The Voice - Student Newspaper

Valley artists turn light rail into side stage

The METRO Light Rail experience altered the Phoenix commuter's methods of transit in Dec. 2008.

Aside from an easy way to navigate the streets of Phoenix, local artists have discovered another way to utilize the Light Rail's convenience and purpose.

Erin Creighton, 20, is a local musician. She loves to play for an audience and show her passion for the art with nothing but her guitar and powerful vocals.

Rail riders have pleasantly found themselves transformed into the audience that Erin created for herself.

When asked what it was exactly that compelled her to start playing on the Light Rail, of all places, Creighton said, "I had a Beatles song stuck in my head and it happened that I had my guitar with me so I started playing and then people started getting on and we jammed out together."

This on the spot incident turned out to be a networking opportunity. After her impromptu performance a man handed her his business card.

The card belonged to the founder of Kitchen Sink Studios Inc. a creative studio that is based out of Downtown Phoenix.

He informed her that his business had a performance space at First Fridays that is used by local artists to play during the modern art walk.

Erin also walked away with an extra seven dollars in her pocket, a form of gratification from the admiring audience.

"I felt happy that I have a gift I can share with people and they can enjoy at the same time. It's like their award for eco-friendly transportation."

When contacted about METRO's opinion or stance on the topic of the arts on the rails Marty McNeil, APR Marketing Manager of METRO Light Rail responded that METRO was discussing a program involving local artists in performance.

Since the program was not yet finalized; METRO could not discuss it at this time.

While getting from point A to point B, Light Rail passengers will not only get a convenient ride but a taste of the bohemian culture that has manifest itself in this city.