Candye-jo

What is United by Music?

United by Music is no ordinary foundation, but a vibrant international musical platform and foundation that offers people with intellectual disabilities a fantastic opportunity to showcase their musical talents on a large stage for an enthusiastic audience. The concept revolves around inclusion, self-confidence, and connection through the power of music! The motto is "Music unites us and makes us the same"—music connects people, regardless of disability!

Candye-jo band

Candye-jo bent die was erste in 2024.

Starting out as a small group, we've finally become a large band that now brings its music to a wide audience with enthusiasm and talent. They've grown tremendously in two years. The setlist is already a bit bigger and more fun. We're like a big family (and friends) group; it's more than just making music.

The United by Music Candye-jo band is one of the spectacular bands within this organization. It showcases select musically talented artists. They usually perform with professional accompaniment, but it's primarily the spotlight on themselves!

What kind of music do they make?

The music they play includes:

• Blues

• rock

• Dutch language

• Adele

• pop rock

• 80s

  
  

  
  

These styles fit perfectly with the dynamics of the band and offer the artists plenty of space to express themselves in their playing and singing.

How long have they been around?

United by Music was founded around 2024 when founder Joris van Wijngaarden had the brilliant idea of bringing musicians with intellectual disabilities together on stage. The organization has been around for over 15 years and has grown into an international phenomenon with branches in countries like Norway, Romania, and the United States.

What kind of successes have they had?

They already have numerous impressive achievements to their name:

• Marathon Rotterdam

• Bolder fair

• vision festival

• King's Day Sliedrecht

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• performance ice rink Papendrecht annual performances.

• Gala show (annual) event.

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• with performances to packed houses.

• The concept has led to several groups in different countries and music practices that actually contribute to the well-being and self-confidence of the artists.

Impact

In addition to their performances, there is scientific research that shows that participating in United by Music has positive effects on social support, self-confidence and a reduction in loneliness among the artists.

In short: United by Music is an inspiring musical movement!

With a mission—music as a tool for inclusion and empowerment—the ALL Star Band is a living example of this. They've been around for years, play swinging blues and swing songs, and have performed for tens of thousands of people on international stages.