BART is hitting a high note this summer with the return of Sound Tracks, their free outdoor concert series designed to delight commuters and celebrate local talent. BART is again pulling up with a reprieve for music lovers weary from the daily grind: a series of live performances at select stations in August and September, according to a recent announcement.
The series, curated by the BART Art Program, aims to create a lively atmosphere at stations while showing appreciation for riders and supporting local artists. Performers will take the stage in non-paid areas of BART stations, allowing everyone to tune in. It's an open invitation - no ticket required except maybe your Clipper card - encouraging attendees to hop on a train for a dose of rhythm before riding the rails home.
In a statement obtained by BART, Jennifer Easton, BART Art Program Manager, lays out the vision behind these rhythmic interventions: “The BART Art Program centers supporting local artists and delivering arts and cultural programming to enhance rider and community experience. Sound Tracks encourages riders to take a minute to celebrate with station neighbors, support local businesses, and enables BART to show our appreciation for all the people who ride the system and to those that make the station areas vibrant.”
The eclectic lineup dishes out something for every musical palate. Kick off your shoes at El Cerrito del Norte station on August 21 for a blend of Latin jazz and rock by Patron Latin Rhythms, and stick around for an exhibition of verbal artistry, with winning teens from the BART Lines Teen Poetry Contest sharing their stanzas. The following Wednesday, groove to Chris Trinidad y Con Todo featuring Mestiza at Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre, dishing out an energizing mashup of Cuban Timba and Puerto Rican Bomba with hints of Latin jazz and R&B. And on September 4, Balboa Park station will host Kiazi Malonga, a Congolese drummer, whose performance is bound to get your heartbeat syncing with the full percussion band.
For more details, see the full schedule at BART’s announcement.
