AJ Rafael Presents Music Speaks: Two Nights of Inspiration For Autism Speaks

When it comes to putting on your very own benefit concert with the help of a bunch of your friends, it’s almost inevitable that you can expect some level of amateurism to arise as part of the process. But don’t tell that to A.J. Rafael and his band of super friends, because when it comes to collaborative efforts and having fun in the process, these gifted performers have all bases covered, all steps down, and all keys sung (take your pick). Needless to say, Music Speaks/ Autism Speaks, which took place this weekend in Anaheim, was nothing short of professional and far-reaching in its larger message of helping better the lives of less fortunate individuals through the arts. Based on the turnout, the venue, and the quality of all performers and parties involved, no one would have been able to tell that this was merely a grassroots show headed by a simple group of friends with a big heart for positively impacting the lives of others.

Images from Music Speaks, Day 1

 With Music Speaks, A.J. Rafael was given the perfect venue to not only entertain, but to educate and raise awareness for autism, which is a very unpredictable and ambiguous disease that has complicated the lives of many people, including his younger nephew, Nathan. And with the help of his close circle of dedicated friends and his ever-growing family of talented YouTube sensations, A.J. Rafael was able to compile a talented line-up of humble artists selflessly willing to use their talents to give voice to a people that have always had a hard time truly speaking out for themselves. Music Speaks was not simply another show that proved Asian-Americans/Pilipino-Americans have talent - it was a show that, more importantly, highlighted our ability as a community to effectively unite people and head movements that truly make a difference to the larger world around us.

Quest Crew, Gabe Bondoc, Passion, and more perform at Music Speaks

Music Speaks Day 1 featured a mixture of infectious musical numbers and electrifying dance moves performed by some popular Asian-American/Fil-Am artists you may have heard of  before– Quest Crew, Gabe Bondoc, J.R. Aquino, and Jennifer Chung just to name a few. Music Speaks Unplugged, which occurred on the following day, was more of an intimate, acoustic concert that featured even more gifted musicians and addictive songs for the audience to enjoy. A.J. Rafael also performed some revamped versions of a few of his famous originals with his very own band, holding the crowd absolutely captivated with this new, edgier taste of acoustic rock. Not even A.J.’s autistic nephew, Nathan, could hold back the joy, as he was even seen happily dancing along to couple of A.J.’s songs on more than one occasion. A very fitting image to illustrate just how much bigger in scope this concert truly was in not only inspiring others to pursue music and dance, but touching lives in any way, shape, or form.

All in all, the two-day event was a great culmination of laughter, music, dance, and unity. Everyone who came out to generously support was treated to two very entertaining nights of song and dance that never ceased to amaze and inspire (and there were added fireworks in the sky courtesy of Disneyland). But most importantly, it was simply rewarding to know that every laugh chuckled, every clap given, every word sung, and every step hit were all different mediums by which love and support was shown towards a group of misunderstood people who could never have enough of it.

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Did you miss meeting AJ Rafael? You have another chance in 2 weeks at the 18th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture - Septemer 12 and 13!

More info: http://www.filamarts.org