Join the Kris Johnson Group for a sensory-friendly family concert live at Orchestra Hall. Inspired by the band’s experiences as summer camp participants and counselors, this concert recreates the lively atmosphere of camp songs, providing a fun and carefree experience for families who love to sing and move to the music. Audience members will hear music that includes reimagined versions of songs like the Down By the Bay, Boom Chicka Boom, and more. Singing and call & response is encouraged but not required.

Arrive early to enjoy pre-concert activities from 10:00-10:50am, including stations like: 

• Soft Sounds & Scarves: engage in movement with scarves and music-making with gentle percussion instruments like a rain stick.
• Instrument Exploration: touch, hold, and play various musical instruments like the violin, flute, and trumpet.
• Make an Instrument: make your own egg shaker that you can use during the concert and take home.

Pre-concert Resources

What’s a sensory-friendly concert?  

To help you prepare for this event, please view our pre-concert resources by clicking the button above, where you can find a concert guide, map, and social narrative.

Relaxed and sensory-friendly events are designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities. Our culture can be unforgiving if you're unable to conform to standard concert etiquette. This can exclude individuals who are unable to sit still or who may express emotions such as joy or excitement through vocalization. This relaxed, sensory-friendly concert aims to remove barriers, allowing everyone to be themselves and enjoy a musical experience in a safe and judgement-free environment.

Your experience includes:  

• A relaxed, family-friendly concert environment that embraces neurodiversity.
• An information guide and social narrative to help you prepare for the event.
• A limited number of Sensory Toolkits containing fidget toys and noise-reducing headphones are available for use during the event (to reserve, email kalcorn@dso.org).
• A quiet room to take a break.
• Movement and dancing during the concert are welcome!
• Flexible seating: sit wherever you’re comfortable, and enjoy the freedom to change seats during the concert.
• Limited audience size for reduced crowds.
• Trained event staff: The Mid-Michigan Autism Association has provided training to our staff to help them better understand the characteristics of autism and how to better communicate and support autistic individuals.

Reach out to Kiersten Alcorn, Manager of Community Engagement, at kalcorn@dso.org with any accessibility questions.