Jammin Jon’s Fayetteville Artists Rocking for Autism Awareness Annual Concert will take place Sunday, June 23 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Louie’s Sports Pub located at 2417 Robeson Street.
“This is the 3rd annual concert and I will be coming up on my 3-year anniversary of moving to Fayetteville in June 2021,” said Jon Kiebon, organizer of Fayetteville Artists Rocking for Autism Awareness Concert. “Last year we had 3 events and the Arts Council of Fayetteville awarded me an artist mini grant which you can apply for your artistic ambitions and events.”
The New York native started the idea while he was living in the neighborhood of Rockaway Beach in Queens.
“I started doing an annual Rocking for Autism concert in 2012 because it is a great place for artists, bands and music,” said Kiebon. “So, when we moved to Fayetteville, I decided to continue doing those concerts down here.”
Autism is a cause that hits home and is significant to Kiebon’s heart. His 26-year-old daughter, Gail, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder before she turned two years old.
“She is high functioning and an amazing young woman,” said Kiebon. “One of the first calls that I made about obtaining services for my daughter when we moved to Fayetteville was with Amy Perry, from Autism Society of North Carolina, who is the go-to person for autism.”
Kiebon added, “I ended up calling the Cumberland County Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. They ended up getting Gail a job coach and a job at Fort Liberty as a part-time food service worker. They give them every opportunity to work and succeed. There is no way she would have gotten this type of job if we were in New York.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), better known as autism, is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how individuals interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. It is a spectrum disorder because the type and severity of symptoms can vary widely from low functioning to high functioning. Symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Some common symptoms entail difficulty communicating, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking and spinning.
Autism has no single known cause. Both genetics and environment may play a role. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. It can affect children of all races and ethnicities. Certain factors can increase a child’s risk such as your child’s sex, family history, certain medical conditions, preterm babies and being born to older parents. There is no way to prevent autism, but early diagnosis and treatment is key. Some of the common treatments are applied behavioral analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy. The goal is to help autistic children manage everyday living.
Music has been Kiebon’s love and passion all his life.
“I have been a part of various rock bands and I am kind of a unique performer,” said Kiebon. “I write songs, play the guitar and my stage name is Jammin Jon.”
He added, “I am a seasoned veteran, I play loud rock n’ roll and I have high energy just like when I was 18 years old.”
Last year’s concert gave local musicians, singers and songwriters an opportunity to showcase their talents at three different locations.
“It gave the lesser-known musicians the chance to be showcased and for their music to be heard,” said Kiebon. “Some of the bands who will perform for this year’s event include The Heaterz, Jokers Wild, Gamma Major, House and Jammin Jon & The Jammers. My goal is to bring autism awareness and bring people together to enjoy great music,” said Kiebon. “I want to celebrate people on the spectrum and have a great time.”
A $10 donation is suggested. Five ASD artists will be selected to receive money to help pursue their artistic talent and desires. Volunteers and vendors are urgently needed for the event. For more information, to volunteer or to submit your name to be one of the prize winners, contact Jon at jonkiebon@outlook.com.