Sensory Friendly Show at Brewability with Wheelchair Sports Camp

With an opening solo set from Wild Abandon!

Wheelchair Sports Camp:

Combining humor, playfulness, radical political perspectives, compassion and undeniable musical chops, Wheelchair Sports Camp is Denver’s biggest smallest band.

Fronted by the wheelchair using, rap heavy, beat-making, freedom fighting producer, educator, foul mouthed, queer rebel rouser Kalyn, the band is a combination of live and electronic instruments with a more noisey, jazzy, experimental, combination to the traditional hip-hop group. Raised by the DIY (Do It Yourself) spirit of experimental independence, the band has since relied on interdependence in order to stretch into theatre, performance art, public television, politics, prison tours, permanent installations, and more to come.

Kalyn led Denver’s first disabled, queer, artist campaign for the mayor seat 2019 . The tiny happy mayor has been advocating for herself and other marginalized communities through music, direct action, education and art since ever. Commonly known for fighting for access human rights, and calling out those in power who protect capital interests over the future – Kalyn makes herself heard with a very loud and distinct high pitched sense of humor.

The band has been featured on the cover of the Village Voice as well as in SPIN Magazine, Huffington Post, High Times Magazine and more.

“You can’t really pin Kalyn’s beats and collaborators to a specific era or subgenre of hip-hop, and she always switches up her configuration and presentation and methodology while making the music happen in consistently fascinating ways.” – Tom Murphy from the Westword

The band unknowingly started summer of 1997 when Kalyn moved back from California to her hometown and was invited to attend and corrupt the 14th annual week-long Colorado Jr. Wheelchair Sports Camp. The band tours the states and beyond from their home in Denver.

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 off off “This helps lessen light contrast sensitivities.”
• Medium or lower volume levels instead of high volume “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.