CHICAGO (March 28, 2002) -- Neurosurgeons from around the globe will gather at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago on Monday, April 8, from 8:30 to 9:45 p.m., to hear legendary singer and performer Ray Charles and His Orchestra. Mr. Charles is joined by his 17-piece orchestra and five vocalists, for a concert fundraiser benefiting the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

Proceeds of this concert will fund critical neurosurgical research to improve the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, low back pain, epilepsy, and brain tumors.

A special thanks to all sponsors of this noteworthy event including: Neuroscience Specialists; Northwestern Memorial Hospital/Department of Neurological Surgery; and the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch/Rush University Medical Center.

Tickets for the concert are $60, $50, and $40, and are available at the Arie Crown box office or through Ticketmaster at (312) 559-1212.

Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with nearly 5,500 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the entire nervous system including the spinal column, spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerves.