🎶 Books & Beats: A Day of Music, Literacy, and Community Connection 🎉
We’re still smiling from the joy that filled the air during our recent Books & Beats concert at 2|42 Community Center in Brighton! With more than 300 families joining us to sing, dance, and celebrate early literacy, it was a true reflection of Livingston County’s vibrant family community.
💙 Sensory-Friendly Concert: Inclusion in Action
This year, Great Start Livingston was proud to offer a private, sensory-friendly concert just for families with children ages 0–5, in partnership with Early On Livingston, the Livingston County Early Literacy Collaborative, and 2|42 Community Center.
Designed for young children who benefit from a gentler environment, the sensory-friendly concert featured:
- Lower volume levels
- Dimmed lighting
- Plenty of space to move and play
- A welcoming, understanding atmosphere
This invite-only event created a safe and joyful space for little learners and their families to enjoy the magic of live music — many for the very first time!
✨ Please note: To preserve the sensory-friendly nature of this event, registration was not open to the public.
📚 Community Collaboration
After the sensory-friendly performance, families began arriving for the main Books & Beats concert with Music at the Blissful. The energy was contagious as children danced, clapped, and sang along.
We are incredibly grateful to the Livingston County libraries who joined us! Together, we modeled the joy of reading, playing, and growing — all vital parts of a strong start in life.
Every child who attended went home with a free book!
🌱 Why This Matters
Livingston County is home to over 11,000 children under age 6. Every child deserves a great start, and every parent deserves access to the tools, support, and connection that help make that possible.
Events like Books & Beats show what’s possible when community partners come together to celebrate children — creating memories, building skills, and strengthening family bonds.
🙌 Thank You!
We couldn’t have done this without:
- Our wonderful performer, Music at the Blissful
- The generous team at 2|42 Community Center
- Our partners at Early On Livingston and the Early Literacy Collaborative
- Every library, volunteer, and team member who helped bring this event to life
- And of course — the families who showed up with open hearts and dancing feet!
🌟 Want to stay in the loop about upcoming events like this?
Visit greatstartlivingston.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
