Dave Grohl to Headline Autism Speaks' Third Annual Blue Jean Ball, Presented by The Guess? Foundation, with Special Performances by James Durbin, Rick Springfield, Ryan Bingham, and The White Buffalo

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Grammy® Award-winning music legend Dave Grohl will headline Autism Speaks' Third Annual BLUE JEAN BALL, presented by The GUESS? Foundation, on Thursday, October 24, 2013, at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood.

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Dave Grohl is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter for the Foo Fighters, a band he founded after being the drummer for the American grunge band Nirvana. Grohl is an eleven-time Grammy® winner, and was Grammy®-nominated a total of 25 times. He has also taken home an American Music Award and two MTV Music Video Awards.

Also performing will be rock artist Rick Springfield, who won a Grammy® for his No. 1 hit "Jessie's Girl" in 1981 and received an additional three Grammy® nominations. Oscar® and Grammy®-winning artist Ryan Bingham will be performing as well. He recently wrote and recorded "Until I'm One With You," the theme song for FX's drama-series, The Bridge. Bingham performed and co-wrote Crazy Heart's (2009) award-winning theme song "The Weary Kid," earning him an Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award, with the American Music Association naming him "Artist of the Year."

Also taking the stage will be American Idol finalist James Durbin, who is recognized for placing in the top four of Season 10, while openly sharing his challenges of living with Asperger's and Tourette's. In addition, The White Buffalo with singer/songwriter Jake Smith (Shadows, Greys and Evil Ways) will perform. World-renowned DJ Splyce will be providing entertainment throughout the evening.

The Third Annual BLUE JEAN BALL is honoring Chuck Saftler, President of Program Strategy and Chief Operating Officer of FX Networks, and Autism Speaks Board of Directors' Member.  Saftler will receive the tribute for his dedication to autism awareness. Hosting the event will be television personality Maria Menounos (Extra) and Emmy® Award-winning Actor Michael Chiklis (The Shield, Vegas, The Commish).

The Autism Speaks BLUE JEAN BALL is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for innovative autism research and resources for individuals and families affected by the disorder. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and additional information are available at events.autismspeaks.org/bluejeanball. 

"One in 88 children is currently diagnosed with autism, and the annual cost for families living with the disorder is an average of $60,000," stated Matt Asner, Executive Director of Southern California for Autism Speaks. "Now, more than ever, we need to raise awareness and assure that research, advocacy and family service initiatives continue to be funded. What better way to make a little noise than with a rock and roll concert?"

Past participants and honorees have included Sarah McLachlan, Toni Braxton, Paul Marciano, photographer Rob Shanahan, Sinbad, Brooke White, Raphael Saadiq, Sarah Shahi, Beth Reisgraph, Nikki Reed and Paul MacDonald, among others.

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

About Guess? Inc

Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Today, GUESS designs, markets and distributes full collections of women's, men's and children's apparel as well as accessories. Throughout the years, the GUESS image has been portrayed in unforgettable, innovative campaigns that have made the brand a household name. GUESS is distributed throughout the United States and Canada in fine department stores, its retail specialty and factory stores, and domestically on its online stores. GUESS has licensees and distributors in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.  In addition to shopping online, you can find more information on GUESS at www.guess.com.

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SOURCE Autism Speaks