KC “Streetcar Sounds” brings live music to World Cup visitors through artist showcase series

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The KC Streetcar connected World Cup visitors to more than just destinations during the tournament — it also connected them to local musicians performing at stops across the city.

For four weeks, the KC Streetcar Authority partnered with Manor Records Foundation to bring artists to various streetcar stops as part of an ongoing showcase series called “Streetcar Sounds”.

Artists, organizers reflect on the collaboration

Donna Mandelbaum, communications director with the KC Streetcar Authority, said her team built the artist showcases specifically around the World Cup.

“We don’t just connect you to places, but we connect you to experiences and to each other and to culture,” Mandelbaum said.

Shaun Crowley, founder and executive director of Manor Records Foundation, said the organization focuses on funding and artist development for local Kansas City musicians.

“It’s how I made my friends. It’s how I made, now a career, but what it really gave me was a way into different worlds,” Crowley said. “That just builds community and that’s why I think these collaboration events are really important to be doing.”

KC DJ FK Menace on the power of music

Kansas City DJ and artist FK Menace performed as part of the series and said the opportunity extended beyond the local audience.

“To be able to offer music to all different people across the country and the world has been great,” FK Menace said.

FK Menace said music serves a broader purpose for those who experience it.

“Whether you’re having a bad day, or you’re having a bad week, or you just want to come and release — it’s our job and our duty to kinda facilitate that,” FK Menace said. “Great for the mental health. I know this world isn’t easy, life isn’t easy, but I think the more music is spread, the more music is shown to one another, we tend to have those memorable moments.”

FK Menace also pointed to the depth of local talent the series helped surface.

“Super important. I feel like there’s a lot of great talent here in Kansas City,” FK Menace said.

What’s next for the streetcar showcase series

Streetcar officials said they plan to hold more artist showcases on the streetcars themselves this winter for the holiday season.