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The vibrant and captivating PEBCelebratesLive event, held at Vancouver's Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, marked a celebration of talent and inclusivity.

Led by Open Door Group in collaboration with posAbilities and other community partners, this annual festival honored the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, showcasing an array of remarkable performances and heartwarming stories that left a lasting impact.

Despite the heavy rain, the event on December 4th welcomed over 200 enthusiastic attendees, both in-theater and online, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement and joy. The stage came alive with the captivating performances of 17 talented artists and performers from diverse backgrounds across the Lower Mainland, truly making it an unforgettable evening!

The event began with a profound territory acknowledgment by Elder Carleen Thomas, followed by insightful Opening Remarks from Monique Nelson, posAbilities' Director of Community Engagement.

The show kicked off with the enchanting melodies of the members: Cheri Maracle, Sherryl Sewepagaham & Kaitlyn Yott of M’Girl band, which delivered a proud and elegant performance with two traditional Hand-drum songs. Their graceful opening set the stage for an evening of rich cultural experiences.

Photo of M'Girl band at PEBCelebratesLive: Cheri Maracle, Sherryl Sewepagaham & Kaitlyn Yott, Dec 4th, 2023

A touching and inspiring moment unfolded during the screening of 'Minding My Own Business: Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome,' presented by the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation. This powerful film showcased the resilience and determination of individuals like Andrew, Anu, and Zamaan, as they navigated the journey of establishing successful businesses despite the challenges they faced. Their stories conveyed a powerful message of perseverance and determination, inspiring everyone in attendance.

The Hip-hop Inclusive All Bodies dance performance was a celebration of the vibrant hip-hop culture, featuring diverse expressions through urban street dance, performed by Kelly, together with Stew, Kevin, Shawn, Alyssa, Aris, and Bruce who co-choreographed the dance performance. The performance not only entertained but also fostered inclusivity and freedom of expression, leaving the audience exhilarated.

Photo of Kelly, Stew, Kevin, Shawn, Alyssa, Aris, and Bruce who co-choreographed the hip-hop dance performance at PEBCelebratesLive event, Dec 4th, 2023 

One of the highlights of the event was the screening of 'Chicken,' an award-winning short film directed by Lucy and Emma. This touching film delved into themes of family, love, and overcoming life's obstacles, offering a poignant and inspiring narrative. Aaron, the film's lead actor, shared heartwarming experiences about the making of the film, adding depth to the audience's appreciation of the story.

Photo of Aaron- the film's lead actor, standing next to the 'Chicken' short film poster, Dec 4th, 2023 

The electrifying rock music performance by Luc Picard, Dean Williams, and Andrew Macfarlane had the audience dancing and singing along. Their enthusiasm and dedication to music were evident, leaving an enduring impression on the evening. Their commitment to Rock4Autism promotes awareness about neurodiversity, uniting creative talents across diverse spectrums.

Comedian Ryan Lachance closed the show with his witty humor, filling the room with laughter and joy. Ryan's performance not only entertained but also left a sense of pride and unity among everyone present: "I felt proud performing and being a part of tonight's event. Everyone was inspiring, and I felt a sense of pride seeing everyone share their stories on stage." (Ryan Lachance, comedian)
Photo of Ryan Lachance, comedian on stage at the PEB CelebratesLive event on Dec 4th, 2023

One attendee, D.V.A (name changed), shared, "The show was an uplifting experience. This is my 4th time attending the show with my family. Witnessing talented artists overcome barriers to pursue their dreams is truly inspiring, hopeful, and motivated!"

If you missed any of these remarkable performances, don't worry! You can check out the artists and films showcased at PEBCelebratesLive through the following links:

• M'Girl Band: M'Girl
• Down Syndrome Resource Foundation: DSRF
• Hip-hop Inclusive All Bodies Dance: Hip-hop Dance Series
• 'Chicken' Film: Chicken Film
• Luc Picard: Luc Picard Music
• Ryan Lachance: Ryan Lachance Comedy

This incredible evening was made possible by the dedication of volunteers, community partners, and sponsors. Their unwavering support played a pivotal role in making this celebration of diversity and inclusion a resounding success.

Since its first start in 2014, Project EveryBODY - PEBCelebratesLive has been a platform for artists that are persons with disabilities to share their stories, challenging perceptions about abilities and disabilities.

Stay tuned for more upcoming events on Project EveryBODY's website or follow @opendoorgroup on social media. Join us as we continue our journey of celebrating diversity and inclusion!

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