By: Marlene Sharp
Sonmax Music Announces Rock Autism & Center For Learning Unlimited’s Brainstorm Productions
Partnership for neurodiversity in entertainment benefit concert in Los Angeles on February 5
SonMax Music’s Max Muscato – founder of New York-based performing arts non-profit Rock Autism – bursts into 2023 with a neurodiversity acceptance-themed national concert tour, plus a special, one-night-only engagement in Los Angeles on February 5. The upcoming, exclusive bill of live appearances boasts Max’s exceptional musicians and guest act The Dave Nolf Band at Hollywood-based The Hotel Café. The show benefits Rock Autism and esteemed local training facility The Center For Learning Unlimited and its sister animation studio Brainstorm Productions in Torrance, California.
Tunesmith and teacher Max Muscato is maestro of a new wave of music and film opportunities for youth with autism. His current endeavor essentially sees his non-profit accompany him on the road. Along the way, Max plans to donate a portion of ticket sales to Rock Autism Multimedia Vocational Programs, which include workshops and internships for students on the spectrum, plus related, regional charities. The Los Angeles date is early in the new year cross-country journey; Miami, New Orleans, Nashville, and other noteworthy stops are also on the itinerary.
During the February 5 presentation at The Hotel Café in Hollywood, author and creator Linda Malik is on the marquee. Her second children’s picture book in the WILLOW’S TALE series launches simultaneously. The new kid lit title WILLOW’S TALE: A LITTLE BLACK CAT GOES STARGAZING reveals full color illustrations by the neurodiverse artists of Brainstorm Productions. Linda’s Rock Autism cameo includes speaking, a book signing, and screenings of two WILLOW animated, film festival favorite shorts produced in conjunction with CLU’s Brainstorm Productions. A portion of book and related merchandise sales will go to Rock Autism.
Max Muscato’s story is entwined with his brother Sonny, a gifted drummer on the autism spectrum. Years ago, Sonny suffered mental and physical abuse in various assisted living facilities. Subsequently, dealers used Sonny as a drug mule. Sonny then embarked on a cycle of incarceration and release. Sonny also endured a near-fatal gunshot wound courtesy of a drunk corrections officer. By founding Rock Autism, Max led the charge for change. The mission was – and still is – to develop young leaders within the autism community via music and film education.
“After my brother was shot, he struggled with addiction and thoughts of suicide,” Max Muscato says. “I’m ready to take the stage at The Hotel Cafe and share these songs with the world.” Max’s powerful melodies lay bare his brother’s struggle with autism and addiction. For example, “Sonnyboy” sounds a public warning of the life-and-death situation at hand and is the anthem of Rock Autism as a movement.
During their current musical trek, the brothers Muscato are in collection and curation mode of potential footage for a companion NIGHT OF SONNYBOY documentary. Max and Sonny hereby invite the autism community to become part of the production crew! They welcome photos, videos, art, and miscellaneous tributes that could appear in the fact-based, on-screen narrative.
Prospective production support staff are able to contact Rock Autism here: https://www.rockautism.org/contact/
Los Angeles concert tickets are available here: https://new.hotelcafe.com/event/rock-autism-max-muscato-sonny-muscato-with-dave-nolf-band/
