CINCINNATI — We’re really missing out on live music performances this year, whether it’s at a wedding, your local nightspot or just playing on the streets downtown.

The Street Stage Project wants to change that.

 


What You Need To Know

  • The Street Stage Project is helping musicians find safe social distancing spots downtown so they can bring some much-needed music back to Cincinnati

  • The Street Stage Project is a program launched by 3CDC and the Cincinnati Music Accelerator as a way to bring more attention to local musicians by bringing pop-up performances to the streets of Cincinnati

  • Preston Charles III is one of more than 30 performers that pop-up every week in Cincinnati to showcase local talent

  • “Playing in public was just this new, awesome way of expression,” Preston Charles III, Violinist with The Street Stage Project, said. “It’s something that’s cool. It’s a free exchange of art and people do appreciate it.”


They’re helping musicians find safe social distancing spots downtown so they can bring some much-needed music back to Cincinnati. 

The Street Stage Project is a program launched by 3CDC and the Cincinnati Music Accelerator as a way to bring more attention to local musicians by bringing pop-up performances to the streets of Cincinnati.

Preston Charles III is one of more than 30 performers that pop-up every week in Cincinnati to showcase local talent.

“Playing in public was just this new, awesome way of expression,” said Preston Charles III, violinist with The Street Stage Project. “It’s something that’s cool. It’s a free exchange of art and people do appreciate it.”



Four times a week, Charles grabs his gear, packs up his car and heads downtown to give the public a 90-minute performance without asking anything in return.

“Tips are nice but that’s not the real reason why I’m out here,” Charles said. “The Cincinnati Music Accelerator puts me in prime places to play my violin like in front of Nada, Duke Energy Convention Center, Kroger, P&G. It has just helped make that connection.”

Charles says having the ability to perform in such a public setting is a great way to bring music back to the streets of Cincinnati, which have sat quiet for far too long.

“I want people to know that it’s okay to express yourself but take it seriously because it affects the culture and it affects of a lot of other people who want to develop in that art form as well.”