark hair, and is wearing a sequin dress. She is holding a white cane and is seated at a piano. Behind her, a floor-to-ceiling windows, showing a view of distant trees and skyline.

Caitlin Smith:
My cane basically saved my life. I came back to it decades, many decades, after being trained in mobility with it when I was younger. It really saved my life when I was traveling around Europe for three months by myself, traveling blind. I'd like to sing for you a song that is the title track of my next double album, which also has, as like the last one, Brave Caitlin Smith's Imaginary Band's You Have Reached Your Destination, there's braille and a tactile labyrinth on it. This song, the title track is called The Long Game. (singing)
Angels play the long game 
They're here for eternity 
They don't care how long it takes 
They're ageless and evolutionary 
And they're gonna show what you gotta know 
Even though it must seem like forever 
You're gonna find experiencing time is how we align 
With the now and the never 
Mm yeah 
So if you feel impatient 
With the lack of justice 
And that the pace of karma can't happen fast enough 
Won't happen fast enough 
You wanna teach someone a lesson 
Regain control if you simply wait
It's good to know you've got it in hand 
It's a slow-turning wheel 
'Cause angels play the long game 
They're here for eternity 
They don't care how long it takes 
They're ageless and evolutionary 
All you gotta do is 
All you gotta do is 
Focus on a single flame 
Call out an angel's name 
And I will a higher love 
And let your body do the same 
Look into a stranger's eyes and feel your spirits rise 
They're gonna lift you off the ground 
They're gonna turn it around 
Fall back into their arms and surround 
Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Ha yeah 
Oh 
See every day they're waiting 
Just to ease your worries 
And no request for happiness is ever too much 
Never too much 
Never too much 
Never too much 
Never too much 
They know how hard you tried 
To make it happen 
And you'd best believe they're gonna leave you 
Where you want to go 
Come on 
Angels play the long game 
They're here for eternity 
They don't care how long it takes 
They're ageless and evolutionary 
Oo-Hoo 
You and me 
They and we are angels 
We are angels 
You and me 
They and we are angels 
We are angels 
We are angels 
You and me 
They and we are angels 
We are angels we are 
You and me 
They and we are angels 
We are angels

Summer:
Hi, everyone. I'm Summer, a singer from Sydney, Australia, and this is my Seeing Eye dog, Lassie.

Audio Description:
Summer has light skin, long, dark hair worn loose, and is wearing a black shirt with white puff sleeves. She's seated on the floor with her dark Seeing Eye dog, wearing a red plaid bandana.

Summer:
I'm vision-impaired and I also have cerebral palsy due to a stroke at birth. I'm excited to share with you all today a performance of my new song, Fantasia. I hope you enjoy it.

Audio Description:
Summer is now standing with her hair in braided pigtails and she's wearing a black dress.

Summer:
(singing)
Sail away with me 
'Til we reach a land of fantasy 
Don't be scared 
We'll soon be there 
Stuck here in this paradigm 
Without a reason or a rhyme 
There's so much more for you and me to be 
We'll go beyond the mountains and the sea 
We'll see a world that we've never seen 
Beyond the ones we've seen in dreams 
The stars are calling us today 
Together we can go 
We'll find the way 
We'll soon be there 
We'll soon be there 
Don't be scared 
We'll sail together if you dare 
Trust in time and just believe 
Over rainbows we can travel wild and free 
Can't wait to see what we will find 
Beyond this sad place we will leave behind 
Sail away with me 
’Til we reach a land of fantasy 
Don't be scared 
We'll soon be there 
Sail away with me 
'Til we reach a land of fantasy 
Don't be scared 
We'll soon be there 
We'll soon be there 
We'll soon be there 
Don't be scared 
We'll sail together if you dare 
We'll burn the brightest flame 
Look what we overcame 
I'll be calling out your name 
And things will never be the same 
We'll soon be there 
We'll soon be there 
Don't be scared 
We'll sail together if you dare

Blind Joe:
What is going on, White Stick Fest 2023? How are you, man? It's Blind Joe, coming to you from my incredibly hot closet here in Minnesota.

Audio Description:
Blind Joe has light skin and is wearing a leather-brimmed hat with upturn sides, dark sunglasses, a black T-shirt, and has a black acoustic guitar on his lap.

Blind Joe:
Glad to be with you. You know what? Let's just get right into the music, man. I got two songs for you because we're kind of apart. Everybody's kind of in this whole TikTok revolution with music right now where everything's got to be like a 60-second song, so I figured I'd give you two songs and that'll equal like one regular song. First one out of the gate is a song you can find on streaming services everywhere with a full band backing me up. This one's called Train Train Train. Oh, yeah. I hope y'all enjoy. Goes like this. 
(singing)
Well that train train train 
Keeps on chugging down the track 
And my brain brain brain 
Keeps telling me she ain't coming back 
This pain pain pain has got me just about to crack 
That train train train keeps on chugging down the track 
She let me know last night that she was leaving 
I hit my knees and begged her not to go 
But she bid me happy trails 
Now she's riding on the rails 
Headed southbound through the North Dakota snow 
Yeah that train train train 
Keeps on chugging down the track 
And my brain brain brain 
Keeps telling me she ain't coming back 
This pain pain pain has got me just about to crack 
That train train train keeps on chugging down the track 
I knew I could have changed her mind if she'd have let me 
That's probably why she didn't give me time 
They just whisked her ass away on that big old Santa Fe 
Now I'm sucking down tequila salt and lime 
While that train train train 
keeps on chugging down the track 
And my brain brain brain 
Keeps telling me she ain't coming back 
This pain pain pain has got me just about to crack 
That train train train keeps on chugging down the track 
I said that train train train 
Keeps on chugging down the track 

Blind Joe:
Yes 
Little "Train, Train, Train,"
there for you. 
Thank you very much, y'all. Hope you enjoyed that one. 
Now, for song two, I am pumped about this one. Y'all love this song a whole lot and I think you're going to like it as well. Little gospel number for you now. Wrote this one, started writing it a couple of years ago, finished it up a little while back. I hope you enjoy it. This is called Saved, and it goes like this. (singing)
I've been saved by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit 
I'm gonna shout it out loud 
So the whole wide world can hear it 
Devil can try to steal my soul 
But he's never ever gonna get near it 
Because I've been saved by the grace of God 
And the Holy Spirit 
I used to be a loser 
I was walking down the long and winding path 
'Til sweet Jesus touched my heart 
Gave my soul His holy spark 
And the coolest part was all I had to do was ask 
And I've been saved by the grace of God 
And the Holy Spirit 
Gonna shout it out loud 
So the whole wide world can hear it 
Devil can try to steal my soul 
But he's never ever gonna get near it 
'Cause I've been saved by the grace of God 
And the Holy Spirit 
I had a bunch of demons screaming at me 
Trying to tear me down 
They all took to leavin' once my Jesus came around yeah 
I've been saved by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit 
I'm gonna shout it out loud 
So the whole wide world can hear it 
The devil can try to steal my soul 
But he's never ever gonna get near it 
Because I'm been saved by the grace of God 
And the Holy Spirit 
I've been saved by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit 

Blind Joe:
Yes, sir, that's the gospel truth right there. My name is Blind Joe. Thanks so much for having me at White Stick Fest 2023. Be sure to stream my music on Apple Music, Spotify, or anywhere you stream music or check me out at blindjoe.com. God bless you all, man. The Lord loves you and so do I. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Thomas Reid:
Big shout-out to Blind Joe. I can appreciate recording in your closet. Continuing with our White Stick Festival, celebrating International White Cane Day, it's time to head north of the US, to Canada, eh? This next three piece pop folk band was nominated for the Breakthrough Group of the year at the 2023 Juno Awards. Here's Wild Rivers.

Audio Description:
On the left is a female with light skin, long silver blonde hair, and is wearing a light green button down shirt over a white singlet. In the center is a male with light skin, short dark hair, a short beard, and is wearing a white T-shirt. On the right is a male with light skin, short wavy hair under a backward cap, and is wearing a light blue T-shirt.

Wild Rivers:
Hey, we're Wild Rivers and we're happy to be celebrating the achievements of the blind and low vision community for International White Cane Day. We have a song for you today called Left Off, and we hope you enjoy it. Happy WhiteStickFest.

Audio Description:
Wild Rivers are performing in a studio outfitted with lighting, creating a purple hue.

Wild Rivers:
(singing).
Livin' on the run we played the record out 
When the song got done and I came home 
I drove out just to get you right 
I came up on the coldest night 
You said somethin' 
Maybe I could shake this up if I cut this out 
Well I got nothin' 
I think we said it all so much 
We wore it out 
So I guess I can see where we're left 
Left off 
Maybe it's a talk that we've been puttin' off 
So before I left 
I made the bed 
Packed up my bags and my old guitar 
You came out and scraped off my car 
And you said somethin' 
Maybe I could shake this up if I cut this out 
Well I got nothin' 
I think we said it all so much we wore it out 
Now it's harder to see what comes next 
Promised it's all for the best 
I guess I don't know where we're left 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off 
Left off

Lara Nakhle:
Hi everyone. I'm Lara Nakhle from Sydney, Australia.

Audio Description:
Lara has light skin, long dark hair, and is wearing a matching gray vest and pants. She's holding a white cane and is seated on a cream-colored chair surrounded by musical instruments.

Lara Nakhle:
It's great to be back at WhiteStickFest again. The song I'll be performing for you all today is my latest single and it's called, New Day. I hope you enjoy it.

Audio Description:
Lara is now seated at a digital piano, with large speakers and guitars behind her, and blue-purple lighting.

Lara Nakhle:
(Singing)
I'm at a crossroads 
Don't know which way to go 
Every choice is hard 
Don't wanna let anyone know 
My friends they used to laugh at my jokes 
Now they just stare like they're hearing ghosts 
I can't let that disapproval sway 
Gotta make my decision my own way 
Sometimes it feels like I'm on my own 
Making choices I can't postpone 
My friends don't talk to me like they did before 
But I don't get down I am worth much more 
I'm strong enough to find my way 
Gotta make the best of each new day 
There's a fire inside but it's hard to ignite 
Wanna do what's right but it's hard to fight 
There's fire inside can't give it a name 
Can't live my life every day just the same 
I'll make my own way even if it's tough 
Won't let my dreams fall 
I will rise above 
Sometimes it feels like I'm on my own 
Making choices I can't postpone 
My friends don't talk to me like they did before 
But I don't get down I am worth much more 
I'm strong enough to find my way 
Gotta make the best of each new day 
Moving forward one step at a time 
I won't let fear dictate my mind 
Though the journey may be tough and long 
I'll keep singing my own song 
Sometimes it feels like I'm on my own 
Making choices I can't postpone 
My friends don't talk to me like they did before 
But I don't get down I am worth much more 
I'm strong enough to find my way 
Gotta make the best of each new day

Kirsten Busby:
Hi, my name's Kirsten Busby, and I'm coming to you in between two performances at the Pitt Street Uniting Church here in Sydney.

Audio Description:
Kirsten has light skin, long dark hair, and is wearing a black and white patterned dress with a pale pink coat over the top. She and her golden seeing eye dog are seated on the edge of a platform in front of a wooden imperial staircase.

Kirsten Busby:
I was born with a condition called optic nerve hypoplasia, which basically means in my case that my optic nerves are underdeveloped. The white cane is a symbol of independence for everyone, for me, I'm primarily a dog guide handler, but I own various color canes, including whites and multicolored, such as the one in my lap. Before I introduce the piece to you, I first off have a few thank yous. The first being to Claire Howard Race, who is my accompanist. To Dominique Parker, who was the audio engineer for the piece. And this piece was recorded at the Foundry Street music studio at 2MBS Fine Music Sydney. The piece I'll be performing for you today is Poor Wandering One from Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. Hope you enjoy.

Audio Description:
Kirsten is now wearing a green and pink flocked dress and is standing next to a grand piano.

Kirsten Busby:
(singing)
Poor wandering one 
Though thou hast surely strayed 
Take heart of grace 
Thy steps retrace 
Poor wandering one 
Poor wandering one 
If such poor love as mine 
Can help thee find true peace of mind 
Why take it 
It is thine 
Take heart fair days will shine 
Take any heart take mine 
Take heart fair days will shine 
Take any heart take mine 
Poor wandering one 
Though thou hast surely strayed 
Take heart of grace 
Thy steps retrace 
Poor wandering one 
Fair days will shine 
Take heart 
Take any heart 
Take it 
Take heart 
Take heart

Murphy:
Hello there, WhiteStickFest 2023. My name is Murphy, I'm an American singer-songwriter who spent the better part of a decade or so traveling around the country trying to make good of the music that's gotten me through my youth and the kind that gets me through my adulthood.

Audio Description:
Murphy has light skin and medium length curly hair. He's wearing glasses, a red and yellow tie-dyed T-shirt, and he's holding an acoustic guitar.

Murphy:
I make it a point to try and get by with what I have, and that includes other things that trouble me. I was born with a form of monocular blindness, where I got single sight out of my right eye. And much like plenty of folks, I've had to navigate quite a few perils and I've had to get a bit imaginative when it came to it. Whether that came to being able to think of a quick solution or just a way to appreciate a scenario. I think music has led me to many, many great truths and peace of mind. I hope that you would share your imagination with me as I sing your song I wrote about it. The song is called, My Imagination.
(Singing)
It crossed my mind so often 
To think how you woulda loved me 
It calms down 
When you're not around 
Must've been my imagination 
Coulda been my imagination 
Breaking down on the highway 
I have no car in my name 
Try to flag you down 
No one's comin' 
Must've been my imagination 
Coulda been my imagination 
I hold her close and yet she cries 
She tells me that the cold causes her pain 
And I can't stay 
Well ain't that a shame 
I tell her it's her imagination 
Say it's her imagination 
The white walls move the sound 
See the golden rays find their way in 
As I watch in faith 
As I sing his name 
Tell him it's his imagination 
Must've been his imagination 

Murphy:
I hope you take good care of yourselves and use your imagination when you need to. And don't let it drive you nuts, because it will always be there.

Mark Erelli:
Hey, everybody, Mark Erelli here. Coming to you from the United States, more specifically, Boston, Massachusetts. And even more specifically, my teenage son's bedroom, which has a wonderful white wall to perform in front of.

Audio Description:
Mark has light skin and short dark hair. He's wearing glasses, a gray check button down shirt, a cream fedora with a thin black strap, and is holding an acoustic guitar.

Mark Erelli:
This is my first WhiteStickFest. Thank you so much for having me, I'm honored to be included. And today I want to sing you a song about senses. Of course, we all know that the sense of sight can be a very valuable way to perceive the world, but there are things that are central to the human condition that you can't see with your eyes, things like faith and love and awe. So today I want to sing you a song about our sixth sense, if you will. It's called, Sense of Wonder, and it goes like this.
(singing)
Giant squid and butterflies 
Creatures big and mighty 
Low and small 
We can only guess how many kinds 
With which we share this big blue ball 
They say that we know less about the bottom of the ocean 
Than we do about the surface of the moon 
So if you ever lose your sense of wonder honey 
It'll be too soon 
Every day a new frontier 
The backyard was a jungle green and white 
But it gets harder to remember 
What came as second nature to a child 
You know the names of all the roads 
And the lawn needs to be mowed 
There's work to pay the bills and make the rent 
You might wake up one day 
And never wonder where your sense of wonder went 
Mysteries went in mysteries 
Like an endless set of Russian nesting dolls 
And if we could ever get there 
We'd find a question at the center of it all 
Why something said nothing 
Are we out here on our own 
Does someone or something catch us when we fall 
Without a sense of wonder 
It begins to seem so tragic and so small 
But it ain't all unicorns and rainbows 
Surely you suspected this by now 
Some days feel like a competition 
To find the biggest way to let each other down 
And I don't blame you if you are worried 
Sometimes I'm worried too 
And don't believe it when I say it'll all work out 
'Cause it don't seem to make no sense 
And it's no wonder sometimes we all have our doubts 
We are made of stardust 
Electrons dancing to a cosmic reel 
Life is particle and wave 
But even this cannot explain the way it feels 
So give all you have to give 
'Cause at best it's relative 
Love is how we pull each other through 
Hold on to your sense of wonder 
Keep yours for me and I'll keep mine for you 
Never lose your sense of wonder babe 
Keep yours for me and I'll keep mine for you

Thomas Reid:
Big thanks to Mark Erelli. This next band and I have a lot of history together. A lot of people wouldn't know this, but I was actually an original member. That was until we had a huge disagreement. It was a fight during one of our writing sessions while working on what became a huge hit, Apple and Banana. The argument began over their mispronouncement of bananas. The rest of the group agreed it was a pronounced banenes. I insisted it's not banenes, it's bananas. They kicked me out the group and went on to have a pretty big career. But I'm here with you today. Please welcome my former band mates, The Wiggles.

Audio Description:
Lachy, Tsehay, Simon and Anthony are standing in front of a whimsical background of a yellow house with a green door, which has a smiling face and a picket fence made out of colored pencils.

The Wiggles:
Hi, we're The Wiggles. And we are thrilled to join you once again for International White Cane Day. Let's all sing Rock-a-Bye Your Bear together.

Audio Description:
In this video, The Wiggles perform an interpretive dance matching the lyrics to their song.

The Wiggles:
(singing)
Everybody clap 
[Wiggles clap]
everybody sing 
<La La La La La>
Bow to your partner
[Wiggles bow] 
<Oh Good Day>
Then you turn around
[Wiggles Turn around]
<Cheering>
Hands in the air, 
Rock-a-bye your bear
Bear is now asleep
<Sh Sh Sh>
Bear is now asleep
<Sh Sh Sh>
Everybody clap 
[Wiggles clap]
everybody sing 
<La La La La La>
Bow to your partner
[Wiggles bow] 
<Oh Good Day>
Then you turn around
[Wiggles Turn around]
<Cheering>
Hands in the air, 
Rock-a-bye your bear
Bear is now asleep
<Sh Sh Sh>
Bear is now asleep
<Sh Sh Sh>
Bear is now asleep
<Sh Sh Sh>
Bear is now asleep
<Sh Sh Sh>

Lucas Haneman:
Hey, everybody. My name's Lucas Haneman. Thank you so, so much for having me back as part of the WhiteStickFest once again. It's a huge, huge honor.

Audio Description:
Lucas has light skin, short brown hair, and is wearing a black short sleeve buttoned down shirt with a red rose and white paisley pattern.

Lucas Haneman:
Today's performance is me and my wife, Megan Lawrence, in our acoustic duo called The Blind and the beautiful. Megan and I are currently working on our debut album which is slated for release sometime in the near future. Please do watch out for that. This is a song that's going to be on that album. This one is called What About Me?

Audio Description:
Lucas and Megan are performing in a church. Lucas is on the left wearing a black and white pattern, short-sleeve button down shirt with black pants and is playing an acoustic guitar. Megan is on the right. She has light skin, shoulder-length dark, curly hair, and is wearing a dark dress with a pink and green floral pattern and a black cardigan.

Lucas Haneman:
(singing).
Hey baby 
You drive me crazy 
Heaven knows that enough is enough 
You're always screamin' 
You're never pleasin' 
No matter what I do I do you wrong 
So wrong 
Not going nowhere 
Stuck in first gear 
Silence always dragging us down 
What about me 
Where does this pathway lead 
What about us 
What if it makes us reverse 
Everybody tells us that it's gonna be fine 
But they're all on the outside 
So what about me 
Can I find release 
It's not a crazy scheme 
What about me 
Is it proper 
To let your thoughts turn 
Going places dirty and disturbed 
'Cause I don't know what kick I'm on 
I'm getting off on you being gone 
But I know that I loved you long ago 
What changed so 
Maybe it's too late to ask for rebates 
Silence always dragging us down 
What about me 
Where does this pathway lead 
What about us 
And why do they make such a fuss 
Everybody tells me that it's gonna be fine 
But they're all on the outside 
So what about me 
I cannot find release 
It's not a crazy scheme 
What about me yeah 
I want you to cover yourself in moonlight 
'Til the stars forget your name 
Drink up on that Milky Way 
'Til you go insane 
Cover yourself 
Cover yourself 
Cover yourself again 
Drink up baby drink up now 
There's nothing left for me 
Cover yourself 
Cover yourself 
Cover yourself again 
Drink up baby drink up now 
Because this is the end 
Goin' nowhere 
Stuck in first gear 
Silence always dragging us down 
What about me 
I cannot find release 
It's not a crazy scheme 
It's what about me 
What about me 
What about me 
What about me 
What about 
Hey baby 
You drive me crazy 
Heaven knows enough is enough 
Oh-ho

Vernon Barnard:
Hello, everyone. It's Vernon Barnard coming to you from South Africa and it's once again a privilege to be a part of WhiteStickFest.

Audio Description:
Vernon has light skin, short combed back, dark blonde hair, and a short beard. He's wearing dark sunglasses, a light gray T-shirt, and is sitting in a studio in front of a large French window letting in natural light.

Vernon Barnard:
I have something very special planned for you guys today. A few months ago, myself and my collaborator, Leon Vermaak, started a brand new duo called Neolodics. So a combination of new and melodies or melodics, it's spelled N-E-O-L-O-D-I-C-S if you want to connect with us on social media. And the name of the first debut single is Undefeated. I think it's very suited for this occasion, of course, just a celebration of the human spirit and I trust that it will be relatable to you guys, that it will put a smile on your face. And yeah, please, if you like the song, check it out on all digital streaming platforms. And yeah, there's also a music video on YouTube so looking forward to just singing this song for you guys now. And of course, there are a multitude of just great performers that are a part of this occasion so I'm fortunate to be in that company. And yeah, just wishing you guys a great time with us. Enjoy.

Audio Description:
Vernon is now wearing a gray hooded jumper over a white T-shirt and he's holding a microphone. The large window behind him is now covered by a curtain and the lighting in the room has created a purple blue hue.

Vernon Barnard:
(singing).
When shadows cast by doubt 
Try to drown our love 
Trust we're enough 
Echoed vows we made 
Remind us not to yield 
Sacred battlefield 
Oh my dear 
We have won 
Undefeated we remain 
Crowned as conquerors again 
Hearts as one 
We've overcome 
Undefeated standing strong 
Now raise your hands and sing along 
Our hearts painted with hope 
We guard this hallowed ground 
By honor we are bound 
Until the final breath 
We fight with all our strength 
To the very end 
Oh my dear 
We have won 
Undefeated we remain 
Crowned as conquerors again 
Hearts as one 
We've overcome 
Undefeated standing strong 
Now raise your hands and sing along 
Until our final breath 
We're fighting with all our strength 
Until the very end 
We're fighting until the end 
Until our final breath 
We're fighting with all our strength 
Until the very end 
We're fighting until the end 
Oh my dear 
Mission's done 
We're undefeated once again 
Now raise your hands into the air 
Hearts as one 
We've overcome 
We're undefeated standing strong 
Now raise your hands and sing along 
Until our final breath 
We're oh my dear 
Until the very end 
We have won 
Until our final breath 
We're fighting with all our strength 
Until the very end 
Fighting until the end

Cobhams Asuquo:
What's happening, WhiteStickFest? My name is Cobhams Asuquo from Nigeria.

Audio Description:
Cobhams has dark skin, a short, neat beard, and long dark hair which is braided and tied back. He's wearing dark sunglasses, a black T-shirt, a green jacket, a silver chain, and is sitting at a grand piano.

Cobhams Asuquo:
I'm a singer, songwriter, and music producer. I'm blind and I'm super excited to be here on the WhiteStickFest stage one more time. I've become something of a regular visitor or a member of the family and I love it, I love it, I love it. So today, I'm going to be sharing with you a classic, one of my favorites. I always love performing this song and so I'm doing it especially for you today. So let's go.
I'm sure you recognize the song. Sing along with me.
(singing).
Reaching out across the night sky 
The city winks a sleepless eye 
Hear her voice shake my window 
Sweet seducing sighs 
Get me out into the nighttime 
Four walls won't hold me tonight 
If this town is just an apple 
Then let me take a bite 
If they say why why 
Tell 'em that it's human nature 
Why why why why 
I love living this way 
If they say why why 
Tell 'em that's it's human nature 
Why why why 
Why'd he do me this way 
Reaching out and touch a stranger 
Electric eyes are everywhere 
See that girl 
She knows I'm watching 
She likes the way I stare 
If they say why oh why 
Why don't you tell them that it's human nature 
 Why why why 
Why'd he do me this way 
Why why oh why why 
Tell them that it's human nature 
Why why why 
Why'd he do me this way 
And I love living this way 
And I love living this way 
Get me out into the morning 
The city's heart begins to beat 
Touch her shoulder 
I'm dreaming of the street 
Why why why 
Tell them that it's human nature 
Why oh why 
Why'd he do me this way 
Why oh why why 
Tell them that it's human nature 
Why oh why why 
Why'd he do me this way 
If they say why 
Why why 
Tell them that it's human nature 
Reach out 
Why'd he do me this way 
Oh why why why 
Why don't you tell them that it's human nature 
Why why why 
Why'd he do me this way 
And I love living this way 
And I love living this way 

Cobhams Asuquo:
WhiteStickFest, thank you so much. I love you. Thank you.

Thomas Reid:
Salute to Cobhams Asuquo with a fantastic rendition of Michael Jackson's Human Nature. Why? Why is it already time for our final act of the day? I'm a little sad but that's human nature. To help us close out this celebration in a major way, we have with us Hawaiian producer, singer, songwriter, and founder of Haku Collective, a 2020 Grammy Award nominee, Kimié Miner.

Kimié Miner:
Aloha, everyone. I'm Kimié Miner joined by my long-time friend and producer, Imua Garza.

Audio Description:
Kimié and Imua are seated in a studio. Behind them are guitars hanging on the wall and music production equipment. Kimié, seated on the right has mid-tone skin and long, dark, wavy hair. She's wearing a wide brimmed hat, a green, red, and yellow pattern dress and is holding a microphone. Imua, seated on the left has light skin, short dark hair, and a short beard. He's wearing a dark, short-sleeve, button down shirt with a green fern pattern.

Kimié Miner:
And we're so excited to be here at Zale Music Studio performing this special song, original song, that I wrote called Bamboo and it talks about resilience and love. We're here for International White Cane Day. I hope you guys enjoy this song and happy WhiteStickFest, everyone. Aloha.

Audio Description:
Kimié is now playing a ukulele and Imua is playing an acoustic guitar.

Kimié Miner:
(singing).
Hmm-Mm 
Oh yeah yeah oh 
Thought love was easy and I kept believin' 
In that old fantasy 
That fairy tale dream 
Real life has shown us it's a rollercoaster 
And oh we had to learn where to take our turn 
Oh love it's true 
The storms will come but we'll make it through 
We'll grow together and set our roots 
We'll be stronger than bam bam bamboo 
If I've got you there's no containing what we can do 
We'll see the world from a birds-eye view 
Yeah we'll be taller than bam bam bamboo 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
Ain't it crazy how we found our own way 
And we stayed evergreen 
A shade of you and me 
Side by side we lean into the light 
And we bend with the breeze 
We set each other free 
Love it's true the storms will come 
But we'll make it through 
We'll grow together and set our roots 
We'll be stronger than bam bam bamboo 
If I've got you there's no containing what we can do 
We'll see the world from a birds-eye view 
Yeah we'll be taller than bam bam bamboo 
We know how to survive 
On our own 
Letting go 
Love comes alive 
No we won't 
No we won't break 'cause we're stronger together 
Side by side 
We'll grow taller 
Oh love it's true the storms will come 
But we'll make it through 
We'll grow together and set our roots 
We'll be stronger than bam bam bamboo 
If I've got you there's no containing what we can do 
We'll see the world from a birds-eye view 
Yeah we'll be taller than 
And we'll be stronger yeah 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
We'll be taller than bam bam bamboo 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
Oo-Oo-Oo 
Oo-Oo-Oo

Thomas Reid:
Now, that's the way to close out the festival. What a beautiful song. Thank you, Kimié. I hope you all enjoyed White Stick Festival 2023. The celebration of International White Cane Day doesn't have to end here. Just as our white canes assist us in finding our way through physical spaces, let that inspire us all to navigate our way to reach all our goals in life.
I want to thank you all for putting up with my silly humor. I just enjoy having a good time and I hope you did too. My name is Thomas Reid and if you ever feel inclined to visit me, you can find me on ReidMyMindRadio wherever you get podcasts or navigate your way over to reidmymind.com. You just have to spell it right. Now, let's get this right here. It's R to the E-I-D, like my last name. Happy International White Cane Day, everybody. Peace.