New York Kicks off Linda Rodgers Emory Concert Series

On February 6th, Music for Autism was thrilled to kick off the first of the Linda Rodgers Emory concert series with performances by Dominic Nolfi (“Tommy DeVito”), Dominic Scaglione (“Frankie Valli”), and Deborah Hurwitz (musical technical director and conductor) of “Jersey Boys” fame. The concert, which featured a string of numbers from the smash Broadway show, took place as part of the Reel Abilities NY Disabilities Film Festival at the Jewish Community Centre in Manhattan, and was arranged with the help of Ms. Hurwitz, a long-time affiliate of M4A. “It was really cool to be able introduce the ‘Jersey Boys’ to the fun of Music for Autism concerts!” enthused Deborah, who is on the M4A board and also an active concert volunteer. “Experiencing such an appreciative and grateful audience is a wonderful feeling for a musical professional, and the concerts are a fantastic opportunity to cut loose musically and just have a great time.”

The crowd of eager young concert-goers had a swinging Sunday with the “Triple D’s” throughout the show’s three main performance segments — “concert time,” “conducting time,” and “percussion time” — which were spiced up this weekend with a particular ’50’s flair. Amidst the interactive song, dance, and rock ‘n’ roll, it was patently obvious that the three stars were having a ball as well. “I had such an amazing time performing at this beautiful event,” said one of the trio, Dominic Scaglione. “The closeness and compassion displayed in that room between the families, counselors and children was so inspiring. I felt so blessed to have been able to be a part of it. It warmed my heart to sing for such a loving audience.” “The concert was a blast — the energy and interest that the kids brought to the concert was the best part.” added Dominic Nolfi. “Everyone was having a great time in their own way, and it really opened my eyes to the power that music can have.” Remarked Robert Accordino, the US founder of Music for Autism: “The concert with our favorite “Jersey Boys” performers was one of my all time favorites! All concert participants and performers were moved and greatly touched by the experience. We are so grateful to the Doms and Deborah for sharing their awesome talents with us, and we look forward to having them perform soon again with M4A!”

“Jersey Boys” is a jukebox musical chronicling the rise of the rock ‘n’ roll group, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It was the 2006 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. It is based on the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and directed by Des McAnuff with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. It features such hits as “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Oh What a Night” and has toured London’s West End, Vegas, Chicago, Melbourne, Sydney, and more.

The concert was made possible not only through collaboration with the three rockin’ Broadway stars, but also thanks to the generous $20,000 grant received from the Richard and Dorothy Rodgers Fund of the UJA-Federation. M4A came to Richard Rodgers’ daughter, Linda Rodgers Emory’s attention through Anita Altman of the UJA-Federation. The concert series is named in her honor. Music for Autism is greatly appreciative of Linda Rodgers Emory’s goodwill and is excited to carry this fantastic series forward into 2011.