Azure Festive Families Concert

The third annual Festive Families interactive holiday concert, a fun event that fosters community among people with autism, will be celebrated at The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3.

Presented by Autism Pittsburgh and Azure Family Concerts, the free event features music by Red Beans and Rice Combo, described as a sharp-dressed band that delivers a danceable mix of New Orleans R&B and early rock & roll nuggets, with a jazzy dash of Tin Pan Alley. The band promises to deliver selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas as well as “jazzed-up Hanukkah selections.” 

“We are very happy to again partner with Autism Pittsburgh and Azure for one of their most joyous events,” said Carolina Pais-Barreto Thor, the Theater’s CEO. “Families share that sensory friendly programming can be limited in suburban and rural areas, and by working with partners like Autism Pittsburgh and Azure, The Theater is able to extend inclusive programming from screenings to concerts and other live performance events. Time and again, parents and educators share the value this programming brings to families impacted by autism and other limitations.”

Participants at Festive Families can opt to sing, dance, vocalize or clap, and a designated quiet space is also available. “All behaviors are welcome,” Azure says.

“Azure Pittsburgh recognizes that autism and related challenges can present barriers to attendance and engagement in a formal concert setting,” says Anitra Birnbaum, executive director of Azure Pittsburgh. “Our goal is to create an environment where all people are accepted, embraced and celebrated—a goal that is particularly important during the holidays, when it is so easy to feel lost and overwhelmed amid all the hustle and bustle.”

Registration for the hour long event is available online. On Sundays, parking is free in Sewickley, including on the street and the municipal lot next to the Theater (418 Walnut St.); ramps to the Theater offer easy accessibility.