If you’re missing live music and dance, why not bring the artists to you? Curbside Culture is taking the show on the road—literally—to connect local performing artists and audiences around the Pikes Peak region. The new program by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region brings concerts and dance performances to your yard, cul de sac, sidewalk or place of business. You just need an extension cord, a small audience and $50 to $790, depending on the artist, for a 15-, 30- or 60-minute private performance.
“We know that the arts impact physical, emotional and mental health,” says Andy Vick, executive director of the Cultural Office. “Curbside Culture transcends the traditional cultural experience and makes the arts ‘mobile’ and recognizes the benefits of creativity on our health and well-being, especially during this time of isolation. We are really excited about bringing the arts to life in new ways in cul de sacs, driveways and backyards across El Paso and Teller counties!”
The program also supports local artists, keeping them working and connected with audiences at a time when venues are closed and performances severely limited by restrictions on group gatherings. Safety is a top priority for performers and audiences, and artists are using precautions such as masks and plexiglass barriers. Artists and audiences are encouraged to follow all state and local public health protocols.
“We believe the arts are vital to any thriving community, from both an economic and cultural standpoint,” Vick says. “Curbside Culture demonstrates the creative sector’s ability to be nimble, adaptable and innovation to continue delivering impactful programming that is responsive to the community’s needs.”
The program launched with 14 artists and continues to add more. Performances include live music, modern dance and aerial arts, and styles include classical, jazz, bluegrass, roots, R&B, African percussion and more. Here’s a list of current artists. Keep checking peakradar.com for new artists and details on scheduling your own small concert or performance.
Dragonfly Aerial Company, aerial arts
Naomi Skee and Styles Grey, ballroom dance
Tejon Street Corner Thieves, outlaw blues and trash-grass music
Wanda and Ron Cousar, R&B, funk, jazz and Western African dance
Ormao Dance Company, modern dance
Chamber Orchestra Ensembles, classical music
Tony Exum, Jr., jazz, R&B and funk music
Ryan Flores, Latin Gypsy music
Gregory Gershteyn, classical violin music
Michael and Cathy Hanson, Philharmonic Concertmaster and Principal Viola music
Restless Hearts, pop, rock, blues, jazz, folk music
Jeri Jorgensen, classical violin music
Jordan McHenry, modern, jazz, ballet dance
My Name Is Harriett, electronic violin soundscape music
Judith Piazza, world drum music
Roma Ransom, world folk music
Snake and the Rabbit, psychedelic folk, American blues, outlaw country and lo-fi garage rock music
Christina VanCamp, jazz, Latin, blues and rock music
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