Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing Concert to Benefit Autism Speaks

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WORCESTER, MA, September 2017 – If you’re a FOOLS fan, then you know of front man Mike Girard’s project over the past years: Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing. The rock and roll band will come together on September 15th at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA to raise money for Autism Speaks.

“Worcester Rocks for Autism Speaks,” presented by Norfolk & Dedham Group, will include a rock and roll concert by Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing, a silent auction, step & repeat, and swag bags… all while helping to raise money for Autism Speaks. In addition, sponsors will receive cabaret style-seating with special gifts and a VIP meet-and-greet with the band and Autism Speaks staff.

Lead vocalist Mike Girard of The FOOLS’ is joined by guitarist and founding member Rich Bartlett, former FOOLS bassist, Joe Holaday and drummer, Jim Taft; then stir in musical director Steve LeClaire and the Tornado Alley Horns plus a dozen or so of the best horn players in New England, and the amazing backup singers ‘The Jewels’ to form Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing. The band covers classics such as The Stones, AC/DC, The Animals, the Doobie Brothers, Billy Idol, Roy Orbison & Tom Jones, as well as including some FOOLS’ classics.

“I know [Autism Speaks] is the leading Autism research group, and people raise money in a lot of different ways,” states LeClaire, whose son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism in 1990. “While I can’t just write them a huge check, I can do a ton of legwork to get others together to where it all adds up.  Plus, music is the universal language. You can bring everyone together with positive energy, and good music is the icing on the cake.”

According to the Autism Speaks, autism affects one in 68 people. ”Because of our son Ben, it’s obviously a cause close to my heart. We hope you understand the pressing need for research, services and care for this growing segment of our population.”

“It’s an amazing feeling to sing in front of this band,” Girard says. “For a guy who’s spent his whole life in a rock band, it feels like driving a freight train down a sidewalk. It’s about as much fun as I’ve ever had in a band, and that’s saying a lot.”

Mike and the band throw a great party. He’s a veteran of big arenas and intimate venues, and the consummate showman,” LeClaire laughs. “You will be entertained.  You’ll also know that you helped fund some cutting-edge research in a growing epidemic of Autism. [You’ll hear] anything and everything. Songs you forgot you loved. Rock and roll…but with a twist. The classics with bombast. A touch of irreverence. Mayhem. Drama. Theater.”

 

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