Musicians gather for young rockers with disabilities

Indie rocker Matt Curreri will rock the house — coffeehouse, that is — at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., in San Diego. His concert will benefit Banding Together, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those with special needs such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Part of Banding Together’s mission is to link area musicians with emerging teen musicians with special needs by providing instruments and promoting mentorships.

Curreri is a music teacher at the Winston School in Del Mar.

“The Winston School is a place where students (with learning issues) are encouraged to explore their abilities, not just struggle with the disabilities, “ Curreri said. “In our music classes, students get to really rock out some songs, even if they are new players. Banding Together has a similar philosophy.”

Proceeds from the show will help Banding Together reach its goal of $5,000 for music therapy scholarships.

Joining Curreri on stage will be local musicians Rheanna Downey, Joseph Pfeiffer, Caleb Jude Green, Dave Booda and The Kingsmen (a group of teens with autism).

Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 in advance through Music Therapy Center of California. Call (619) 299-1411 or go to www.banding

togethersd.org.