Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits is a family-friendly rock band. Go on a mellow musical journey with Miss Paula and friends as they perform a special acoustic set of candy-coated rock music for kids and adults alike, featuring a guitar, vocalists, and percussion. Join in the fun with movement and call back singing!
Arrive early to enjoy pre-concert activities from 2:00–2:50 p.m., including lawn games and an instrument exploration station where you can touch, hold, and play various musical instruments.
What’s a sensory-friendly concert?
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, available for use during the event.
An indoor quiet room to take a break.
Movement and dancing during the concert are welcome!
Flexible seating: Bring your own picnic blanket or lawn chairs and choose how close you’d like to be to the stage and speakers 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.
Please contact Kiersten Alcorn, Manager of Community Engagement, at kalcorn@dso.org with any accessibility questions.
Image Source: Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits | Detroit Symphony Orchestra (dso.org)