Local shows to benefit National Autism Association

Two family concerts in the Cleveland area will benefit the National Autism Association—Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO). Grammy Award-winning children’s group, Dan Zanes and Friends, will appear at the Beachland Ballroom on Cleveland’s East Side, Nov. 13; and Grammy-nominated Justin Roberts will perform at the Grog Shop in Coventry Village, Dec. 4. For both shows, doors will open to the public at noon, with the performances beginning at 1 p.m. The concerts are presented by DAP Productions.

Proceeds from the Dan Zanes concert will fund NAA-NEO’s 2012 Helping Hand program, which provides financial assistance to Northeast Ohio families raising a child or children with autism. NAA-NEO has awarded more than 150 grants to Northeast Ohio families raising children or dependents with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Grants have been given out in  amounts of up to $1,000 to help pay for autism-related treatments and therapies, such as speech, music, behavioral and occupational therapies, summer camps, tuition assistance, medical treatment, respite care and others.

Dan Zanes, the former lead singer and songwriter for the rock band The Del Fuegos, and his band perform exuberant music for kids and adults. Zanes performs American traditional songs, dance classics, and inventive originals. Justin Roberts is one of the all-stars of the family music scene. With numerous national awards and devoted fans, Roberts and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.

For tickets to the Dan Zanes show, visit www.ticketweb.com or call the Beachland Ballroom at 216-383-1124. For tickets to the Justin Roberts show, call the Grog Shop at 216-321-5588.