FOCUS ROCKS: A Benefit Concert for FOCUS Center for Autism

Sunday June 24, 2018 @ 5:00 PM

41 Bridge Street and FOCUS Center for Autism present FOCUS ROCKS: A Benefit Concert featuring the MICHAEL CLEARY BAND, MIXED SIGNALS, and KERRI POWERS w/ GEORGE MASTROGIANNIS on Sunday, June 24th at 5 pm!

FOCUS ROCKS is an evening of exceptional entertainment to benefit the nonprofit organization, FOCUS Center for Autism in Canton, CT. Since 2000, FOCUS has been dedicated to helping children and young adults with autism spectrum and other related disorders achieve their full potential. FOCUS has developed a well-respected model of treatment that has now served over 1000 children and families. The FOCUS Autism Services Program provides clinical services for children, parent support groups and social clubs. Now in its second year, The Fresh Start School is a private, state-approved special education program offering children with autism a quality educational experience that addresses their academic, social learning and clinical needs. In addition, FOCUS operates two residential programs for adolescents and young adults with autism who have histories of trauma and abuse.

FOCUS ROCKS begins at 5 pm (doors at 4 pm) with a set by American roots soul singer KERRI POWERS with GEORGE MASTROGIANNIS. Kerri Powers was born to play the guitar and tell stories that could be best defined as ‘Mark Twain’s Mississippi River Tales Meet Kurt Vonnegut’s Sierra Nevada Deserts.” The Connecticut-based Singer plays Blues, Roots, Americana, Country, and Folk with an attitude and a sharp tongue. It’s fitting that The Boston Globe proclaimed, "There's an authenticity at work here, a heart-tugging gravity and a lively intelligence to go along with the sass.” The Hartford Courant echoed these sentiments, calling Powers a “Mark Twain-like Trickster whose wry words, dramatic sense of dynamics and supple phrasing can celebrate joy and hope.”

Following Kerri and George, CT funk band MIXED SIGNALS will hit the stage with their mix of groove-oriented, high energy music in their own unique style. Mixed Signals plays a mix of danceable classic rock, soul, and dance rock hits from the past four decades—everything from The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Simon, Steve Winwood, Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Bill Withers, Pink Floyd, Al Green, Neil Young, The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead, Peter Green, and more. Members of Mixed Signals are veterans of the local and regional music scene and have been playing area venues for the past twenty years. Each member brings a high level of musicality and energy to each show producing a great mix of music that will leave you wanting more.

Headlining the evening is the funk/rock group, THE MICHAEL CLEARY BAND. A Hartford institution, the MCB are celebrating their 27th year of making groovy original music. Their shows have been described as great songs, monstrous solos, epic jams, and funky grooves--all in all, a diverse, joyous musical stew played and sung by talented musicians who love what they do! In 2014, MCB took home the award for ‘Best Jam Band’ in the CT Music awards. In 2009, MCB was voted ‘Best Jam Band’ in the Hartford Advocate Readers poll, and they are previous winners in the ‘Best Rock’ and ‘Best Blues’ categories. MCB have played with Tower of Power, Little Feat, Average White Band, Joan Osbourne, Peter Wolf, NRBQ, and countless other regional and national acts. Their latest record, “Uplift" is out now on CD Baby and iTunes, as well as dozens of other online sites.

All proceeds from this incredible evening of music will go to benefit FOCUS Center for Autism! Tickets are $25 for General Admission and $45 for “FOCUS Rocker,” which includes VIP Reserved seating, a commemorative t-shirt, and other special perks. Food from the Green Door Restaurant, including new house-made pizzas, will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Links:

Tickets:

$25, $45