CONCERT TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR AUTISM

Musical artists on the autism spectrum will perform at a concert on Saturday to raise money and awareness for autism.

Families United in Newtown, or F.U.N., is hosting the seventh annual concert at 5 p.m. Saturday at Newtown Congregational Church.

The concert will feature Jodi DiPiazza, a New Jersey resident with autism who began playing piano at 3. DiPiazza went viral in 2012 when she performed a duet with pop star Katy Perry during Comedy Central’s “A Night of Too Many Stars.”

Newtown native violinist Lindsey Jones, violinist Hafez Tagavi, the musical director for Families United in Newtown, and other special guests, including several local artists on the autism spectrum, will also perform.

Tickets, $30 for adults and $15 for students, are available online or at Newtown Savings Bank, Butchers Best and Queen Street Gifts. A light, movie-themed dinner will be served from

5 to 6 p.m. during a raffle and silent auction. The concert is at

6 p.m., followed by dessert and dancing.

Families United in Newtown, started by Newtown residents, raises money for programs and respite for families with special needs children. A GoFundMe page has been set up to collect donations for the organization. So far, $225 has been donated of the $5,000 goal.