A lifelong musician and percussionist, Knott believes in the power of music to connect, communicate and inspire. And now, thanks to his passion, the hard work of others and the support of his supervisors at People Inc., that vision has come to life in the form of Blue Ink Butterfly.

What started with buckets and water bottles has blossomed into a 13-member drumming ensemble made up of participants from People Inc.’s Young Adult Life Transitions program in Lockport. With grant funding that allowed the group to upgrade to real drums, the band has grown into something beyond anyone’s expectations.

Blue Ink Butterfly performed its first public performance at the Kenan Center over the summer.  “When they took a bow and heard the crowd’s applause, it was one of the greatest moments of my life,” Knott said. “They were glowing. Smiling ear to ear.”

Since then, the troupe has performed at nursing homes and community centers, as well as the opening of this year’s World Canals Conference at Canalside in Buffalo. More performances are scheduled in the coming year. The group is also expanding to host open drumming sessions for other People Inc. programs, sharing the joy of music with even more people.

But what is most impressive is the growth, visible impact and joy expressed by members of the band.

"I am happy when I play drums with my friends,” said Miracle Wallace, a member of the band. “Music is powerfully linked to memory. Music makes us feel good on the inside. Words make you think, music makes you feel!"

 

Knott said the band’s success is built on mutual respect, creativity, and an unwavering belief in each other.   “Everyone learns differently,” he said. “I had to find ways to communicate musically with each person. But once we locked in, we were unstoppable.”

Over time, he has watched members of the band open up and become more self-assured, confident and passionate about the music.

“They’re proud of what they’re doing,” Knott said. “I see it in the way they walk into the room now. They’re excited. They want to be here. They want to perform.”

"I feel happy to be performing in front of people and it makes me happy to hear people cheering for us at the end," said Amanda Zbieszkowski.

Knott has also seen participants begin to support one another and take on leadership roles.

"I love performing with my friends and sharing our music with the public. It makes me proud,” said Sarah Sharp.