Photo credit: Chris Kissinger
Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Burt Bacharach, Judy Collins, Sheryl Crow, Chris Stills, Oliver Stills, Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell, Steve Ferrone, and emcee Jack Black, plus many special guests, will return to Los Angeles on Saturday, April 21 at the Dolby Theatre for the 5th Annual Light Up The Blues Concert—An Evening of Music to Benefit Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Hosted once again by Kristen and Stephen Stills, the event will also feature performances by three artists with autism.Produced by Nederlander Concerts, the benefit concert will begin at 7:30 P.M.
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 19 at 10:00 A.M. through Ticketmaster.com or the Dolby Theatre Box Office.
The April 21 event spotlights Light It Up Blue, Autism Speaks’ annual global campaign for understanding and acceptance, which begins on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, and continues throughout April, World Autism Month. Light Up The Blues will celebrate the many gifts of individuals with autism, while supporting Autism Speaks in its mission to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for children, adults and families affected by autism spectrum disorder. Proceeds from theLight Up The Blues Concert will go toward Autism Speaks’ efforts to advance research, increase early childhood screening and interventions, and improve the transition to adulthood.
“Once again, we are so thrilled to be doing this benefit for year number five. Working on behalf of Autism Speaks is our great privilege, and we are so pleased to hold this year’s concert at the iconic Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars,” said Kristen Stills.
“The last four Light Up The Blues benefits have been incredible, life-changing events for all involved. With an exceptional line-up this year, we are so grateful to be able to bring such a special night of music to the entire community, and to continue to support Autism Speaks,” said Stephen Stills.
Angela Geiger, president and CEO of Autism Speaks, added, “We couldn’t be more grateful to the Stills family, Jack Black and all of the performers who are so generous with their time and their talent. Funds raised through this extraordinary concert will fuel Autism Speaks’ mission and help to enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.”
Over the years, the concerts have featured artists including Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Ryan Adams, Brandi Carlile, Don Felder, Jakob Dylan, Nikka Costa, The War On Drugs, and more, and have raised over $1.8 million for Autism Speaks.
About Autism: Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Most are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. Go to AutismSpeaks.org to learn more, donate or join a fundraising walk.
About Nederlander Concerts: Nederlander Concerts promotes and produces a wide range of quality live entertainment throughout the United States and ranked among the top 10 promoters in the country. A boutique, independent, event promotion firm, Nederlander exclusively operates and programs the most coveted and awarded small to mid-size venues including the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, City National Grove of Anaheim and City National Civic of San Jose. In addition, the company promotes events at third party arenas, theatres and clubs across the country including the Greek Theatre, Statesman Skyline Theater at the Long Center and The Belmont in Austin and San Diego Civic, among others. VisitNederlanderConcerts for more information.
About Dolby Theatre: One of the world’s premier entertainment venues, Dolby Theatre has hosted a range of prestigious artists and events since opening in the fall of 2001. From September 2011 to January 2013, Dolby Theatre was home to IRIS by Cirque du Soleil. Some of the artists that have graced the stage include Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Steven Tyler, Celine Dion, Prince, Andrea Bocelli, Dixie Chicks, Tyler Perry, American Ballet Theatre and various touring Broadway productions. It was the home of almost all American Idol season finales including the Fox farewell in April 2016, as well as the live shows of NBC’s America’s Got Talent since the summer of 2016.
