06/05/09 - Guitarist with only one arm to perform at Institute

Date: June 5, 2009
Contact: Seth Seymour
423.648.1709
seth.seymour@siskin.org

Guitarist with only one arm to perform at Siskin Children’s Institute
Accomplished artist brings inspiring message to children with and without disabilities

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A guitarist who was born with only one hand is scheduled to perform for children with and without disabilities at Siskin Children’s Institute on Monday, June 8, at 10 a.m.

Lefty Williams, an Atlanta singer, songwriter and musician, is visiting the Institute in advance of his performance later that day at the Bessie Smith Strut, which is part of Chattanooga’s annual Riverbend Festival. He performs at the Strut at 5:15 p.m.

Williams’ performance at the Institute is part of Riverbend’s community outreach program.

Despite being born without a right arm, Williams began playing the guitar since he was 4 years old. He started out strumming with the end of his “nubb” and then fashioned his first prosthetic pick at age 6. By 11, he was playing in neighborhood bands. While playing upright bass in the school orchestra, he learned how to read music, and in 1998, he made his way to the Atlanta Institute of Music to hone his guitar skills. After graduating with honors, Lefty was offered a teaching position at AIM.

In 2006, Williams recorded his debut album, “Big Plans,” which he followed up with an 18-month tour. Last year, he released his second album, “Snake Oil,” and is now touring again.

His music is described as being “a compelling combination of honest, heartfelt lyrics and masterful rhythm and blues muscle.”

For more information about Williams, visit www.lefty-music.com.

About Siskin Children’s Institute
Since 1950, Siskin Children's Institute has served children with special needs, such as autism, developmental delays and Down syndrome. The Institute achieves its mission in a comprehensive way: a quality preschool education where children with disabilities learn together with typically developing children; family support and community outreach programs; innovative research focusing on early childhood development and special education; and developmental and behavioral pediatric health care. For more information about Siskin Children’s Institute, visit www.siskin.org.

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