Caledonia Argus

Former TV star ìCorkyî to bring musical message to Caledonia

Posted: 3/18/03

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

For television celebrity Chris Burke, smallscreen fame has provided him the opportunity to champion his message of hope, compassion, and inspiration to audiences across the country. The star of the ABC series Life Goes On brings his music act and message to Caledonia on Friday, March 28.

ìIt should be fun, our songs are songs that could really inspire a lot of people,î said Burke in an interview with The Argus last week. ìI love our messagesñ itís about inclusion, being sure of yourself, always believing in yourself, and never giving up. Itís not about our disabilities, itís our abilities that count.î

This attitude has been for Burke the fount from which career-long success has flowed. Born with Down Syndrome, he has focused on realizing his potential, rather than harping on his disability, and his efforts have been met with a plethora of plaudits. He has served as a spokesperson for the National Down Syndrome Society and the McDonaldís McJobs Program. A New York City public school was named in his honor, and his autobiography, A Special Kind of Hero, was published in 1992.

But it has been music through which he has been most passionate in disseminating his ideas. Working with brothers Joe and John DeMasi, the past ten years for Burke has seen the release of four studio albums and rigorous touring throughout the nation. The groupís third album, ìForever Friends,î received the Parentsí Choice Goldseal Award for Excellence, and the 2002 release ìA World of Kindnessî furthers Burkeís cause of promoting ability over disability.

ìWeíve always all had dreams, and this project is dream come true for all of us,î said Joe DeMasi, who with twin brother John have been producing albums and performing with Burke since 1990. The trio first met 25 years ago at a camp in New York for children with developmental disabilities, where Burke was a camper and the DeMasis were music counselors.

Working with Burke has been for the DeMasi brothers a labor of love, they said, since both the message and the music are something they stand behind.

ìWe really believe in our message,î said Joe DeMasi. ìItís about realizing that everyone has something to contribute, looking for the good in everyone, and having fun doing it.î

ìChris is a wonderful example to so many people,î added John DeMasi, ìand the music we play is unique and inspirational. Itís fun, up-tempo rock and roll stuff geared for kids and families. The response has been wonderful, and the kids really love the music.î

The DeMasis, both professionally trained musicians, have shared the stage with numerous big-name performersñ including folk music legends Harry Chapin and Richie Havensñ and they rank Burke as one of the best entertainers theyíve encountered.

ìHe just loves performing, heís a natural,î said Joe DeMasi, ìand heís as good a performer as anybody Iíve ever worked with.î

Performing on-stage, said Burke, allows him to both inspire others and to grow personally. ìThe singing group has been really great, itís given me a chance to interact with people, and to teach children how to use their imaginations,î he said.

Burke and the DeMasis will perform at the Four Seasons Community Center March 28. Tickets for the show can be purchased by calling ABLE at 507-725-3108, ext. 104, or by calling ABC Works at 507-725-2057.

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