Curbside Culture Returns

Bring live music and dance to your backyard. The popular program is back for 2021 with even more artists and performers.

Roma Ransom duo standing back to back — World folk music duo Roma Ransom. Photo courtesy of Roma Ransom and the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.

Why search for a venue when you can create one? Curbside Culture is back for 2021. The popular program by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region gives you the power to schedule live outdoor arts performances at a location of your choosing, whether in your yard, the park or even your workplace.

“We believe the arts are vital to any thriving community, from both an economic and cultural standpoint. Even amid a pandemic, the creative sector has found pathways to joy, for performing artists and audiences, during an uncertain time,” says Andy Vick, executive director of the Cultural Office. “Curbside Culture transcends the traditional artistic experience and takes the show on the road, literally, for anyone craving the arts in El Paso and Teller counties.”

Edie Carey playing the piano. Photo by Lauren Holley.

All you need to schedule your own show is an extension cord, a small audience and $50 to $790, depending on the artist. The 15-, 30- or 60-minute private performances for 2021 include live music, modern dance and aerial arts. Styles include classical, jazz, bluegrass, roots, R&B, African percussion and more.

Scheduling a performance also gives participants a chance to support local artists in a meaningful way. After launching amid the pandemic, Curbside Culture saw more than 60 bookings and performances, allowing the 14 participating performers to keep working and connecting with audiences. Now, the program has 20 diverse artists on the roster and welcomes other experienced performers to join.

“Curbside Culture demonstrates the creative sector’s ability to be nimble, adaptable and innovative to continue delivering impactful programming that is responsive to the community’s needs,” Vick says.

Dragonfly Aerial Company Curbside Culture performace. Girl gymanst performing with red fabric — Dragonfly Aerial Company Curbside Culture 2020 performance. Photo courtesy of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.

Safety remains of the utmost importance for both audiences and performers. Hosts, performers and performance locations are encouraged to follow all local and state safety protocols concerning the COVID-19 virus.

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

Edie Carey, folk and children’s music

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