Faith Evans to receive Jazz Hands For Autism award at Nov. 21 Motown tribute in Los Angeles

Faith Evans will receive Jazz Hands For Autism’s Fall 2026 WayMaker Award on Nov. 21 at a Motown tribute concert in Los Angeles. The event pairs autistic musicians with a high-profile R&B celebration and spotlights the group’s paid career pathways for autistic artists.

Why it matters: - The Nov. 21 concert puts autistic musicians on a major Los Angeles stage and ties the performance to paid work, training and career visibility. - Faith Evans will be recognized for autism advocacy through Ryder’s Room, highlighting support for families and developmental disabilities in the music community. - 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.

What happened: - Jazz Hands For Autism will present its Fall 2026 WayMaker Award to Faith Evans at a Motown tribute concert on Saturday, Nov. 21. - The show will take place in the Gramercy Ballroom at The LINE LA in Los Angeles. - August McAdoo, one of Jazz Hands For Autism’s musicians, will co-host the event with Greg Mack of 94.7 The Wave. - Evans will also take part in a VIP fireside chat moderated by Rodney Gordy, a music executive and member of the Gordy Motown family.

The details: - Doors open at 4 p.m., the VIP fireside chat starts at 4:30, and the show runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. - Tickets are priced at $35 for general admission, $50 for Supporter and $200 for VIP at event ticketing. - The event is supported by NBC4 and Telemundo 52, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Splice and official radio partner 94.7 The Wave. - Jazz Hands’ four weekly bands have been rehearsing Motown classics since July, with musicians choosing and leading the songs themselves. - The organization says its musicians have played more than 300 gigs and earned more than $54,000. - McAdoo first imagined a future in broadcasting while watching Dodger games with his great-grandfather, who told him, “I’ll dance at your wedding.” - McAdoo joined Jazz Hands and says the program booked his first DJ gigs, helped him return to college and gave him confidence to finish his degree at Santa Monica College in 2024. - McAdoo is now the announcer for the Long Beach Coast baseball team. - Greg Mack is heard weekday mornings on 94.7 The WAVE and said he agreed to co-host because of his friendship with Evans and his belief in her autism-related work. - Mack said he helped launch early careers for Dr. Dre and other rap artists.

Between the lines: - The Motown tribute is a deliberate fit for Jazz Hands For Autism because Motown’s legacy is tied to breaking barriers for Black artists and expanding access to mainstream music. - Rodney Gordy said Motown’s slogan, “The Sound of Young America,” represented possibility, belonging and equality. - McAdoo’s story gives the event a personal frame: a child who once wanted the microphone at Dodger Stadium is now the voice at a public event. - Evans said her son Ryder is on the autism spectrum and that Ryder’s Room supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. - Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Jazz Hands For Autism’s founder and executive director, said the tribute reflects the organization’s mission to empower neurodivergent musicians and push the industry to recognize their talent.

What's next: - McAdoo will be the voice over the speakers on Nov. 21, the role he once dreamed about as a child. - Jazz Hands For Autism is continuing to use performance events and vocational training to create paid opportunities for autistic musicians. - More information is available at Jazz Hands For Autism.