Buffalo, NY- The Goo Goo Dolls headlined a concert to benefit the Canisius University Institute for Autism Research (IAR) on Saturday, April 16 in Buffalo State’s Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. The sold-out concert, Artists for Autism, included performances by Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs and singer-songwriter Cassandra Kubinski.
The concert was the vision of famed music producer Armand Petri, whose credits include work with the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs and Sixpence None the Richer. Petri’s son, AJ, is autistic and participated in one of the IAR’s programs. After seeing great improvement in his son’s social and communication skills, Petri wanted to help create greater awareness for this community resource.
In addition to the Artists for Autism concert, proceeds from CD sales and downloads of Kubinski’s newly-recorded single “Not So Different,” will benefit the IAR. “Not So Different” will be available on iTunes and Google Play.
After hearing Kubinski’s song, “Not So Different,” Petri thought it would provide a tuneful vehicle to shine a light on the need for additional autism research. Petri reached out to close friends to record a new version of the song. John Rzeznik, of the Goo Goo Dolls, offered his full support. Similarly, Mary Ramsey of John and Mary and 10,000 Maniacs fame, quickly agreed to lend her voice. Along with Kubinski, the three performers recorded a new version of “Not So Different.”
The events were in collaboration with the Music Industry Program at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
