Rock n’ roll culture has always been about breaking the rules – rebelling against the mainstream and defying stereotypes.
Local band RockAbility, made up of musicians who have disabilities, is doing just that.
“Not everybody can play in this band,” said RockAbility’s founder, Lori Weber, of NPower Services. The band holds auditions to find people who have both disabilities and musical talent. Also, mentor musicians are part of the band and help guide practice and training.
“They work hard,” said Weber, who launched NPower Services to help adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities gain employment training and social and volunteer opportunities. “They are expected to know their stuff before they walk into rehearsal. Everybody has to pull their own weight.”
Many of RockAbility’s musicians have developmental disabilities that can make it difficult for them to function in neurotypical environments. So band members also learn skills such as getting along in a group, performing in front of an audience and fine-tuning their musical talent.
Their repertoire includes covers of Dave Matthews, Bob Seger, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and No Doubt, plus originals written by mentors and members of the band.
“This is a great place for them to express themselves through music,” said Weber, “which is what gives them joy. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to do what makes them happy? That just makes for a much better life. You know, first and foremost, it is a quality of life program.”
Band on the run…
RockAbility keyboard player Alan Vaytsman of Cleveland has been a musician since he got his first keyboard at age 2.
“When I was little, I couldn’t speak,” he explained, “but then I started getting exposed to the Beatles, and I just started singing, before I could talk.”
Vaytsman’s favorite rock band is the Beatles (he sings with RockAbility on several Beatles tunes), and the “White Album” is his favorite Beatles record. He said the best parts of being in RockAbility for him are the opportunities for socialization and exploring his other passion, musical theatre. And, of course, playing Beatles songs.
Vaytsman mentioned RockAbility has just finished an original song called “Sing” that he expects will be released in 2026.
Check out RockAbility live with an original song called “Sunny Day” from their recent gig at the Rock Hall:
Weber also hosts a group called Inside Circle for those who either aspire to be musicians but don’t have a musical background or who just want to have fun. Inside Circle is open to everyone regardless of skill level. For more information on RockAbility or Inside Circle, visit their web page.