The Church: Universe Within Benefit Gig

Overview

Rain Man was some good publicity but a bit of a burden as well for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It's good to get some high-profile, positive role-modelling going, but not every stage of the spectrum gives you a photographic memory or an abiding love for Australia's transcontinental airline. Instead, people on the autistic spectrum are just people, with good bits or bad bits and some idiosyncratic difficulties in understanding bits of the world. Steven Kilbey, Peter Koppes and Tim Powles from iconic band the Church are getting together for a one-off gig at the Red Rattler to raise money for Autism Spectrum Australia. Their air of mystery having survived the twin perils of winning an ARIA and being admired by George Negus, they're providing the reflective soul to the benefit.

With early treatment, life on the autistic spectrum can be made a lot simpler, but this sort of thing costs money. Entry proceeds from the gig will go to Autism Spectrum Australia, a non-profit that operates here, in Victoria and the ACT. Art connected to the organisation will be offered for sale, the documentary Rainman Goes to Rockwiz will also be screened and the band promises to satisfy fans of Ref:omation as much as those of the Church.

Image by Anthony Collins.