Goo Goo Dolls to Headline 'Artists for Autism' Benefit

Buffalo State's Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall has announced a special benefit concert, Artists for Autism. The concert will feature an acoustic set by multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated band the Goo Goo Dolls. The event will take place on Saturday, April 16, at 8:00 p.m. and include performances from Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs, and Cassandra Kubinski.

Tickets are $30-$35 with a special VIP Meet and Greet option for $125 and go on sale Wednesday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m. (available at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, 1300 Elmwood Ave., by calling 716-878-3005 or online at buffalostatepac.org.)

Tickets are sold out.

All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College.

Artists for Autism is the vision of famed music producer Armand Petri, whose credits include work with the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Sixpence None the Richer, and many others. Petri’s son, A.J. is autistic and has participated in a community program at the Institute for Autism Research. After seeing great improvement in his son’s social and communication skills, Petri wanted to help create greater awareness for this community resource. 

In 2013, singer-songwriter Kubinski composed and released "Not So Different," a song for her friend's sons on the autism spectrum. After hearing the song, Petri thought it would provide a tuneful vehicle to shine a light on the need for additional autism research.

Petri reached out to some close friends and associates to record a new version of the song. His friend John Rzeznik, of the Goo Goo Dolls, instantly offered his full support. Similarly, violinist and vocalist 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” to be released on the same day as the April 16 concert.

All proceeds from the sale of the song will also benefit the Institute for Autism Research.

The concert will open with a short set by Kubinski, who will then be joined by Ramsey and guitarist Jeff Erickson to perform songs from the 10,000 Maniacs catalog. The acoustic set from the Goo Goo Dolls will highlight the evening and the world premiere performance of “Not So Different” will conclude the concert.

Tickets
$35 Lower Tier
$30 Upper Tier
$125 VIP Pre Show Meet and Greet

• Includes Lower Tier ticket to the show
• Copy of the "Not So Different" CD Single
• Meet and Greet with Cassandra Kubinski, Mary Ramsey, and John Rzeznik
   

Rockwell Hall box office hours, Monday Friday. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.