(Naples, Fla. – January 16, 2012) Acclaimed singers-songwriters Beth Nielsen Chapman and Rodney Crowell headline this spring’s Alive in the World Concert benefiting Eden Autism Services Florida. The concert and auction event is presented by the Trust for the Advancement of Responsible Artists (TARA) and will be held at The Philharmonic Center for the Arts Daniels Pavilion, on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Nashville-based Nielsen Chapman has penned numerous hits and written songs for Emmylou Harris, Bette Midler, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Faith Hill, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. Her groundbreaking “Sand & Water”, was written and recorded following the death of her husband from cancer in 1994. “Deeper Still”, released following her successful treatment for breast cancer, was voted “Album of the Year” by BBC2′s Terry Wogan. Beth’s music has shown up on numerous television series and movie soundtracks. Mega-hit “This Kiss”, ASCAP’S 1999 Song of the Year, sung by Faith Hill garnered a Grammy nomination.
In 1977, Crowell formed his own group, The Cherry Bombs, and in 1978 released his first album, “Ain’t Living Long Like This.” In 1988 he released “Diamonds and Dirt”, which generated an unprecedented five number-one singles, including “It’s Such a Small World,” with Rosanne Cash, his wife and partner at the time. Crowell’s acclaimed 2001 autobiographical album, “The Houston Kid”, marked his break from the constraints of mainstream record labels. He earned a Grammy in 1989 for the Best Country Song: “After all This Time” and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003. After he re-formed The Notorious Cherry Bombs in 2004 with his old pal Vince Gill, the band was nominated for a CMA Top Vocal Group award.
“We’ve brought Beth Nielsen Chapman and Rodney Crowell to Naples for this concert because they are both powerful singers and songwriters,” said Bob Goldman, director and founder of TARA. “You can count on some great songs and fascinating stories.”
TARA was founded as a result of Bob Goldman’s involvement with Eden Autism Services. “Charities like Eden need community awareness,” Goldman said, “and concerts are one way of bringing public attention to those charities.”
The “Alive in the World Concert,” featuring Beth Nielsen Chapman and Rodney Crowell, will be held on Saturday, April 14. The opening act for the concert is the Community School Naples all-star rock band. The event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails, victuals and a silent auction. At 8:00 p.m. the CSN Rock Band opens the show, followed by a live auction. Then, Nielsen Chapman and Crowell will take the stage. Tickets for the event are $150 each, and only 200 tickets will be sold. For more information or to purchase tickets call (239) 919-0408 or visit www.gigforgood.org.

John Chen and Marcus Thomas earned Best of Show in 2011

Naples, Florida (January 10, 2012) — John Chen and Marcus Thomas, Best of Show winners at the 2011 Naples Invitational Art Fest will return for this year’s two-day juried show on January 28 and 29, 2012 at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. They’ll be joined by nearly 150 other artists exhibiting a range of mediums including oil, acrylic and water color paintings, blown glass, turned wood pieces, sculptures, jewelry to a variety of mixed media painting, sculpture, jewelry, metal, ceramics and wood. The show benefits Eden Autism Services.

Both Chen and Thomas overcame obstacles before becoming noted artists. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, John Chen graduated from the National Taiwan Normal University of Fine Arts. He spoke no English when he arrived in the United States, but his discipline and dedication to his art have earned him numerous First Place and Best of Show awards throughout the region. “John has taken a traditional technique and developed quite an innovative style” said Art Fest Director Jill Spanbauer.

At the age of 26, Marcus Thomas suffered a skiing accident that broke his neck and left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. When the accident left him with only his imagination, his mind, the muscles of his head and neck, Marcus turned to art and began to realize his calling as an artist. “Marcus’ work captures the natural world in color and light,” said Spanbauer. “He pushes beyond the boundaries of what we believe possible, perfecting difficult techniques and capturing elusive moments.”

Consistently ranked as one of America’s top art shows by industry magazine Sunshine Artists, the show is judged by prominent art collectors, gallery owners, educators and guest artists. The Naples Invitational Art Fest is unique in Florida and the country because the proceeds benefit a 501 (c) 3 organization, Eden Autism Services. Eden Autism Services’ mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and provide support to their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. Participating sponsors include Arthrex, First National Bank of the Gulf Coast and Home-Tech.

“The Art Fest is a major fundraiser for us each year and we greatly appreciate the community’s support,” says Eden’s Executive Director of Florida Operations, Susan Suarez. “We’re able to raise needed funds to support developmental and educational programs for our students with autism.” For more information about sponsorships for the 2012 Naples Invitational Art Fest contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, ext. 5014 or Taire.malloy@edenautism.org or visit www.edenartfest.com

Eden Art Fest January 28-29, 2012
Celebrating 15 Years of the Arts for Autism in Naples