2015 Light Up the Blues Concert

Annual All-Star Show to Support Autism Awareness

Shawn Colvin, Stephen Stills, Jack Black, Neil Young, Steve Earle, and others at the 2015 Light Up the Blues concert (photo by Peggy Sirota).

On April 25, 2015, rock legends and top celebrities gathered for the third annual Light Up the Blues concert to raise awareness for autism. Held at the famous Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, the sold-out concert featured great musical performances by Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Shawn Colvin, Steve Earle, The White Buffalo, Chris Stills, and others. To cap off the evening, all the performers took the stage for a spirited rendition of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

Celebrities in attendance included Brad Pitt, Jack Black, Christina Applegate, Gary Cole, Amy Brenneman, and many more. Roland Corporation U.S. was also there to lend support, donating several musical instruments that were hand-signed by the performers and included in a silent auction to benefit Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

Hosted by Kristen and Stephen Stills plus emcee Jack Black, the concert spotlighted Light It Up Blue, Autism Speaks’ global awareness and fundraising campaign celebrated by the international autism community throughout the month of April every year. Proceeds from the concert go toward Autism Speaks’ research and advocacy efforts for families and individuals impacted by the disorder.

Performers take the stage for the Light Up the Blues concert finale.

“It was wonderful to see the Hollywood community join forces with so many iconic rock musicians in the interest of such a great cause,” said Chris Halon, Director of Marketing Communications for Roland U.S. “We are extremely proud to be able to do our part to help raise awareness, and we look forward to working even more closely with Autism Speaks throughout the year.”

Autism currently affects 1 in 68 children in the United States and millions more worldwide. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism, increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. To find out more about their great efforts and learn how to get involved, visit the Autism Speaks website.

Instruments donated by Roland U.S. to support Autism Speaks, on display for the silent auction.