BACK IN TOWN: Laurie Berkner brings her band to her hometown of Princeton for a special “Greatest Hits” concert on Saturday, March 1 at McCarter Theatre.

The Laurie Berkner Band will return to Berkner’s hometown with a “Greatest Hits” concert for families at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 at McCarter Theatre. Prior to the event, Berkner will give a special solo, sensory-friendly, “relaxed performance” at 11 a.m., joined by dancer Michelle Esch.

“I can’t wait to come back to the McCarter Theatre,” said Berkner. “It’s such a thrill to have made playing at my neighborhood theater from childhood into a yearly tradition. And I’m so grateful that my partnership with the theater allows me to present both a sensory-friendly show (for those who prefer less stimulation) and a full-band show. Both experiences are uniquely special and being able to share them with my fans brings me so much joy.”

Berkner and her band will perform songs from a career spanning more than 25 years, including such hits as “Victor Vito,” “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “Pig On Her Head,” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Rocketship Run,” “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” and more recent fan favorites like “Superhero,” “Waiting for the Elevator,” “My Bunny Goes Hop,” and “Chipmunk at the Gas Pump.”  Kids and grownups alike are encouraged to get up and dance. Kids should plan to bring their dancing shoes and a stuffed animal (for their heads).

The band features Berkner on vocals and guitar; Susie Lampert, keyboards; Winston Roye, bass; and Bobby Golden, drums/percussion.

For her sensory-friendly, “relaxed performance,” Berkner will perform solo in an environment that has been adapted to provide a welcoming atmosphere for individuals with autism, learning differences, or other sensory and communication needs, so that they and their families may enjoy Laurie’s live show together. The concert is performed with the light and sound levels adjusted slightly to create a more sensory-friendly environment. These performances are “shush-free” zones where patrons are free to talk and leave their seats throughout the show, as well as bring their own snacks, fidgets, and communication devices with them to their seats.

Most of all, a sensory-friendly performance is a judgment-free environment, where all are welcome to enjoy the show in whatever way makes the experience work for them.

Visit Mccarter.org for tickets.