By: Isaiah S. Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist/’What’s Good’ Host
OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Walking the boards in Ocean City, New Jersey, the average family can run into a handful of people who are trying to entertain them, perform for them, while trying to make a dollar while entertaining; but none are quite like Bryan Woolbert because most performers are not legally blind.
Charter Tech Performing Arts High School has a hand in raising this awesome classically trained pianist from Egg Harbor Township, and this is his seventh summer performing on the boards. He closed his show with “I’m Proud to be an American” cover, harmoniously grabbing the crowd’s attention.
“I’m twenty-three years old and I’m out here playing the piano and singing for a few reasons, number one I love this community,” said Woolbert.
Artists like Stevie Wonder or the late Ray Charles both are visually impaired. Woolbert has microophthalmia cataract syndrome, but even with an eye abnormality, Woolbert still plays the piano and sings nearly effortlessly, sharing what he calls his God given gift with South Jersey.
“I like to bring glory to God for the gift he’s given to me in music,” Woolbert said. “I’m also very thankful to be free here in America, where I’m free to express my gift, and I’m very thankful for freedoms I have that God has given me.”
Woolbert describes his vision like dividing his left eye into four equal parts, and he is only allowed to see through the bottom left corner while his right eye hardly works. Yet he sees color in performing and producing music. Some of his musical heros are Billy Joel and Elton John.
Woolbert wants his life to be an example for others who have disabilities and yet have a passion for music and to just do it. He wants to leave this encouraging word.
“There are so many handicap artists out there,” he said. “Do not be afraid just do it, pray about it too, for all you know you may have a gift.”
You can find Bryan Woolbert and his music on all social media platforms along with his website www.bryanwoolbertmusic.com. So don’t be afraid to support this young man, South Jersey, because he is definitely What’s Good in South Jersey this week!
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