The cacophony of the daily grind at Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) locations is about to get a melodious upgrade every Thursday evening this October. In a smooth collaboration with JazzArts, CATS is rolling out its "Ride with the Music" initiative, setting the stage for local jazz talents to serenade commuters and passersby at no charge to their wallets. If the hustle of transit has you feeling blue, this musical interlude might just be your perfect pick-me-up.
Now, let's get something straight - this isn't your run-of-the-mill, listen-from-a-distance jazz experience. Commuters won't just catch snatches of swinging tunes as trains pull in and out. These performances are set to be a full-on encounter with Charlotte's crème de la jazz, served free of charge. In a statement obtained by the Charlotte Area Transit System, Chris Lange, the Art in Transit Program Administrator, said, "CATS is thrilled to continue our partnership with JazzArts to bring quality jazz music to our transit stations." He added, "This program is unique because it provides access to some of the city’s top jazz artists in an unexpected setting, so we encourage you to stop by and hear the music."
This isn't the first time CATS has jazzed things up. The transit system has been commingling transportation with saxophones and trumpets for a while now, seeking to brighten days and perhaps, lighten the load of those usual commutes. It's an open-door invitation to all, as part of the Art in Transit program, which aims to sprinkle a little bit of culture onto the canvas of everyday travel.
The jazz-infused evenings will unravel at various CATS locations and are designed to sync harmoniously with the transit routes and schedules. This ensures that whether you're early for the bus or just missed your train, there's a musical treat waiting to ease the frustration. "We are happy to celebrate the artistic talent in our community and hope it provides some joy to riders and the public," Lange told Charlotte Area Transit System.
