Franklin Park woman heads Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh, an autism-friendly concert group

There was something missing for the Birnbaum family when they moved to North Allegheny from Baltimore in 2020.

Aaron Birnbaum, who is on the autism spectrum, was hoping to find performances here in Pittsburgh similar to the Azure family concerts in Baltimore. These concerts provide a relaxed environment for people on the spectrum or who have similar challenges.

But no such luck. So Aaron, now 14, asked his mom Anitra if she could make it happen here.

A year later, Anitra Birnbaum found herself as executive director of Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh.

The free concerts are for all behaviors, featuring a variety of professional musicians in a relaxed setting where audience members are allowed, and encouraged, to be themselves.

“Talk. Move. Yell. Clap. Sing. Dance. Everything goes during the concerts,” said Birnbaum, of Franklin Park.

A program of nonprofit Autism-­Pittsburgh, Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh is in its second season. The Azure concerts were started by pianist and composer Californian Stephen Prutsman, who has a son on the spectrum, Birnbaum said.

The Pittsburgh concerts often feature top-notch musicians, she said. Eric DeFade, a Grammy-award winning saxophonist who lives in Pittsburgh, played at Azure’s first concert here in 2021.

Volunteers pass out fidget toys or colorful scarves that can be used for dancing. The concerts regularly feature an instrument ‘petting zoo,’ and, if the atmosphere becomes too overwhelming, a quiet area or tent is set up for respite.

Birnbaum said attending everyday social events can be a challenge for those living on the spectrum. The Azure concerts were events Aaron and his two younger siblings knew they would enjoy.

“The love it. They know it’s going to be a successful family outing. Everybody’s going to relax and have a good time,” Birnbaum said.

When Aaron was younger, he was very noise sensitive and often wore noise-canceling headphones, Birnbaum said. But the family loved music, so sensitive-friendly Azure concerts were the only way to expose him to it.

Eventually, Aaron asked to play a saxophone after seeing a saxophonist at an Azure concert. Now, he plays saxophone in the Marshall Middle School band. And he doesn’t wear headphones anymore.

“When he was younger, I never thought he’d pick up an instrument. Through Azure, he developed a love and appreciation for music that he otherwise wouldn’t have,” she said.

The programming is led in part by Artistic Director Monique Mead, who is also a director of music entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University.

“We are committed to engaging high-level musicians who are also great communicators and able to engage our audiences through movement and imagination,” Mead said. “We strive to create programming that helps people discover new facets of themselves and connect with their loved ones.

“With diverse offerings from baroque to blues and mariachi, each concert is a cultural journey that celebrates our joint humanity through music that everyone can understand.”

The concerts and events also provide a space for parents to meet other parents with kids on the spectrum or with other disabilities. And it’s a great place for siblings to meet other siblings with the same family experiences, Birnbaum said.

A person doesn’t have to have autism to attend. Everyone is welcome, she said.

Azure Pittsburgh often collaborates with Attack Theater in Pittsburgh, and Azure can be contacted to provide music workshops at local schools, Birnbaum said. It also has a partnership with the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

April is autism awareness month. Azure is hosting several events, including “Opposites Abstract,” on April 2, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh, featuring renowned children’s author Mo Willems and his exhibit there. Azure is hosting its Second Annual Autism Awareness event from 1 to 3 p.m April 30 at the Schenley Plaza Tent, 4100 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh. A DJ from Band Together Pittsburgh will provide music for a dance party.

Following that, Azure will Polkas and Pierogies from 4 to 5:30 p.m., also at the Schenley Plaza Tent, featuring a polka band, pierogies and hors d’oeuvres. A $50 per person donation is suggested.

For more information, visit autismpittsburgh.org/azureevents.