Arnold McCuller to Headline Concert to Benefit Easter Seals Florida

Naples, FL, March 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Alive in the World Concert at The Phil on April 26

Acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Arnold McCuller will headline this spring’s Alive in the World Concert benefiting Easter Seals 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, Friday, April 26, 2013 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

At some point in your life you have heard Arnold McCuller's rich and distinctive vocals that have captured the hearts and ears of many well-respected musicians and fans alike. He is probably best known for his 30-year association with James Taylor, where he is often featured on the stage performances of Taylor's song “Shower the People.”

Whether performing solo or singing back up, his show-stopping live performances regularly bring audiences to their feet. McCuller has been one of the music industry's most popular session singers. His voice has graced recordings by a virtual who's who of the music industry, including Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, Lionel Ritchie, Dave Koz, Billy Idol, Lyle Lovett and Beck to name only a few.

“Arnold McCuller is one of the greatest vocalists alive,” said Bob Goldman, director and founder of TARA. “His extraordinary stage presence and vocal ability are going to make for an amazing show.”

TARA was founded as a result of Bob Goldman’s interest in autism. “Easter Seals Florida addresses the needs of people with autism in our community,” Goldman says. “Just supporting the cause is reason enough to come to this event. But people also get a great performance by artists they might otherwise never get to see.” Previous concerts have included Ben Taylor, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Rodney Crowell, Brandi Carlile and Phoebe Snow.

Easter Seals Florida acquired Eden Autism Services Florida in February 2013. Easter Seals Florida provides a range of community-based services to meet specific needs of individuals with autism in throughout the lifespan including the Lily Academies (K-12 schools in Fort Myers and Naples), clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services.

The “Alive in the World Concert,” featuring Arnold McCuller, will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013. He will be accompanied by the Community School Naples all-star rock band. The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails in The Daniels Pavilion and information about Easter Seals Florida and its new autism programs in Southwest Florida. At 8:00 p.m. talented singer-songwriter, Dan Signor opens the show, followed by a live auction. Then McCuller 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.

About Easter Seals Florida
For 65 years, Easter Seals Florida has been offering help, hope, and answers to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Easter Seals Florida provides a wide range of community based services in Southwest Florida to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. These services include K-12 schools for children with autism in Fort Myers and Naples, clinical services, consultations and community training, and adult residential, vocational training and employment services. For more information, contact Debra Lynne at (239) 277-9818 or email DLynne@fl.easterseals.com.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children in the United States, and one in 54 boys. The prevalence of autism has increased 600 percent in the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.