Rockin’ For Autism today announced the official line-up of musical acts, food and other activities for its fourth annual music festival, scheduled for Sunday, April 28 from 11:00am to 6:00pm at La Grande Park in Fanwood (200 La Grande Avenue). Highlights from last year’s festival and more info on the upcoming event can be found at www.rockin4autism.org.
This year’s festival will feature performances by 12 local bands and performers, headlined by The BStreetBand, the original Bruce Springsteen tribute band. Other bands and soloists appearing in the festival include: Eric Harrison, Sami Gootman, Armada, Jammin' Jenn, Gradient, Patrick Bamburak, The Golden Dimes, Leave The Gun, Matt Levine, Three Piece Nugget, and the Bryan Hansen Band.
In addition to great music, the Rockin’ For Autism music Festival also features a variety of food trucks and local eateries including The Empanada Guy, Amanda’s Bananas, Thai Elephant, The Juice House, Custom Cakes by Kristen, Taxi Cab Burger, Nick’s Pizza, a beer garden and raw bar hosted by Sheelen’s Crossing, plus popcorn, cotton candy, shaved ice and lemonade vendors, the annual Rockin’ For Autism bake sale and more.
Other activities include Child’s Play Challenge Courses, a soccer clinic with the Scotch Plains-Fanwood girls’ varsity soccer team, a basketball clinic with Wolves Basketball Academy, and a skateboard experience with A-Skates – all of which are suited for children on the autism spectrum. Kids will love the Caped Crusader and other ‘Super Friends,’ a stilt-walking balloon artist, therapy dogs from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy and more. The ‘Chill Zone’ quiet room will provide respite for those in need of a low-stimulation environment.
The event will also feature dozens of great prizes in its massive merchant tricky tray raffle and silent auction, plus a boulevard of local merchants and vendors.
“We’re incredibly excited for the fourth annual Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival, which will feature The BStreetBand as our headline entertainer and 11 other musical acts – more than ever before,” said Jeff Banks, co-chairman of the event. “As the festival keeps growing, we continue to add more music, food, activities and attractions so that there’s plenty to do, see and hear all day long as we raise awareness and funds for a great cause.”
Rockin’ For Autism is the brainchild of 17-year-old Fanwood resident Mallory Banks, who since 2011 has raised more than $52,000 in honor of her brother, Ethan (age 19). Miss Banks, an Autism Awareness Junior Ambassador for the past eight years, ranks among the top young adults who raise money for autism in New Jersey. Over the past three years, the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival has raised more than $41,000 through its merchant raffles, silent auctions, bake sales, event sponsorships, donations and other fundraising activities. In 2018, Rockin’ For Autism was named the top autism awareness fundraiser for Autism New Jersey.
Rockin’ For Autism is actively seeking volunteers, vendors, merchant donations and corporate sponsors. For more information, or to donate, volunteer, sponsor or exhibit at the event, please contact info@rockin4autism.org.
About Rockin’ For Autism
Rockin’ For Autism is an annual music festival dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Since its inception in 2015, the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival has raised more than $41,000 for autism-related services and programming. In 2018, Rockin’ For Autism was named the top autism awareness fundraiser for Autism New Jersey. Please visit us on Facebook or www.rockin4autism.org, and follow us on Instagram (@Rockin_for_Autism) and Twitter(@Rockin4Autism).