American Idol’s James Durbin To Headline “Temple Grandin & Friends”

LOS ANGELES - April 9, 2015 - PRLog -- Autism Movement Therapy, Inc., proudly presents “Temple Grandin & Friends,” a musical celebration with a special guest performance by American Idol alum, James Durbin, on May 20, 2015, at Club Nokia (http://www.clubnokia.com) in Los Angeles. The theme of ‘bridging the gap between community and job opportunities for individuals with autism and related differences’ will benefit Autism Works Now, a nonprofit pilot program spearheaded by Autism Movement Therapy (http://www.autismmovementtherapy.com).

“Temple Grandin & Friends (http://www.templegrandinandfriends.com)” is an evening celebrating the extraordinary life of Dr. Temple Grandin (http://www.templegrandin.com), an accomplished author, professor, animal expert, and speaker, who forever changed the face of autism. Musical guest James Durbin (http://www.durbinrock.com), who was diagnosed with Tourette and Asperger syndromes at age nine, pursued his dream of becoming a recording artist and landed in American Idol’s Top Ten in the show’s tenth season. His sophomore album “Celebrate” blasted onto four Billboard charts in 2014.

In addition to a presentation by Guest of Honor, Temple Grandin, honorees include Emmy Award-winning actor Ed Asner, and his son, Matthew, recognized for their tireless efforts on behalf of individuals with autism. Other honorees include: Exceptional Minds, Wayne Foglesong and the LAUSD Miller Career and Transition Center.

The talented line-up of musical guests include: Susan Sheller, Nicholas Guzman, Rio "Soulshocka" Wyles, Chadwick Johnson, Lonnie Park, The Miracle Project, Dylan Aragon, Dr. Stephen Shore, Adam Walden, and a special performance by the Autism Movement Therapy Dancers.

Other participants include: Joe Mantegna, Joey Travolta, Dani Bowman, Noah Schneider, Alex Plank, Neal Katz, Tom Iland, Emily Iland, Joel Anderson, Jacob Levy, Mia Mantegna, Liam Kehler, James Frye, Jeremy Sicile-Kira and Avonlea Obnillas.

“Temple Grandin & Friends” will be live streamed by Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films (http://inclusionfilms.com), a production company that specializes in training individuals with developmental disabilities. To illustrate the importance of job training for young people with autism, the event has hired several professionals with autism and other related disorders to work on the production team, including actor Joe Mantegna’s daughter, Mia, who is a make-up artist.

“With 1-in-68 children diagnosed with autism and 50,000 each year turning 18, it’s imperative that individuals with ASD be trained and given skills that will help them lead independent lives,” said Joanne Lara, producer and founder of Autism Movement Therapy.  “There is an alarmingly low employment rate for these youth entering the workforce and through raising awareness, we’re taking a stand and asking for a “Seat at the Table” for these highly employable individuals who bring value and dignity to the workplace.”

“Temple Grandin & Friends” will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at Club Nokia, 800 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA.  Show from 8:00pm-10:00pm. Doors open at 6:45pm. VIP meet and greet with Grandin and Durbin plus art show from 7:00pm-7:45pm. Ticket prices: $22.49 - $154.50.

Click here (http://www.axs.com/events/254823/temple-grandin-friends-t...) to purchase tickets: http://www.axs.com/events/254823/temple-grandin-friends-ticket (http://www.axs.com/events/254823/temple-grandin-friends-tickets)

For additional information, visit www.templegrandinandfriends.com