March 19, 2012
Inglis Kicks off its 135th anniversary celebration as it proudly presents…
(Philadelphia, PA) – Inglis, celebrating 135 years of providing programs and services enabling people with physical disabilities - and those who care for them – to achieve their goals and live life to the fullest, is proud to present someone who thoroughly exemplifies that mission. International sensation JUSTIN HINES, who was born with Larsen syndrome - a joint location disease, will make his Philadelphia debut, THURSDAY, APRIL 19th at 8 PM at WORLD CAFE LIVE (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia).
Calling to mind great singer/storytellers like Jim Croce, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello, Justin Hines, a lifelong wheelchair user, mixes styles of pop, country, folk and rock together yet embodies a musical space all his own. The 30-year-old Canadian’s work has been called “a potent combination of emotionally eloquent lyrics and strong, accessible melodies” by The Globe & Mail, and his uplifting story is much more than just a great musician finally breaking into the American market.
Tickets for the concert may be purchased through the Inglis website www.inglis.org or by calling 215-222-1400. Tickets range from $25 for theater seating to $100 for table seating with complimentary food and beverage. Patron and sponsor level tickets are also available. World Cafe Live is wheelchair accessible and valet parking will be available at the 31st Street entrance.
Justin Hines’ story is as powerful as his music. At 14, he won a vocal competition to sing the National Anthem— both the Canadian and American— at a Toronto Raptor’s basketball game and his world opened up before him. “In that moment, it all seemed possible,” he recalls. “The performance eliminated any stage fright.” Hines has performed professionally ever since, including performances at both the Beijing and Vancouver Olympics; in South Africa where his song “Say What You Will” became the backdrop for a video featuring the Most Rev. Desmond Tutu that raised money to build 20 schools in 11 days; to his one hour PBS concert special (airing on WHYY-TV Friday, March 23 at 10pm); to using his song “Tell Me I’m Wrong” to create a video showing the indomitable spirit of the people of Joplin, MO in their efforts to rebuild after last year’s devastating tornado. Justin Hines realized he could use his music to help himself and others to not only survive but to truly thrive.
The optimistic Hines has thrived all his life against the difficult odds of his condition. “The reality is I don’t really look at my situation as that big a deal,” he says. “We all have our things that challenge us, just some people’s are a little more visible in the forefront. Mine is very apparent, whereas others wear it on the inside.” This just another reason why Inglis is so thrilled to welcome him to Philadelphia not only for his benefit performance at World Cafe Live, but also for the intimate personal performance he will give at Inglis House for the Inglis Community.
For 135 years, Inglis has also helped people not only survive, but truly thrive – by making a profound difference in the lives of those with disabilities – and those who care for them. Inglis is at the forefront of new models of care and support. From the development of new opportunities for independence, to state-of-the-art adaptive technology, to one of the most robust social enrichment programs in the region, Inglis will continue to the lead way.
INGLIS enables people with physical disabilities and those who care for them to achieve their goals and live life to the fullest. INGLIS includes a specialty nursing care facility providing long-term, residential care for 297 adults with complex physical disabilities. It offers long-term, rehabilitative medical and nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapies; and social enrichment programs. In addition, INGLIS also offers services for more than 800 people living independently in the community including accessible housing, care management, adult day care and community employment. All INGLIS’ services and programs are designed to enable people with physical disabilities to enjoy life with the greatest amount of independence and mobility.
# # #