Striking nearly 2 of every 1,000 children, autism is a brain development disorder which manifests before the age of 3. Considered one of the five main developmental disabilities, the condition has hit home for many local families, including that of guitarist Dave Humphries.
On Saturday, June 21, Humphries and a slew of local music luminaries will stage the fourth annual Autism Benefit Concert at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge to raise awareness about the disease.
“In 2004, our grandson was diagnosed with autism,” said Humphries. “To have such a wonderful child struck with something like this inspired us to become active in the fight against autism,” he said.
Each year since 2004 the event has gotten bigger, with numerous local luminaries pitching in to help on the day.
The emcee for this year’s concert will be Walrus 105.7 FM DJ Dave Mason, with music starting at 3 p.m. by Humphries, Beatles cover band The Baja Bugs, The Tornado Magnets, Anna Troy and surprise guests. All funds from the performance go to the organization Autism Speaks.
According to concert organizer Robbie Taylor, “lots of dedicated people are involved in making this event a happening thing. The real trick is in finding the balance between entertainment and education. We’re here to have fun, but we don’t want to lose sight of what it’s all about.”
Though Taylor notes the musical line-up came together randomly, it’s hard to avoid the strong Beatle-esque overtones of the bill. Mason hosts the Sunday morning radio show “Breakfast with The Beatles.”
Meanwhile, Humphries, a British transplant, has worked extensively with Lennon and McCartney compatriot Tony Sheridan. Even rocker Troy has been known to include tunes such as “I Will” in her set.
Topping the connection will be The Baja Bugs, who perform material from The Beatles’ early bar and club days. The band eschews costuming and gimmicks and instead goes for the heart of the matter, playing with the same passion that the Fab Four originally belted these classic tunes out with.
“Everyone performing asked to be involved,” said Taylor. “So many, in fact that, if we had the whole night, we could have done a mini-Live Aid-type show with local acts.
“What we will have instead is a tightly packed four hours of entertainment, with guests joining the bands for a song or two during their sets,” she said. “We can probably expect some unique pairings.”
According to Taylor, the connection between musicians and their fans is an important one for charities.
“Artists have an audience that most people do not have the opportunity to reach,” she said. “On the flip side, musicians tend to be expressive, compassionate and want their music to make a difference. It’s a wonderful combination where everybody wins.”
Mason became involved because he’s “known quite a few families dealing with autism, so I know how important it is that research into the cause and treatment is (funded). What a better way to do it than with music?”
He admits to being a fan of Humphries as well.
“Dave’s voice is the key to what makes it all work,” Mason said. “I hear him as a little bit of Steve Winwood, with a uniqueness that stands on its own. And he digs The Beatles, too. What more could you ask for?”
Despite the long hours spent organizing the event, Taylor and Humphries say the hard work is rewarding.
“It’s nice to be involved with something like this that brings out the best in people,” Taylor said. “The response has been heartwarming. If we can help in the fight against autism in even a little way, then it’s all more than worth it.”
The Autism Benefit Concert takes place at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island, on Saturday, June 21 at 3 p.m. The show is geared for those 21 and older.
For more information, visit www.humphreysbythebay.com.