Sharing in the Groove’s mission is to spread the joy, connection, and belonging fostered in live music spaces. We hope to create experiences where every fan can experience those spaces and community.

Our passion

Live music isn’t just entertainment — it can be regulating, connecting, and life-giving. For many adults with autism and IDD, the barriers to attending concerts are real: crowds, lines, noise, unpredictability, and a lack of support. Sharing in the Groove exists to reduce these barriers and

Our approach

• Autonomy: Adults are adults; we lead with respect and choice.

• Safety through planning: We coordinate with participants, caregivers, and venue staff to create a predictable flow, clear expectations, and break and exit plans.

• Caregivers as partners: Each participant is required to have a caregiver accompany them during the pilot as we refine our approach.

• Start small, learn fast: We’re hosting 4-6 small-scale pilots in Denver during the Summer 2026 to define the staffing, training, safety, and coordination requirements for repeatable implementation.

• Clear lanes: We provide in-venue support only. We’re not able to provide transportation to or from events, personal care (e.g., personal hygiene, toileting, feeding), or clinical or medical services (e.g., medication administration).

Who are we

Founder: Andy Schaefer

Denver-based educator and community-builder. I’m building Sharing in the Groove to design real access to live music — in a way that is safe, grounded, and repeatable.

Founding Board

• Sofi Gonzalez

• Ron Gubitz

• Rebecca Utton

• Josh Woodward