Music legends join Autism Speaks’ Light Up The Blues 7 Concert
Hosted by Kristen and Stephen Stills, the evening promotes understanding and inclusion of people with autism
February 25, 2025
Los Angeles, CA – Billy Idol, Cat Power, Linda Perry, and Christina Applegate have signed on to join Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Chris Stills, Oliver Stills, and more, along with many special guests, in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025 at the Greek Theatre for the Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 7 Concert. Hosted once again by Kristen and Stephen Stills, and promoted by Nederlander Concerts, the event will feature performances by autistic musical artists and will begin at 7:00 PM PST.
Tickets go on sale Friday, February 28th at 10 am PST.
The Light Up the Blues Concert returns for its seventh year and will celebrate Autism Speaks’ 20th anniversary and the autism community, while helping to fuel Autism Speaks’ work to provide resources and services for all autistic individuals, across the spectrum and throughout their lifespan. Proceeds from the Light Up The Blues 7 Concert will support Autism Speaks’ efforts, which include funding life-enhancing research, increasing early childhood screening and interventions, and improving the transition to adulthood for people with autism.
Kristen and Stephen Stills said, “We are once again feeling grateful that we can play a part in helping Autism Speaks to fulfill their mission of creating such meaningful progress for autistic people and their families. There are a multitude of existing challenges and now, here in Los Angeles, we face a new reality of added need for our autism community. The trajectory of getting back to a sense of normalcy is very complex. We know that our support of Autism Speaks will help to ensure that the path will be smoother and approached with sensitivity and care. All the amazing artists joining us to celebrate autistic people will give our audience a night to remember for many years to come and we can’t wait to be with them once again!”
“Kristen and Stephen Stills are once again using the power of music to amplify the voices of the autism community, and we’re grateful for their dedication to making this event a force for change,” said Keith Wargo, Autism Speaks President and Chief Executive Officer. “As Autism Speaks marks its 20th anniversary, we’re not just reflecting on how far we’ve come—we’re pushing forward, driven by the voices of autistic people, to tear down barriers and create a world where disability inclusion is a reality. Over the next two decades, we’re redefining what’s possible—fearlessly fighting for access to health and wellness services, employment, and community support so that every autistic person has the opportunities they deserve.”
Taking place during World Autism Month, The Light Up The Blues 7 Concert reinforces Autism Speaks’ commitment to standing with the autistic community by encouraging everyone to celebrate differences and include people with autism in all aspects of society. Supporters can help make a world of difference for autistic individuals this April and year-round by visiting AutismSpeaks.org.
In addition, Autism Speaks is stepping up to support communities affected by the LA fires by offering tailored virtual resources and partnering with local providers to assist frontline response efforts—maximizing existing resources to make an immediate impact.
Over the years, the Light Up the Blues Concert has featured artists and guests including Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Jack Black, Patti Smith, Joe Walsh, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Burt Bacharach, Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Don Felder, Jakob Dylan, Nikka Costa, The War On Drugs, and more, and has raised millions of dollars in support of Autism Speaks, helping to drive the organization’s mission.
About autism:
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influence the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S.
About Autism Speaks:
Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting millions of people with autism and their families to free services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, the nonprofit serves as a convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to AutismSpeaks.org and follow @AutismSpeaks on social media.
About the Greek Theatre:
The Greek Theatre is a 5,901-seat music venue located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1930, opening on September 25 of that year. Designed by architect Samuel Tilden Norton, the theatre stage is modeled after a Greek temple. The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. The venue is among the City’s most cherished public sites.
The historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. Throughout its history, the Greek Theatre has played host to some of the biggest legends in music. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures. For more information visit: www.lagreektheatre.com
About Nederlander Concerts
Nederlander Concerts promotes and produces a wide range of quality live entertainment throughout the United States and in 2022 was ranked among the top 20 promoters in the world. A boutique, independent event promotion firm, Nederlander exclusively operates and programs the most coveted and awarded small to mid-sized venues, including City National Grove of Anaheim, Heart Health Park in Sacramento, Hollywood Pantages Theatre, San Jose Civic, and Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles among others. Also, the company promotes events at third-party arenas, theatres, and clubs across the country, including the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Bellco Theater in Denver, Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester, Pepsi Amphitheater in Flagstaff, Toyota Arena in Ontario, and many more. For more information on Nederlander Concerts visit Official Website l Facebook l Twitter l Instagram
Media Contacts:
Erin Cook / Jensen Communications / erin@jensencom.com
Lilia Carasciuc / Autism Speaks / lilia.carasciuc@autismspeaks.org
Lisa White / Nederlander Concerts / lwhite@nederlander.com
