Jazz concert to benefit autism education, chamber

Jazz concert to benefit autism education, chamber

CANTON — A jazz benefit concert is scheduled for April 18 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Best Western University Inn, with all proceeds supporting the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and autism education initiatives.

The event will fund Chamber of Commerce activities across St. Lawrence County while enabling the Institute for Learning Centered Education Autism Initiative to continue offering free public workshops on autism awareness. The Institute does not charge for workshops or other resources to make them accessible to people at all economic levels.

"Almost daily, people on the autism spectrum are disciplined by otherwise competent people who misunderstand their behaviors," Don Mezibov of the ILCE said, noting that misunderstandings often cause the very incidents for which individuals on the spectrum are then disciplined.

The evening will open at 7 p.m. with brief remarks from a young man on the autism spectrum, followed by an entirely musical program.

Local performer Michael Agen is among those slated to play. Agen, a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar and drums and performs vocals, covers a range of styles from rap and rock to heavy metal and piano ballads. Organizers are still seeking additional young musicians to participate in the event.
Headlining the concert is The Five Dots, a popular local quintet known for jazz standards, original compositions and reimagined R&B hits. The group features Hailey Hodge on vocals, John Danis on electric wind instrument and vocals, the Rev. James Galasinski on bass, Ben Richey on drums and Tim Savage on piano.

The first 40 to register in advance will receive a commemorative memento of the event.

Tickets $15 in advance and $20 the night of the show and are available at https://tinyurl.com/2s35zbpa. Click the "Register" button to sign up.