A new opportunity is available for live music lovers who want to stay sober. Stage AE recently became the first Pittsburgh concert venue to provide a permanent “sober space” at all of its events. The North Shore entertainment site partnered with local sponsors to make the resource available at its indoor and outdoor shows.
“Stage AE is always striving to be inclusive to all of our attendees, and evolving to fit their needs,” said Scot Steinecker, president of PromoWest and Stage AE. “We are proud to offer the Sober Sanctuary to ensure everyone enjoying a concert continues to feel included and fully enjoy their time here.” “We wanted to have an inclusive space and offer resources to concertgoers,” said Dan Garrighan, board member and co-founder of John’s Echo, a nonprofit and co-sponsor of the sober space.
The space debuted earlier this month. The sectioned-off area will be available to all event attendees, and no special ticket is required to use it. “This is a safe environment if you’re a concertgoer and you want to connect with like-minded attendees for a substance-free experience or just need a break or a reprieve,” Garrighan said.
John’s Echo is a nonprofit named for Garrighan’s late brother, who passed away as the result of an overdose. They were interested in pursuing a space like the one at Stage AE as a fitting tribute to their namesake. “He was a tremendous guy, larger than life and very involved in the Pittsburgh music scene through the.