The sign-up sheet sits on a wrinkled piece of loose-leaf paper near the bar, names written in every direction. A few performers tune guitars while others rehearse poems under their breath. There is laughter, the clink of glasses, and that familiar mix of nerves and excitement. For those who frequent open mics, this is a familiar weeknight scene to meet other artists and share something new or play a favorite cover. Yet events like these are more than just performances; they are opportunities to build community, connect through creativity, and celebrate shared expression.

CP Unlimited (CPU) is committed to making sure everyone has access to those spaces. That belief inspired Together We Shine, an inclusive open-mic series that brings artists with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) together to share their voices and talents in authentic community settings. Inclusion, for CPU, is not only about access but about agency. Every person deserves the opportunity to take chances, express themselves, and grow through new experiences.

CPU has hosted two Together We Shine events in Staten Island; both held outside certified program settings to encourage genuine community participation. Each open mic features an equal mix of performers from the I/DD community and the broader arts scene. Musicians, poets, comedians, and storytellers connect through creativity rather than circumstance. Partnerships with local venues have been essential, particularly with The Flagship Brewing Company, a well-known Staten Island brewery recognized for supporting community events. Taking inclusion a step further, Together We Shine recently featured a performance by Our Own Yokos, a popular local band that donated their time and talent to the event. Their lively set brought audience members and performers together on the dance floor, creating a shared experience that underscored the event’s spirit of community.

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