Wild Honey Foundation presents world premiere of 'Unforgettable Sunrise,' symphonic collaborated oration of Jacob Rock and Rob Laufer – a benefit for autism research

The Wild Honey Foundation is set to present the world premiere of "Unforgettable Sunrise," a new symphonic work. The details on this exciting charity benefit-related premiere are below...Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION PRESENTS  THE WORLD PREMIERE OF UNFORGETTABLE SUNRISE, A SYMPHONIC COLLABORATION BY JACOB ROCK & ROB LAUFER

Conducted by Daniel Newman-Lessler and Performed by 54 Students from the USC Thornton School of Music A Benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative,  Saturday, September 30th, 8 p.m. at Alex Theatre, Glendale, Calif. Wild Honey Foundation known for acclaimed all-star tributes to Beatles, Beach Boys, Big Star, Buffalo Springfield, The Band, Kinks, Lovin’ Spoonful, and Nuggets.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Unforgettable Sunrise chronicles the remarkable journey of Jacob Rock, a non-verbal autistic teenager, from being unable to convey his autism-related physical pain, ability to read and write, or the amazing whirlwind of creativity in his “camera-like” brain to ultimately gaining a hard-earned ability to vividly type out his thoughts and feelings with his index finger on an iPad, thus allowing him unleash his emotions, intelligence, and creativity on an unsuspecting world. In the great tradition of Wild Honey’s creative north star, Beach Boy Brian Wilson, “Unforgettable Sunrise” is an eclectic, playful, adventurous, and intensely emotional work.   Conducted by the acclaimed Daniel Newman-Lesslerhttps://www.danielnewmanlessler.com/, Unforgettable Sunrise is a kaleidoscopic 70-minute musical journey that often recalls symphonic Frank Zappa, Gershwin, Copland, Bach, and more, but vividly expresses the unique musical vision of its creators: Jacob Rock (age 19), and Wild Honey musical director Rob Laufer, an acclaimed singer/songwriter, producer, and band leader.  https://www.roblaufermusic.com/ Here is a link to an audio sample of Unforgettable Sunrise: https://soundcloud.com/gorky15/unforgettable-sunrise-sampler BACK STORY: For most his 19 years, Jacob Rock, diagnosed with severe autism at age three, has only been able to roughly verbalize the words “yes” and “eat.” His crippling inability to communicate spawned bouts of violent, often bloody, and increasingly compulsive self-injury.   In 2020, a breakthrough with an iPad typing app enabled Jacob to begin communicating with his index finger, to his family – and to the world. He immediately declared that he wanted to be called Jacob, not Jake. Soon, he began writing smart, compassionate poems, literate movie reviews, and expressing fierce political idealism. Through his dad-held iPad, Jacob has revealed an intellectual enthusiasm beyond anyone’s wildest hopes or expectations. Then, six months after communicating via iPad, a bombshell: the Brian Wilson/Bob Dylan-loving Jacob casually revealed that he had just finished composing a 71-minute symphony in his head, but he would need help extracting it. In the following weeks, Jacob typed out a detailed description of his musical vision. It was a roadmap, consisting of six movements showing, moment by moment, tempo, mood, main instruments, sense of story, and the intended emotional impact. An example: “The violins are demanding sleep and the horns are demanding pain. They battle for three minutes of call and response until the horns realize that they are defeated.” Jacob’s vision has found its perfect collaborator in family friend and Wild Honey Foundation Musical Director Rob Laufer. Following Jacob’s notes, Rob created the score to Jacob’s spec. In Rob’s words: “I compose music that Jacob feels is close enough to what he is hearing, that fulfills his vision. He will let me know immediately if I play him a new section that doesn’t work for him. He gives me instructions on how to expand or improve certain sections.  He has nixed entire sections. I have never disagreed with his judgment. It’s always completely grounded and guided by the clarity of his artistic vision. When I get it right, Jacob’s face practically explodes with joy.  It is something to behold.” Upon hearing the third movement brought to life, Jacob typed ‘I want to cry because it is so perfect. I love that Rob can read my mind.’”   Tickets to the orchestral premiere performance of Unforgettable Sunriseavailable at http://www.alextheatre.org     About the Wild Honey Foundation: Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and a variety of important progressive causes. Led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Andrew Sandoval, Wild Honey is a grass roots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types. Wild Honey has produced a string of sold-out all-star autism benefit shows since 2013, featuring the music of the Beatles, Beach Boys, Kinks, Buffalo Springfield, The Band, Big Star, and the Lovin’ Spoonful. Its most recent tribute show was in May 2023 devoted to Lenny Kaye’s legendary Nuggets garage-rock compilation, the event declared by Varietyas one of the “top 10 concerts of the year (so far).” Featuring its non-verbal autistic visionary as co-creator, Unforgettable Sunrise is Wild Honey’s initial foray into classical music.  For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/WIldhoneyfoundation/ Photos below:  Jacob Rock;  Jacob Rock working with Rob Laufer

Far-flung song craft abounds on new titles

A diverse and far-flung approach to song craft is showcased across four new releases available now.

Artist: Rob Laufer
Title: The Floating World (independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Andrew Gold, Crowded House, George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass"
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Rob Laufer can be forgiven for not having released a full-length album in nine years leading up to his new masterwork The Floating World. An acclaimed producer, musical sideman and songwriter-for-hire, his list of bona fide credits includes working with the illustrious likes of Sir George Martin, Johnny Cash, Cheap Trick, Shawn Colvin and Fiona Apple. Additionally, Laufer serves as music director and band leader for the fabled Wild Honey Orchestra tribute concerts, an on-going Los Angeles-benefit series (this year's tribute to the Kinks' Village Green Preservation Society album included members of The Cars, R.E.M., Blur and Pugwash). The tracks enthrall across the aptly-titled "The Floating World" including the dreamy "Avalanche," luxurious "Highway Machine," magnificent Beatlesque "Floating World," baroque pop ballad "Fence" and inspired "This River."  An breathtaking album that resonates more with each listen. Information: www.roblaufermusic.com/.

Artist: Pete Yorn
Title: Caretakers (Shelly Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Falkner, Beck, Big Star
Tell me more: Across Pete Yorn's wonderful new album Caretakers it's clear that the acclaimed singer-songwriter's considerable artistry is on display at every turn. On Yorn's seventh solo full-length effort there are quiet moments of reflection ("Caretakers," "Friends," "Do You Want to Love Again?"),  wistful celebration (the folk rocker "I Wanna Be The One," the infectious "POV") and a determined quest to translate this crazy thing we call life into song (the dreamy "Calm Down," the shimmering "Can't Stop You," "Opal") that add up to an outstanding return from Yorn. Information: www.PeteYorn.com.

Artist: Cherie Currie & Brie Darling
Title: The Motivator (Blue Elan Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett, Fanny, The Runaways
Tell me more: Cherie Currie and Brie Darling have voices that blend magically across their new full-length collaboration The Motivator. Currie (front woman of the Runaways) and Darling (singer-drummer of Fanny) have unveiled a joyful tribute to many of the songs and artists who influenced them, and in the process sound as if they are having a blast. In addition to three newly-penned originals (including the infectious "This Is Our Time" and confessional blues rocker "Too Bruised"), the disc is filled with artful covers of classics from some of the most groundbreaking artists of the late 1960s and early '70s. The selection of material was likely focused on the strength of songs but it's amazing how powerfully the cuts' lyrics resonate with the world events of 2019. This writer's favorite tracks on the LP include the duo's version of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter," John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth," The Youngbloods' "Get Together," Stephen Stills' stellar "For What It's Worth," and a particularly effective amped-up take on Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground." Information: blueelan.com.

Artist: Arielle Paul
Title: Burn (Mad Monkey Records)
You might like if you enjoy: First Aid Kit, Jenny Lewis, Grace Potter
Tell me more: It's not easy to blend Americana and pop convincingly but that's exactly what Los Angeles songstress Arielle Paul does on her new EP Burn. Across the disc's six solid tracks she proves to be a talented musical chameleon. The title track finds her providing a fresh coat of sonic paint to contemporary Americana; "This Way" and "Epically In Love" magically blend contemporary pop with authentic sweeps of psychedelia. The acoustic "Sometimes" is a confessional and beautiful foray, her emotive voice showcased amidst a soundscape that artfully builds from start to finish. The uptempo "Go" recalls some of the best work of Grace Potter, a rousing blend of rock, soul and R&B stylings. Information: AriellePaul.com.

Robert Kinsler

Wild Honey presents The Beatles' 'White Album' live on stage

The Beatles, the ninth studio album released by the Fab Four and better known as the White Album, was one of the group's most unique titles. The two-disc release, issued in November 1968, spelled the beginning of the end of the group (Ringo Starr briefly quit the band during the recording sessions and missed recording drums on several tracks). Yet, there is no doubt that the White Album is filled with timeless and brilliant classics. Now 45 years after the album's release, a special performance of the entire album by a number of wonderful musicians will raise money for an important cause. Read the just-issued media release below...

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Benefit-concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation will present the classic Beatles self-titled album, better known as The White Album, performed in its entirety and in order by a star-studded house band and guest singers. The event, which will benefit the Autism Think Tank, will take place Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. in downtown Glendale, Calif.  

Current members of the Wild Honey Orchestra include a who’s who of respected L.A. recording artists: musical director Rob Laufer, guitar, vocals; Jim Laspesa (Dave Davies/Susanna Hoffs), drums; Derrick Anderson (The Bangles), bass; Rusty Squeezebox (Baby Lemonade, Love), guitar; Willie Aron, keyboards, vocals; Jordan Summers, keyboards; Darian Sahanaja (Wondermints, Brian Wilson Band), keyboards/vocals, Damon Fox (Big Elf), keyboards, Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson Band), percussion, vocals; multi-instrumentalist Probyn Gregory (Brian Wilson Band); Sarah Kramer, horns; and Kaitlin Wolfberg, strings.

Guest performers include: Dave Gregory (XTC), Vicki & Debbi Peterson (The Bangles), Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne), Mitch Easter (Let’s Active), Susan Cowsill, John Cowsill, Alain Johannes (Eleven, Queens of the Stone Age), Dream Weaver Gary Wright (Spooky Tooth), Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention, Matthews’ Southern Comfort), The Muffs, Paisley Underground legendsThe Three O'Clock, Christine Collister (Richard Thompson band), Cindy Lee Berry Hill, Steven McDonald (Redd Kross) stellar 1960s sideman Keith Allison (Paul Revere & the Raiders), Cosmo Topper (Just Imagine Show), Anna Warnakor & Rachel Haden (That Dog), Nick Guzman,  Thomas Walsh (Pugwash), Skylar Gudasz, Brett Harris, Django Haskins (The Old Ceremony), Lyle Workman(Todd Rundgren, etc.), Dirk Hamilton, John Wicks (The Records), John Easdale (Dramarama), Steve Stanley (The Now People), Translator, Morty Coyle (All Day Sucker), and the always-possible Very Special Guests.   

As with last year’s sold-out Revolver/Abbey Road show at the Big Star Third shows at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, this event will benefit the Autism Think Tank. The non-profit organization brings together a team of top autism specialists, via an Internet medical conference, to tackle the seemingly intractable and painful medical/psychological problems faced by kids like Wild Honey co-organizer Paul Rock’s ten-year-old son Jake, whose own issues have improved since his involvement with the group.

Dating back to 1994, the 501(3)(c), non-profit Wild Honey’s numerous grassroots benefit/tribute events have featured appearances by Brian Wilson, Dave Davies from the Kinks, the late Alex Chilton, the Bangles, Al Stewart, Denny Laine, Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, Matthew Sweet, Colin Hay, Dan Wilson, P.F. Sloan, John Brion, Peter Case, The Plimsouls, Victoria Williams, The Williams Brothers, Dave Alvin, The Blue Shadows, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Scott Miller from the Loud Family, Ann Magnuson, and so many more. The shows have been produced at various Los Angeles-area locations including the Morgan-Wixson Theater in Santa Monica, the Roxy, the Knitting Factory (Hollywood) and the El Rey Theatre.  

Over the years, Wild Honey shows have raised funds and awareness for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Habitat for Humanity, the Liberty Hill Foundation, USC Norris Cancer Center, and the Coalition to End Gun Violence while paying tribute to musical idols: Brian Wilson, The Kinks, Big Star, The Byrds, The Everly Brothers, The Hollies, Harry Nilsson, Pete Townshend, solo Paul McCartney, and Elvis Costello.

For more information about the Autism Think Tank, please go to http://www.autismthinktanknj.com/ 

For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/