For five years, country musician Nick Tayler and songwriter Henry Evans have created music together from across the country. On Oct. 15, they will finally meet in person for the first time, right here at West Valley College.
West Valley College and the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month with “2 Voices. 2 Visions. One Unforgettable Experience,” two free concerts showcasing music, technology and the power of creative collaboration.
Located on the West Valley College campus, CAA provides a collegiate experience for adults with disabilities, creating opportunities for students to develop their talents, pursue their interests and participate in a vibrant college community.
Tayler, who is flying in from Florida for the performances, is a rising country artist who was born deaf in one ear and grew up in Nashville surrounded by bluegrass, gospel and country music. Tayler has developed a raw, emotional sound rooted in storytelling, with songs that explore faith, family, heartbreak, healing and hope.
At the heart of Tayler’s work is his extraordinary partnership with Evans, a quadriplegic and nonspeaking songwriter who uses eye-tracking technology to compose lyrics letter by letter. For the past five years, the two have collaborated remotely, with Evans writing and Tayler bringing his words to life through music.
Their Oct. 15 appearance at West Valley will mark the first time the longtime collaborators have met face to face and performed together in person.
The concert will also bring together two local artists for another special collaboration. West Valley College student and professional singer Audrey Walker will perform alongside CAA music student and sign language performer Nathalie Montes de Oca, adding their own voices and talents to the celebration.
CAA Executive Director Nicole Kim said the artists embody the spirit of National Disability Employment Awareness Month by challenging assumptions about disability and demonstrating what becomes possible when talent, technology and opportunity come together.
“Nick and Henry remind us that talent is never limited by disability,” Kim said. “Their partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when people are given the opportunity to share their gifts, collaborate with one another, and be recognized for their abilities instead of limitations.”
In addition to the contributions of performers Henry Evans, Nick Tayler, Nathalie Montes de Oca and Audrey Walker, the event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the College of Adaptive Arts, the West Valley College Music Department, the Disability & Educational Support Program (DESP), the Democracy Institute and the David Wang Educational Endowment.
CAA and West Valley College will present two free performances at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct. 15.
Join us for a celebration of music, creativity and inclusion, and the chance to witness a five-year musical partnership come together in person for the very first time.
RSVP by Oct. 9. Seating is first come, first served.