Band Together Central Ohio
Autism Friendly Open Mics | Every Second Sunday of the Month at 2pm
If you are a musician, poet, comedian or have another talent you would like to share, please join us. You don't have to perform to belong at Band Together — we also have a great audience!
A local, community-based initiative.
Band Together Central Ohio exists due to the generous support of the Autism Society of Central Ohio (ASCO), and OCALI. Open mics are held at Gatsby’s in Gahanna. Pizza and soft drinks are provided at no cost to participants. We invite all to check out Gatsby’s full menu of options as well! Gatsby's is located at 151 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Come support our talented community!
We ask that you register in advance so that we can prepare for the number of attendees and performers. We look forward to seeing you there!
Registration Links for Upcoming Open Mics:
No event in May due to Mothers Day
Learn More About the History of Band Together Central Ohio
In 2022, Gwen Harshaw, the Director of OCALI’s Family and Community Outreach Center, wanted to follow up on an idea she had nurtured for several years. She tried to capture the fun social atmospheres that existed in the open mic events her son, Zayne, participated in. A chance meeting in Pittsburgh resulted in witnessing an autism-friendly open mic event called “Band Together Pittsburgh.” She reached out to the organizers to bring the event to Ohio.
With OCALI’s support, she formed Band Together Central Ohio in partnership with the Autism Society of Central Ohio (ASCO) and the Gahanna Foundation. The inaugural event in August 2022 was a resounding success, with eight performers and nearly 50 attendees at the Gahanna Sanctuary.
In 2024, the event series was rebranded as BTCO’s Autism Friendly Open Mic. The name may have changed, but the goal remained the same: to bring together diverse performers and artists across the spectrum and celebrate their talents and abilities. This monthly community event supports social interaction as well as celebrating music, performance, poetry, and all kinds of artistic expression.
On January 14, 2024, the Autism Friendly Open Mic event returned to a new location: Gatsby’s Bar and Grill in downtown Gahanna. With the addition of complimentary pizza and beverages provided by ASCO, the event has evolved into an even greater social experience.
"It’s been a labor of love, and we need more opportunities like this where kids and adults with autism and other disabilities can interact, socialize, and just have fun. It’s a pleasure watching everyone come together and create a sense of community and connection.”— Gwen Harshaw