Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with Delta Spirit and Ian Brennan

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, GRAMMY award-winning music producer and field-recorder Ian Brennan has collaborated with the Sheltered Workshop Singers on his most personal project yet with the new single “Abnoy (Don’t Call Me Names).”

Brennan follows up his acclaimed recording career of over 50 albums with the latest single. Brennan also produced the Sheltered Workshop Singers debut album Who You Calling Slow? He is known for doing recordings in underrepresented regions such as Rwanda, Malawi, South Sudan, Karachi, Comoros, Palestine, and more. His work has been featured on the front-page of The New York Times, in an Emmy Award-winning segment of 60 Minutes, and PBS Television. This time, he will be collaborating with his older sister Jane who has Down Syndrome.

Grace, who sings vocals on “Abnoy (Don’t Call Me Names).”

The single “Abnoy (Don’t Call Me Names)” features lead vocals by Grace, pictured below. The song helps represent a misunderstood community of creators, immersed in melody and passion. Listeners will feel the emotion of hurt, love, and bravery when listening to this track.

Ian Brennan spoke about collaborating with his sister Jane, and all she has gone through during her life.

But music is still the one thing that brings her to life. It has the power to bring her out of a near coma — stimulating vocal communication and inspiring dance. Albeit only with the fingers of one hand, the expressiveness and zeal for life remain.

The new single by The Sheltered Workshop Singers “Abnoy (Don’t Call Me Names)” is out now, and all proceeds made from the song will benefit The ARC of the United States.

On Friday, March 18, award-winning actors Zack Gottsagen and Jamie Brewer joined GLOBAL for their virtual dance party in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. The dance party also celebrated the SXSW nomination of Delta Spirit’s ‘What’s Done Is Done’.

Down Syndrome Day

This year’s virtual dance party brought together down syndrome advocates and celebrities like Amanda Booth, Kathie J. and Michael Parks Randa to highlight and support those with down syndrome. DJ Walt White and DJ Shane Beard oversaw the party to make sure everyone got their chance to shine. 

Delta Spirit’s ‘What’s Done Is Done’ is the first music video featuring professional actors with Down syndrome to be accepted into the SXSW film festival. The video features The Peanut Butter Falcon’s Zack Gottsagen and American Horror Story’s Jamie Brewer, who were both honored as GLOBAL Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy awardees. 

Each year, March 21st marks an important day of recognition and acceptance for those with down syndrome. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation gives support to millions by hosting events, raising funds and bringing communities together, while using World Down Syndrome day to boost these efforts.

Two additional “I ❤ You” dance parties will be hosted 7/22 and 9/30, 6:30 PM to 8 PM MT. Registration for both events is currently open. Donations can be made to honor loved ones and those with down syndrome in your community. 

additional reporting by Kamra Wint.

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