'The Speakers' bring talent and inspiration to Pleasantville Music Festival stage
The Speakers, a group of musicians from the Lagond Music School in Elmsford, are among the performers scheduled to appear at this year’s Pleasantville Music Festival.
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A talented local band is preparing to take the stage at one of Westchester’s biggest summer music events.
The Speakers, a group of musicians from the Lagond Music School in Elmsford, are among the performers scheduled to appear at this year’s Pleasantville Music Festival.
The festival, known as New York’s Backyard Jam, celebrates its 20th anniversary on July 11 and is expected to draw thousands of music fans to Parkway Field.
The Speakers perform popular songs and original music while showcasing a variety of musical talents.
All of the band’s members are neurodivergent. Some are on the autism spectrum, while others live with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.
But founding member and lead singer Kerryn Kwame Prieto says music is what defines the group.
“Our disabilities should not define us, but our passion for music does. All we’re trying to ask is hire us, and we’ll play for you,” Prieto said.
The band has already performed at numerous venues and events, including a recent appearance in Times Square.
The group grew out of the Lagond Music School, a nonprofit founded by Charlie Lagond and Rosanne Lana.
The school offers music programs for people of all ages and abilities.
Rosanne Lana says the goal is for audiences to see the performers for their talent.
“We want them to be recognized for who they are, talented musicians, not neurodivergent individuals. When they’re on stage, they’re musicians,” she said.
The Speakers will now bring that message and their music to the Pleasantville Music Festival stage alongside nationally known performers and local artists.
