Disability Culture Takes Center Stage at Ever Widening Circle 2006

Nearly 400 friends of the disability community gathered on September 15 to celebrate the eighth annual Ever Widening Circle, a performance event benefiting the World Institute on Disability and the Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunication.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Victoria Williams and her band headlined this year's show. With a sound located somewhere between hillbilly swing and quirky interpretations of old-time classics, Williams' lyrics are filled with the delight of small-town life and the inspiration of nature. With guitar, harmonica, keyboard, and African thumb piano, her music has a distinct "Americana" flavor that may have raised a few eyebrows among the mostly urban audience.

The event also featured a world premiere dance performance by the physically integrated AXIS Dance Company, accompanied by renowned cellist Joan Jeanrenaud, formerly of the Kronos Quartet. The evening took a lighter turn with a myth-busting monologue by comedian Tanyalee Davis.

Ever Widening Circle honors disability culture and battles negative stereotypes of disabled people by showcasing the talents of world-class performers with disabilities. This year's event, held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Performing Arts in San Francisco, was generously sponsored by Verizon, AT&T, Wells Fargo and Wal-Mart.

Watch a video of highlights from the 2004 Ever Widening Circle performances.

Watch a video of highlights from the 2003 Ever Widening Circle performances.