To raise awareness about autism, the second annual Autism Rocks music festival is returning to the South Shore in April.
“There’s a lot of misconceptions about autism,” said Jimmy Hanley, an intern helping the Autism Rocks organizers with this year’s festival. Hanley, 26, himself was diagnosed with autism at an early age.
Hanley had been looking for jobs for quite a long time, but couldn’t seem to land one until his mother met one of the festival organizers, Kate Zaccara Huggins, at a party last year.
“I think some companies have some trepidation about hiring people with autism,” Hanley said, adding that after his mom explained the situation to Kate, he was invited to go to work for Autism Rocks.
“I’m fully functional when it comes to having (autism),” Hanley, said, adding that he was enrolled in “different behavioral therapies” as he grew up to help him adjust to his surroundings.
Also helping to make the event a reality is Aldous Collins Band guitarist Dylan O’Neil, who is the Chief Music Officer of the group and Huggins’ significant other Scott Kaufman.
“I’m incredibly grateful to them, and to be working in this ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) space,” Hanley said. “It’s a calling for me.”
“We host sensory-friendly concerts for a cause, featuring and celebrating musicians on the spectrum, as part of our mission with the charitable foundation, Autism Rocks,” the group’s website states. “These concerts are designed with families in mind, offering lower volumes, flexible seating, quiet spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere, so everyone can enjoy live music comfortably while we rock for autism.”
The event will be held at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA, the host of last year’s show as well.
Soundcheck Studios co-founder Andrew Herman is happy to have the event at his venue again.
“It was great last year,” Herman said, adding last year’s festival raised $65,000 for the Autism Resource Center of the South Shore, ARC. ARC run programs for the autism community such as support groups and community events.
“(Event organizers) Scotty and Kate have been coming to Soundcheck since the first show, and it’s just a great cause,” Herman added.
“It’s really unique,” Hanley said. “(The event) taps into music as an outlet for freedom and expression.”
Here’s how to go, and more about the event.
When is Autism Rocks the South Shore 2026?
It’ll run from noon to 5 p.m. on April 19, 2026, with doors opening at 11:45 a.m. that morning.
What’s the address for Soundcheck Studios?
It is located at 150 Corporate Park Dr. Pembroke, MA.
What musicians will be playing at the event?
Music will be provided by area musicians and will include:
- Hitch & Friends
- Weekend Alibi
- Ray Toole (of the Led Zeppelin tribute band, May Queen) playing an acoustic set of Led Zeppelin songs.
- Soop
- The Boston Higashi Jazz Band
- Patrick Birmingham with Hailee Markunas
- Violet Hanks
- Community Autism Resources “Got Talent” winner