Streetcar Sounds to Include Live Music Throughout the Summer

June 18, 2015

By Simon Brimmer  (Republished from the Downtown Tucsonan)

Get ready for a healthy dose of transportainment.

Community radio station KXCI FM 91.3 has partnered with the Tucson Department of Transportation and local musicians to bring a series of live performances to the summer streetcar experience.

A number of musicians have agreed to participate in the Sun Link Summer in the City live streetcar concert series, scheduled for specific Saturdays over the course of the next couple months.

“Jimmy Carr and the Awkward Moments starts this week,” said KXCI General Manager Cathy Rivers. While riders leave the more traditional mode of transportation behind, hopefully actual awkward moments will be minimized as those involved work through the logistics on the inaugural run.

“Loading time is pretty quick, and most of the musicians who are playing are predominantly acoustic,” said Rivers. “There are a couple amplified elements, but everything will be tied down and strapped up for security. It’ll be fine.”

Musicians Hank Topless and Laura and the Killed Men are among the other acts scheduled to participate as the concept continues into July and August.

“The (musicians are) really excited,” Rivers said. “It’s great for them to have a different opportunity and atmosphere to perform. It’s different than say, in a bar, where there’s a bunch of other bar music playing, and this really gives them a chance to kind of be in the public. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Representatives from the Department of Transportation were made aware of similar successful concepts for public transportation routes in Portland and other locations. That’s when they approached KXCI about getting the ball rolling for a local music presence for Tucson’s Modern Streetcar.

The events begin at the Mercado San Agustin stop at the western most part of the streetcar line, but naturally passengers can board at any time to enjoy the moving musical extravaganza.

The Jimmy Carr and the Awkward Moments performance takes place Saturday, June 20 from 7-9 pm.

The remainder of the schedule:

June 27: Jeremy Cashman and Mighty Joel Ford

July 18: Roman Barten-Sherman

July 25: Crystal Stark

August 8: Laura and the Killed Men

August 22: Hank Topless

Plans are in the works for a streetcar based music festival in September

“It’s a great way for people to enjoy the fun and entertainment,” Rivers said.