Ride The Rail Transports Phoenix with Music

Public transportation systems are vital to cities all over the world, and have become iconic urban arteries that shape their cities’ unique personality. From the subways of New York, metro in Paris, tube in London, L in Chicago, or street cars in San Francisco, these transport systems have become definitive parts of culture.

Phoenix is no exception. The Valley’s light rail system is an essential  and historic part of the Valley, which provides affordable accessibility to residents and visitors. 

In 1887, a line was founded using horse-drawn carts, and beginning in 1893, electric streetcars were slowly introduced. By 1895, the majority of lines provided fully-electric service, and the Phoenix Street Railway operated streetcars until 1948.

In 1985, Maricopa County residents began funding a modern regional transit system, and in 2002, Valley Metro Rail Inc. was formed to design, construct and operate a 66-mile high-capacity transit system. Valley Metro now covers 945 square miles, and continues to expand.

This July, Downtown Phoenix Inc. is working with Valley Metro as well as Rosie’s House, Herberger Theater Center, and The Phoenix Symphony to produce live music pop-up events on the Valley Metro Rail B Line, with performances between Central Avenue and Camelback Road and the Downtown Phoenix Hub featuring the talent of local musicians.

"Light rail has always been about connecting people to the places and experiences that matter most to them," says Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro. "This summer, Ride the Rail takes that mission a step further by making the ride itself a destination."

We spoke with participating powerhouses Rosie’s House, The Herberger, and Phoenix Symphony about how music can transform people’s commutes, and why art and public transportation are both integral parts of Phoenix’s identity as a city. 

Rosie’s House*

Founded by Rosie Schurz, a German immigrant forced to flee Munich with her family during WWII and relocate to the Valley, Rosie’s House in Phoenix has since grown into a non-profit providing tuition-free musical education to underserved youth in the Phoenix area, and beyond.

“We’ve been around for thirty years and in our physical space for five years. We’ve always been located in Downtown Phoenix, but when we had the opportunity to have a [physical] space we wanted to be where the community is,” says Lilly Gonzalez, Communications & Marketing Director. “We wanted to be right off the light rail, so our location on Jefferson and Ninth was the perfect spot. We serve nineteen Valley cities. People come from all over the state, even Nogales. If we weren’t located in Downtown Phoenix, I don’t know if all that would be possible.”

In addition to their participation in Ride The Rail, Rosie’s House also connects over twelve zip codes, with their annual event, Make Music Phoenix, which spans from Grand Avenue to the Musical Instrument Museum. They purchase light rail passes, which are provided free to participants, perform music on the rail, and connect to musical experiences throughout Phoenix.

“Seeing the smiles on commuter’s faces is incredible,” says Gonzalez. “People taking a break from the heat, just enjoying performances. I think the city of Phoenix does a great job of bringing art into different spaces, so when you’re on the light rail, you are passing museums, and beautiful sculptures and art at certain stops.”

“I took the light rail for six years from Mesa to Downtown Phoenix, and I appreciate the fun,” Gonzalez shares, “You really do build a community. There are the people I would see every day, or every two years, and you nod at each other.”

Gonzalez adds, “In a growing city like Phoenix, the arts really foster connection and civic pride. Having easy access provides more support for small businesses. I’m also on the Phoenix Community Alliance Arts, Culture and Public Life Committee, and we talk about economic growth and how arts and culture in Downtown Phoenix transforms streets and public places into spots where people want to go and spend time.”

“Rosie’s House’s mission is to eliminate barriers to a high-quality music education and support youth as they develop their full creative potential,” Gonzalez explains, “Our big focus is eliminating gaps, especially anything caused by financial restraints or limited resources. It is awesome that Valley Metro breaks those same barriers, and provides an option for people to easily get so far around the community. Having it expand and grow is incredible.”

*—Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) Member

Herberger Theater Center

Built in 1989, the Herberger Theater Center’s creative programming has served Downtown Phoenix for over three decades. Their mission is rooted in the belief that the arts are a bridge that connects us all, and they are deeply committed to providing a stage where the incredible talent of  local Valley performers can truly shine.

Cescily Washington-Wiener, Director of Community Engagement, says, “By focusing on community engagement, the Herberger transforms Downtown Phoenix into a vibrant cultural living room. We don’t just host events; we nurture a sense of belonging. By making a strong commitment to sustain outreach programs, we provide thousands of youth each year with the opportunity to find their voice and step into the spotlight. When we showcase Valley performers as much as possible, we ensure that Downtown isn't just a place of business, but a place of soul and inspiration. This dedication to local talent and youth empowerment is what enriches Phoenix, making our city a more inclusive, magical, and a connected place to live, work, and play.”

Washington-Wiener continues, “I view the light rail as more than just a transit system; it is a vital artery for cultural equity. By providing a stress-free and affordable way for residents from across the Valley to reach our city's center, it ensures that the magic of theater and music is accessible to everyone, regardless of the challenges of traffic or parking.”

Through Ride the Rail, the Herberger’s musicians Jake Williams and Julian Davis will perform directly on the light rail, breaking down the traditional "four walls" of the theater. The Herberger's hope is to create spontaneous moments of joy and curiosity in unexpected, welcoming spaces.

Washington-Wiener says, “These collaborations are essential because they actively reduce barriers to participation. They turn a daily commute into a shared cultural experience and reinforce the powerful idea that the arts belong to the entire community—not just those who already have a ticket. By working alongside partners like Valley Metro and Downtown Phoenix Inc., we are proving that public transit can be a gateway to discovery, strengthening Downtown’s identity as a place where creativity and connection happen every day.”

The Phoenix Symphony

For 79 years, The Phoenix Symphony has been a vital part of Downtown Phoenix and Arizona, as the state’s only full-time, professional symphony orchestra, and its largest performing arts group.

“Live music has the power to connect, heal, and inspire wherever people are," shares Rachel Dahl, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, "Whether it’s a concert in the hall or a performance aboard the light rail, these moments help make Downtown vibrant, welcoming, and full of life.”

Dahl continues, “The light rail is a vital connector for our community. It makes it easier for people from across the Valley to experience everything Downtown Phoenix has to offer—from concerts and museums to restaurants and local businesses. At The Phoenix Symphony, we believe in being a Symphony for All, and accessibility is central to that.”

Dahl says, “Our mission is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, and Ride the Rail is a wonderful example of that in action. We believe live music belongs everywhere—not just inside concert halls. Bringing live performances directly onto the light rail creates unexpected moments of joy and connection, and introduces people to The Phoenix Symphony in a fun and approachable way.”

“Arts and culture bring energy to a city. They create moments that inspire people to gather, explore, and experience Downtown in new ways. A thriving arts scene makes Downtown Phoenix more dynamic and memorable—not only for residents, but for visitors as well. Live music, theatre, and cultural events create a sense of place and community that makes people want to come back again and again.”

This July, that mission comes to life for anyone riding the rail. Experience Ride the Rail for yourself, with live performances on the light rail July 24 and 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., running north and south from the Downtown Phoenix Hub at Washington and Central to Camelback and Central. Along the way, riders can redeem exclusive deals at participating Downtown businesses with a limited-edition Ride the Rail Copper Card.

For more information and the full list of participating businesses, visit dtphx.org/dtphx-ride-the-rail.

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Royal Young (@theroyalyoung on Instagram) is a non-binary poet and author from downtown New York City, who now lives and creates in the desert. Their work has appeared in Interview Magazine, New York Times, The Rumpus, Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix New Times, LOOKOUT, and DTPHX, among others.