Rockets blast off to inclusive club nights

Robyn Steward, a trumpeter with multiple disabilities, has launched her space-themed experimental music night, Robyn's Rocket, at London's Fabric nightclub. Steward found Fabric to be highly accessible, noting features like a mezzanine level for reduced strobe exposure and a sensory dancefloor that translates sound into tactile vibrations for the hearing impaired.

The night, which began in 2017, focuses on integrating disabled and autistic performers and audiences with non-disabled individuals. Steward emphasizes creating a space where everyone can enjoy themselves without a power dynamic, inspired by the aesthetic and political spirit of Sun Ra.

Robyn's Rocket is known for its meticulous planning, including detailed visual storyboards, tech and access riders for artists, and strictly adhered-to schedules. Upon arrival, attendees receive a rocket-shaped badge indicating their comfort level for communication.

Steward, who uses music to overcome communication barriers, previously worked in autism training. Her journey into improvisational trumpet music led to the development of Robyn's Rocket, which has grown from small residencies to regular slots at prominent London venues. The night champions inclusivity, allowing attendees to feel comfortable expressing any anxieties.

Steward's celestial ambitions for the night continue, envisioning it as a homemade spaceship for a different kind of planetary experience.