Sensory Friendly Show – Martin Gilmore

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.

Martin Gilmore is a singer/songwriter and folk musician from Denver, Colorado. He is known for his broad repertoire of American Roots music and original songs exploring personal, emotional, and historical themes. He is a founding member of the award winning Long Road Home Bluegrass band, and has toured nationally and internationally as a solo act. He has recorded three solo records, and has performed on and produced many others for various artists.

Martin is also a prolific educator. He has been part of the faculty at Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver, Colorado since 2008, where he teaches bluegrass music, guitar, and songwriting. In 2017 he joined the music faculty at the University of Northern Colorado as part of the Folk and Bluegrass Program. He has also conducted seminars and master classes at various schools, libraries and colleges around the Rocky Mountain Region including the University of Denver’s Enrichment Program.

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.