Inaugural Elephants For Autism Festival Continues Today

Based on magazines and television, it seems a lot of popular music today only cares about the next party, the next female groupie, and bragging about how much more you own than the people who actually purchase the music. Sure you have Adele and Bruno Mars but for every true musician and gifted song writer, the industry churns out 10 more of the guys I mentioned in the first sentence.

Smithville resident Jerry Ryan has been leading sort of a one man and multi band revolution for years against mass produced music. His vehicle is called Elephant Talk and includes an online magazine, music events and a radio show for indie music on WLFR 91.7 FM.

This weekend, Ryan unveils his latest venture Elephants For Autism a three-day festival to raise money so that children with autism and their families can be enriched through music programs.

It began on Friday, May 18 and continues through Sunday, May 20 at the Grand Fromage and the Bone Yard in Atlantic City.

Ryan took time out of his schedule to speak with me about the festival.

Q) Why did you want to begin a music program for kids with autism?

Ryan) I could give you a hundred different reasons why I wanted to start a music program in this area for autistic children. But I'd have to say having a son with autism who uses music as a way of communication and bonding has inspired me to give other children the same opportunity to experience the joy and healing that music offers.

Q) How many bands do you have performing?

Ryan) There are over 100 bands. Close to 125 probably, not including comedians, poets, mentalists, etc ... Even though it's considered a music festival, we welcome any performers (with open arms) who are willing to lend their time to this great cause and use their talents to make a difference.

Q) Do you want your vision of what music can and should be to expand to activism and charity?

Ryan) Over time I've had the opportunity to cross paths with so many great musicians who are in it for the right reasons and now that we have established a legitimate music community, I felt the importance to use these numbers and this following to make a difference. We’ll be leaning toward the charity side with most of these future events.
To create and make this world a better place is the overall plan here.

Q) What would a successful event for you look like? What would it mean for the music program?

Ryan) We really want to open a school in the area for kids to learn and perform at their own pace. We also want children to have access to this place even when they’re not in a lesson. (With parental supervision). Something like a boys and girls club for music. They'll also have access to an extension music library of vinyl, thanks to many donations; most notable from Aubrey Rahab Gerhardt of the Linwood Public Library. It’s really great to see so many people in this area as excited as I am for this event because it's not about me anyway. I’m just doing my part.

Q) Is there a website people can check out for more info?

Ryan) The only site that’s available is through Facebook; through Elephant Talk Indie Music Magazine and The Elephants for Autism event page.

Q) Is there any thing else we should know?

Ryan) I do want parents to know that whether it’s through this program or not, however you incorporate music into your child’s life, you may soon realize that you will be opening doors for them and bring healing and comforting at the same time, while also planting the seeds to a brighter future for your child.