Rocking For Inclusion​: Montclair Concert Gives Neurodiverse Musicians A Chance To Shine

MONTCLAIR, NJ — If there’s one thing that can bring people of different backgrounds together, it’s a good rock concert.

Rocking For Inclusion (RFI) hosted a fundraiser at Just Jake’s in Montclair last month that gave some neurodiverse musicians a chance to perform alongside their neurotypical peers – blasting through an energetic setlist that included songs from Nirvana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Amy Winehouse, Journey, the Beatles, Joan Jett, Hall & Oates and Bruce Springsteen.

The four-hour event featured three sets of performances by local professional musicians and the 10-member RFI band, which includes:

• Andres Ortiz (drums, vocals)
• Anthony Puluse (drums, keyboards, vocals, guitar, and bass)
• Ezra Rifkin (guitar and bass)
• Grey Knudsen (keyboards and bass)
• Jake Mazza (bass, guitar, drums, and vocals)
• Jasmine Caldwell (vocals)
• Rebecca Grodek (vocals, guitar, ukulele, and piano)
• Robert Benaquista (guitars, keys, vocals, and bass)
• Rosie Grodek (vocals)
• Sam Reilly (guitar, vocals)

Proceeds from donations and merchandise sales will help the nonprofit to hire staff – including instructors to teach, guide, and encourage the organization’s participating musicians) – rent studio and rehearsal space, and cover administrative expenses.

“Rocking For Inclusion is something I dreamed of putting together for years to be able to show everybody that people with disabilities have incredible talents to share,” said Andres Ortiz, one of the Montclair-based nonprofit’s co-founders.

“Music has always been my way of meeting people and being accepted into the neurotypical world, and I wanted to share that with others,” Ortiz said.

Another co-founder, Kevin March – the general manager of School of Rock Montclair – said most of the musicians have been performing separately in some capacity for several years.

“But this is the first time they’ve combined their talents as a band to spread a unique message to enthusiastic audiences,” said March, who is also known for his drumming with alt-rock band Guided By Voices.

“Watching new audiences enjoy the RFI band’s performances is a thrill for them, their families and friends,” March said.

“Their fanbase and social media followings continue to grow, and their energy reminds us just how much richer life becomes when we celebrate and uplift the talents of musicians of all abilities,” he added.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.