Keep San Marcos Beautiful Spring Concert Series

by, Holly Ratcliff

Throughout the month of April, the Keep San Marcos Beautiful (KSMB) program will host the Spring Concert Series. A melding of music and environmental advocacy, this weekly event will entertain and educate citizens simultaneously.

Amy Kirwin, manager of the KSMB program, described the collaborative efforts needed to produce the series: “Local businesses donate money or in-kind services to help put on the series. Local environmental organizations have interactive booths that engage attendees with educational material.”

Each week has its own, specific sustainability theme. On April 14, the theme will be transportation: “CARTS will have a bus for people to explore; [the] Transportation Department will have staff attending to talk about the sidewalk plan; San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance will have the proposed greenway loop and a survey; Sustainable San Marcos will have a station for working on bikes; the San Marcos Bike advocacy group will be talking about bikes and promoting bikes as an alternative form [of] transportation; SM Police Department will have information on bike safety; [and the] San Marcos River Foundation [will have] coloring pages for kids.” Fire in the Pines and The Refrains will play that evening.
On April 21, there will be a Pre-Earth Day celebration: “Habitat Conservation Plan will have their storm water run-off model; Keep San Marcos Beautiful will have activities; Food is Free will have planter boxes and information about growing food; San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance will be making seed balls; Tree Folks will be attending; [and the] San Marcos River Foundation will have activities.” Alex Ruiz and members of the Night Mothers will perform together. Hell Camino will be covering classic hits from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s (Cheap Trick, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC).
On April 28, water and energy will serve as the evening’s topic: Habitat Conservation Plan; San Marcos River Foundation; R.I.N.S.E., a Texas State organization; San Marcos River Foundation; and the City’s MS4 program will all have activities. Sustainable San Marcos will provide information on water. Halleyanna Finlay and Whistle & Fish will perform.

“KSMB hopes the residents of San Marcos come out to San Marcos Plaza Park every Thursday in April to hear great local musicians and learn ways to positively impact their actions on the environment and creative ways to improve their quality of life,” said Kirwin.

Every Thursday, family friendly activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by music at 7:30 p.m. Although Plaza Park does permit alcohol, Styrofoam and glass are not permitted. Come out to the Plaza Park at 401 East Hopkins Street this April.