Philip Bailey honored by autistic musicians at Jazz Hands For Autism concert

Earth, Wind & Fire singer Philip Bailey was celebrated in Culver City, Calif., at Jazz Hands For Autism’s 25th concert, where autistic musicians he mentored performed his catalog for him and he received the WayMaker Award. Emmy winner Janet Grillo also was honored as the event highlighted the nonprofit’s music education, paid performance and employment pipeline for autistic artists.

Why it matters: - Jazz Hands For Autism used its 25th concert to show how autistic musicians can move from training to paid performance and broader career pathways. - The organization says its model connects music education, vocational training and employment for autistic artists. - Philip Bailey’s recognition underscored the long-term impact of direct mentorship on young autistic musicians.

What happened: - Philip Bailey was honored Saturday, May 23, at the 25th Jazz Hands Concert at Playa Studios in Culver City, Calif. - Bailey accepted the Jazz Hands Spring 2026 WayMaker Award. - Autistic musicians mentored by Bailey performed Earth, Wind & Fire songs for him during the concert. - The concert theme was “Reach Higher: The Legacy of Philip Bailey.” - Twenty autistic musicians performed a set that ranged from Earth, Wind & Fire classics to classical piano solos. - Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Janet Grillo received the Trailblazer Award. - Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza accepted Jazz Hands For Autism’s first “City in Harmony” Award on behalf of the city. - Ron Funches opened the room with stand-up and co-hosted the evening with Academy student Aaron Bruck.

The details: - Christian Culmer-Evans, who has trained with Jazz Hands For Autism since 2019, opened the concert with the Saturday Band. - Bailey was first to stand and led several standing ovations during the performance. - Bailey said, “This is humbling and very satisfying, because it’s a wonderful cause.” - Before the concert, Bailey took part in a fireside chat with Siedah Garrett, a GRAMMY-winning, two-time Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter. - Garrett co-wrote Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” - Garrett’s song “It’s Time To Listen” was adopted by Autism Speaks. - Grillo was recognized for two decades of bringing authentic autistic stories to film and television, including the Emmy-winning documentary “Autism: The Musical.” - Grillo said, “The films I’ve made are about family and love, and that is the magic ingredient that makes Jazz Hands such a special place.” - The audience included appointed officials and music industry professionals from the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles chapter and Sony Music Group. - Jazz Hands musicians came from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries. - The nonprofit launched its Jazz Hands Educator Training program this year. - The program has trained more than 100 educators and reached more than 1,400 students. - Jazz Hands For Autism is aiming to train 400 educators by year-end. - The Academy provides each student more than 600 hours of individualized training a year. - Jazz Hands musicians have played more than 300 gigs, most of them paid. - The musicians have earned more than $52,000 from their craft. - The organization built the industry’s first sync music library composed entirely by neurodivergent artists. - The 25th concert was supported by headlining sponsor The Shade Room and by Sony Music Group, Amazon Music, First Entertainment Credit Union and others. - The performance was also supported in part by the City of Culver City and its Cultural Affairs Commission, with backing from Sony Pictures Entertainment and the Culver City Arts Foundation. - Jazz Hands For Autism says it is the nation’s only nonprofit combining professional music education, vocational training and paid employment pathways for autistic musicians. - More information is available at JazzHandsForAutism.org.

Between the lines: - The concert framed artistry as both celebration and proof of concept for a workforce model. - Bailey’s appearance gave public recognition to a teaching moment that began quietly in 2020 and culminated in a stage performance by the same students. - The award choices highlighted both performance and storytelling as key parts of autistic representation in the arts.

What’s next: - Jazz Hands For Autism plans to keep expanding its educator training program. - The organization will continue using concerts and paid gigs to move students from the classroom onto professional stages. - The nonprofit will keep building its catalog and employment pathways for neurodivergent artists. - Press photos are available.