Musicians to rock for a cause Saturday South River benefit features Spook Handy, seven other artists BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer SOUTH RIVER - Local musicians will perform this weekend for a developmentally disabled man who recently underwent costly surgery. Annette Cunnius, of Sayreville, organized the event to assist her older brother, Daniel, 48, who was born and raised in New Brunswick. A trauma at birth left Daniel deprived of oxygen and several deficits have made it difficult for him to function without assistance, Annette said. Saturday's benefit concert at Hummers in South River will raise money for Daniel's medical bills resulting from his mental retardation. Daniel moved to a group home in Pennsylvania before settling into a community operated by Keystone Community Resources, which provides housing for people with developmental disabilities and helps those with mental retardation live independently. Annette, a Sayreville resident who teaches children with autism at the You and Me School, on Oak Tree Road in Edison, said Danny moved into a group home in Pittsburgh when he was 13. From there, he moved to the Poconos area at 16 and then settled in Scranton with Keystone Community Resources. "My brother has many deficits," Annette said, "but God bless him, he has shown some independence. They gave him as much training as they could." Danny, who often stays with Annette in Sayreville, is employed at a seafood restaurant in Pennsylvania, where he washes pots and pans. "He is happy," she said. "He has friends, he has a girlfriend." It is difficult for Danny to take care of himself, Annette said, adding that he has a high tolerance for pain and often goes unaware of his injuries. "He has [guardian] angels," Annette said. "It is the little things that need constant attending to, so every time I see him there is a new issue health-wise." After losing his teeth, Danny underwent surgery at a cost of $25,000 because he cannot wear conventional dentures. "He could not even speak [with dentures on]because of his articulation," Annette said. The $25,000 did not include the cost of dental implants, which Annette hopes will be funded by Medicaid. Saturday's benefit will be held at Hummers Nite Club, on Main Street in South River. Owner Donald Brown, of Sayreville, said the club is heading towards its second anniversary soon and has hosted several benefits since it opened. "We held another benefit in the middle of the summer for another organization," Brown said. "Through that organization, [Daniel's] sister approached us, knowing we were friendly to hosting benefit events. We are always willing to help out." The concert will include performances by Spook Handy, Melvin McKnight, Virago, Jeff Mastroberti, Jung Wombats, Bill Simmons, Bitter Herb and Tommy Anton. The performances will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $30, and donations are appreciated. Annette said she first contacted Brown to discuss the event, and then secured the area musicians to perform. "The musicians were a big help," Annette said. "If it wasn't for them, this concert would not happen."