Epilepsy Therapy Project Announces Acceleration: LIVE! Benefit Concert Series Featuring Jazz Legend Arturo Sandoval

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Therapy Project, a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate new therapies for people living with epilepsy and seizures, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Acceleration: LIVE! benefit concert series.  With a little help from some world-famous musicians, the series will raise awareness and funds for better treatments for those living with epilepsy.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111017/DC87070LOGO )

On Tuesday, November 8th, The Blue Smoke and Jazz Standard in New York City will be heating up the cold autumn night with the sounds of Arturo Sandoval, legendary trumpeter and composer.  The sounds of Sandoval's signature Latin Jazz will kick off Acceleration: LIVE!  The concerts, which will also include a performance from the iconic B-52s in December, will take place on the east coast, with dates scheduled for New York and Boston with more locations, and artists, to come.

In the midst of a busy schedule that includes a cross-country tour, Arturo Sandoval is excited to make a stop on the Epilepsy Therapy Project's stage. He says, "I'm very blessed to be able to help this great organization for this noble cause."  In addition to his philanthropic work with ETP and the NARAS educational program, Sandoval is multi-time Grammy recipient, composer, and tenured professor at the Florida International University.  Throughout his illustrious career, he has been sought after as a collaborator and composer.  He has worked with artists from Justin Timberlake to the London Symphony Orchestra, performing on stages across the globe, recording several critically acclaimed albums, writing music method books, and inspiring countless people with his story.  Born in the town of Artemisa, in Communist Cuba, Sandoval defected to the United States becoming an American citizen in the 1990's.  This decision has given him the strength to succeed, his biography says.  It tells of Sandoval's character saying, "His struggles while in Cuba and since his defection have given him more energy and strength, urging him to accomplish and surpass his childhood dreams."  His inspiring life story was told in the award-winning HBO docudrama For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story starring Andy Garcia.  The film highlighted his personal obstacles in Cuba, and his rise to success through the mentorship of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie.  Naturally, Sandoval composed the soundtrack.

The Epilepsy Therapy Project is jazzed to have Mr. Sandoval join them as the first musical guest of Acceleration: LIVE! concert series.  These music events are in support of ETP's programs including the New Therapy Commercialization grants program, their website, epilepsy.com, and the upcoming Epilepsy Pipeline Update Conference in February 2-4, 2012. Our mission is to accelerate new therapies for the three million people in America; the 50 million people worldwide who struggle with epilepsy, and the millions of those whose seizures are currently uncontrolled.  Limited VIP tickets are available for Tuesday's NY concert; please call 540.687.8077.  Ticket sales for The B-52s' December 1st concert are available through Live Nation:

http://www.livenation.com/event/01004743D0A8B0CF?dma_id=409&brand=hob.  

About the Epilepsy Therapy Project
The Epilepsy Therapy Project is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate ideas into therapies for people living with epilepsy and seizures.  Founded in 2002 by a group of parents, distinguished physicians, and researchers, the Epilepsy Therapy Project supports the commercialization of new therapies through direct grants and investments in promising academic and commercial projects.  For more information about epilepsy, epilepsy treatments, the epilepsy pipeline, and how to make a donation to ETP, please visit their website, www.epilepsy.com.

SOURCE Epilepsy Therapy Project