   A very big part of Leonardo's musical mission is performing and writing for the Special Needs Community. Inspired by his little brother Mario, who happens to have Down Syndrome and Autism, Leonardo performs at schools, camps and Buddy Walks throughout the country raising awareness and rockin' the house!
His new CD, Makin' Waves, features a chorus of youths from the South Bend, IN DS organization. Check out the songs Beach Day, Showtime, Aeiou, and Ready for Success.

     "Leonardo’s catchy melodies at the Michiana Buddy Walk had families smiling, dancing and singing. His enthusiasm is infectious and his performance was enjoyable, uplifting and fun. It was a great time!"
          Michiana Down Syndrome Group

"Thank you so much for the great concert yesterday. What a terrific message and good music to boot! I do hope we can do a repeat next year."         Down Syndrome Family Connection Bloomington, IN

World Down Syndrome Day Concert Bloomington, IN

Makin' Art

Artist Joe Bell paints the Makin' Waves stage set at Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso, IN

Joe Bell at work makin' Makin' Waves. Thanks Joe!

Recording Session

The Makin' Waves Chorus

Chorus and Conductor

All my friends at the Makin' Waves recording session

Guitar Hero

On stage at South Bend Buddy Walk

Shakin'

Everybody is in the band!

Makin' Waves...Makin' Smiles!

        Down Syndrome Congress National Convention
        Family Cafe Disabilities Conference Orlando, FL.
        Camp Hi-Lite Riley Hospital Indianapolis, IN
        Euro-Peds/North Oakland Medical Center
        Family Fun Day Pontiac, MI.
        Mosaic Down Syndrome Conf. Richmond, VA.
        Northville Schools, Northville, MI.
        Self School Valparaiso, IN
        Buddy Walks in IN, MI, IL....

Watch NBC TV News story on Makin' Waves recording session

Letter of Recomendation Camp Hi-Lite at Bradford Woods

Spring Music Update

Hello Friends,

Leonardo here again with an update of my musical activities that include the Down Syndrome/Special Needs community.
Feel free to share this note with your community.

In this Issue:

1.Buddy Walk Availability
2.March/Summer Concerts
3.Public Library Special Needs Collections
4.Stage Set/PBS

1.Buddy Walks: It's not to early to begin planning your Buddy Walk entertainment. For the past four years I have brought my music to numerous Buddy Walks. A few dates around the midwest are booked already, old friends I visit every year (thanks Michiana and Grand Rapids!) and new communities. I'm available solo or with a band. I can bring my PA for announcements, raffles etc. Speaking of the band, besides Billy on drums, I have a new member on bass and percussion. His Name is Rafael (yup, Leonardo and Rafael..all we need is Michaelangelo and Donatello and we are the Ninja Turtles!) Raffa, as we call him, is a native of Venezuela and will be a fun addition to the band!
So contact me if you would like a rockin' band for your Buddy Walk this year. From the Hokie Pokie to some of my fun original songs we get everyone involved and part of the show!

2.March/Summer Concerts: On the 21st we are in Bloomington, IN to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and Disabilities Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Family Connection is partnering with the Parent Teacher Advisory Council for Special Education (PTACSE) to host a family-friendly concert and information fair featuring organizations from the Bloomington area that provide services to persons with disabilities and their families. info@downsyndromefamilyconnection.org.
And on the 28th we are in suburban Chicago performing out first Gala. Its for RCL, Resources for Community Living. They saw us perform at Gigifest at Gigis Playhouse in the fall and booked us for the gala!

This summer I'm on the road performing from North Dakota to Mass. Michigan to Kansas..so please check out the tour schedule and c'mon out and join the fun. Many of my shows will be at Public Libraries, with the "Showtime" theme to celebrate the "Be Creative" summer reading theme. You can download my song Showtime for free from my website. This is one of the songs from Makin' Waves that features my good friends from the South Bend area! And if I'm close to your community this summer how about a summer concert, or birthday party? Either way, I would love to see you at one of the shows!

Big News: We will be performing at Taste of Chicago on June 29th. The singers from Misericordia, will be performing before us so it should be a great time on Chicago's lakefront.

3.Library Special Needs: In January I traveled up to Bloomfield Hills, MI outside of Detroit to help them celebrate the opening of their new Special Needs collection in the youth department. They have a wonderful collection of books, media, and toys that the Friends of the Library generously sponsored. It was cold outside but warm inside and we had a great show! Ask your local library about starting a Special Needs collection, I think its something whose time has come. I perform at many public libraries and its such a great resource with people who care a lot and are open to new ideas to include everyone in their community! Squeeky wheel gets the grease.

4. Set Design/PBS Some very talented artists at Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso, IN are designing and painting a backdrop for my live show. I commissioned a Makin' Waves themed set from this wonderful organization. From assembling jobs to shredding services to a popcorn shop and a wonderful art studio, this place does it all. I'll bring the whole stage show to Buddy Walks to show it off! We're gonna need a bigger stage!

I wrote and performed the theme song to a new PBS kids show call the Udderly Amazing Cow that premiered in February. It's a six part series produced by Lakeshore TV in Northwest Indiana.
I am in episode 3 singing the theme song and more during a campfire scene. I should have a clip up on my website soon.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my first email back in October. I hope to send something out every quarter if you dont mind. Let me know if you want off the list.
My CD Makin' Waves has been getting some great reviews and I have a multiple purchase discount through CDbaby.com if organizations would like to order for members.

Squeeze the Day!

Leonardo
www.LeonardoMusic.com

Mar 4, 2009 Add comment Share