Teens4Autism Rocks Out

It would be easy see the Teens4Autism show at the Austin Music Hall this Saturday, Sept. 12, as another benefit for yet another good cause, but the lineup alone tells you this is different. There's no big name, no sage Austin musician or popular local band, and that makes it all the more heartfelt and worthy.

Teens4Autism started as an idea from Georgia Napolitano, 17, a former Westlake High student and one of the leading female vocalists on the U18 scene. She envisioned the show as a way to promote the efforts of Thoughtful House centers for children and Teens4Autism, a local nonprofit that provides educational and medical support for children with autism and similar childhood development diseases. Appearing on FOX last week, Georgia described the idea for the show as "bringing eight teen bands together for a night of entertainment to raise awareness and give a voice to kids with autism," through the power of music.

The night features her band, Georgia and the Boys, plus appearances from popular local teens acts, including the back-from-L.A. Edison Chair, indie popsters AfterMath, and blues torch carriers the Carson Brock Group, plus up-and-coming rockers Loose Wheels, the duo of Gabriella and Jordan, art rockers Live Transmission, and special guest Sam Debold, 12, a young pianist with autism. The event includes a silent auction and a cash bar for beverages and drinks.

Georgia's passion for both music and helping children is long established. Two years ago, at age 15, she wrote "Make a Change" for the purpose of raising money for water wells in Ethiopia. Her tireless pursuit of singing has led to an astonishing number of places already, including an audition for American Idol, and winning the Austin School of the Performing and Visual Arts Youthcast competition earlier this year.