Ralph Stanley, Donna the Buffalo highlight concert for autism

GARRETTSVILLE — The National Autism Association — Northeast Ohio Chapter (NAA-NEO) will present its music festival Sunday at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, featuring three-time Grammy winner Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys and roots band Donna The Buffalo.

Stanley, who is 82, is a renowned bluegrass musician who is best-known for his performance on the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” sound track.

This event will also include performances by Akron-born singer-songwriter Tim Easton, the JiMiller Band, The Jack Fords and Hillbilly Idol.

Gates open at 9 a.m. for swimming, hiking and children’s activities with music starting at noon and continuing through the evening. Tickets are $35 (children under 12 admitted free) and can be purchased at nlqp.com and at the gate. A special price of $15 per family will be given to families with a special-needs child or adult. Overnight camping is included in the price of admission. For more details, go to autismnortheastohio.org.

Proceeds will go to the families who have applied to NAA-NEO’s 2009 Helping Hand Program, which provides financial assistance to Northeast Ohio families raising a child or children with autism. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the National Autism Association of Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) at P.O. Box 221195, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, or via e-mail to dpattison@autismnortheastohio.org.