Benefits of Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival goes beyond the music

The Pittsburgh Roots and Blues Festival is about more than good music — it’s also about supporting those on the autism spectrum.

The event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Harmar, serves as a fundraiser. The groups benefiting are the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that helps people on the autism spectrum connect through music.

Members of Band Together Pittsburgh kicked off the event Saturday afternoon with a series of musical performances and a comedy act.

“For me, the best part of being involved with this is seeing and listening to the performers who are on the autism spectrum,” said John Vento, who co-founded Band Together Pittsburgh with Ron “Moondog” Esser. “That’s what it’s all about. It gives them a chance to have a stage to show off their talents.”

Justin Capozzoli, 27, of Shaler was one of the Band Together Pittsburgh performers who was eager to be on stage. In addition to singing, he also operated the sound board equipment for the other performances.

“It’s just flat-out exciting,” he said of the music festival. “I get to contribute to something more.”

Capozzoli, who wrote his first song at age 8, said he enjoyed working with Band Together Pittsburgh not only because it gave him an opportunity to perform, but also because he enjoyed the comradery it offered.

For Frankie Principe, 22, of Oakmont, events like this allow him to break out of his shell, according to his mother, Sue.

“It was the first time he did anything in front a crowd that wasn’t family and friends — and he was embraced,” she said.

Frankie delivered a comedy routine during the festival.

While members of Band Together Pittsburgh enjoyed performing, it’s about more than music, Esser said.

“It’s a way to let people know it’s OK to be different — and in a lot of ways it’s better,” he said. “We’ve built a family through music.”

Vento said they were hoping to raise between $15,000 and $20,000 during the two-day event, which marks Band Together Pittsburgh’s largest fundraiser of the year.

“The amount of support we have gotten from the community is fantastic,” Esser said. “When you reach out a little, that makes a world of difference.”

Having a supportive place to take the stage is “amazing” for Xavier Allen, 19, of Canonsburg, who sang Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” on Saturday afternoon.

“He lights up whenever he has the chance to perform,” said his mother, Ellen, who serves on Band Together Pittsburgh’s board of directors. “For kids on the spectrum, socialization is so important. It gives others the chance to see kids on the spectrum and see them shine in spite of disabilities they may have.”

She said her son has been singing “since he could open his mouth.”

The festival — which was manned by about 100 volunteers — also featured vendors selling art and food.

“It’s magic,” Vento said of the festival. “It just elevates the love. It makes them know they’re part of a larger community.”