Sensory Friendly Show – Claire Heywood

At a Sensory Friendly Concert, we keep volume lower and the lights on (but not bright or strobing.) We’ll have a calm room and fidget sensory items available.

Claire Heywood is an indie songwriter with an unmistakable voice and an imagistic approach to lyric writing. One of the Colorado-based 2022 recipients of the Sonic Guild Grant, Heywood is currently using her grant to record a full-length album with producer Matt Hoffman.

After playing solo sets for small listening audiences alongside poets, comedians, and writers in Denver for several years, Heywood released an EP titled “The Wind, It Howls” to a packed house at since-closed Syntax Physic Opera in March 2019. In a review of the release, Culture Magazine wrote, “Heywood saunters through six tracks that have a simple beauty to them. An exemplary debut, definitely one to keep an eye out for.” Heywood followed with performances at Indie 102.3, Westword Music Showcase, opened for beloved Colorado-based acts like Esme Patterson and The Velveteers, and played the Film on the Rocks event at Red Rocks in July 2023.

What is a Sensory-Friendly Concert?

The Kennedy Center defines sensory friendly performances as being “designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.”

In practical terms that means we turn the lights up and the sound down so individuals and their families can move around, dance, and sing along in a fun, judgment-free environment.

Some Common Elements You Might Find at a Sensory Friendly Concert

Our friends at Developmental Pathways shared with us what she thinks are some common, and essential, elements of a sensory friendly concert.

• Dim lights instead of bright lights or the lights being turned completely off. This helps lessen light contrast sensitivities.
• Medium or lower volume levels. This helps help mediate abrupt or overall loud noises. This also includes finger snaps instead of clapping because they create less noise.
• Flexible outside open space like a corner or a side room is provided. This helps provide a break area so one could calm down if they get overwhelmed, or not worry if they’re too loud.
• Wider space between rows or aisles This helps everyone maneuver in and out more easily.