Spectrum band members perform at
Cobriwoodstock this summer:
Christopher Brozek on drums;
Bobby McGrath-keys/vocals;
Erin Mullins-bass; Justin Laus-guitar.
Gifted
MUSICIANS
Band Together
Pittsburgh
provides musical
mentoring for
those on the
autism spectrum.
BY JENNIFER BROZAK
48 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Fox Chapel Area
Photos by Melissa Shontz Photography
I
n John Vento’s world, the term “disabled”
would not exist. Rather, he prefers the
phrase “differently abled.”
Vento is the founder of the Nied’s Hotel
Band, a prominent Pittsburgh rock band.
Together with Ron
“Moondog” Esser,
Vento has founded
the organization Band
Together Pittsburgh,
which is focused on
providing mentoring
to children with
autism and their families.
The idea for Band Together Pittsburgh
developed organically after Vento’s band
began sharing the stage with several
musically talented young people who all
are on the autism spectrum.
The players initially sat in with the
Nied’s Hotel Band individually, but soon,
their parents began communicating
about the possibility of forming a
formal band. Aptly named “Spectrum,”
the band’s first official gig took place
at Esser’s club, the famed Moondog’s
in Blawnox. Since then, the band has
played gigs at the Lamp Theatre in