Behind the Soundtrack with Groundworks
Cyclovia Remix brings you a specially-curated Soundtrack to each route. This month, we said hello to Midtown via Blacklidge Dr.
In this exclusive interview, patricia spoke with playlist-curators and members of the Arts Programming team at Groundwork Tucson—on creating a space for shared creativity, their new digs nearby on Grant Ave, and inspirations for the Midtown Route Soundtrack. Visit the Groundworks website or check out an upcoming live show to learn more!
Big thanks to Meggie Keung, Mireya Quiroz, John Konrad, Brianna Stevens, and Logan Greene for putting together this month’s all-local Cyclovia playlist. You can hear it at one of our events ot stream it on Spotify.
pat: Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got involved with Groundworks
Meggie: My name is Meggie Keung. I am a senior at UofA and I play flute and piccolo. I am a music major and arts administration minor so Groundworks was the perfect space for me to be a part of. I was the fall 2021 college intern and am currently leading the arts team. I have been with Groundworks for a whole year now! I meet Logan and heard about Groundworks when he was a guest speaking in one of my arts admin classes.
John: My name is John, and I’m a junior at the U of A studying illustration at the School of Art. I’m a cartoonist and illustrator, and spend a lot of my time creating comics and zines. I got involved with Groundworks when their first space had its grand opening and they were looking for artists to be a part of the gallery. After that, I got interested in the mission and decided to become an active volunteer.
pat: What are your favorite things about being a part of Groundworks?
Meggie: I love the community and open mindedness of everyone involved. We also have such creative people here. It’s amazing how many talented people are around me everyday when I walk into Groundwork’s physical space.
John: Everyone who is involved with Groundworks is here because they want to be here. It’s a DIY space, which means that every aspect of programming is made possible by a handful of very dedicated volunteers. I’ve also seen firsthand how talented youth creatives can be, and it’s great that there’s now a dedicated space for letting that talent shine.
pat: What hopes do you have for the new art space location? Are there any exciting shows/events coming up?
Meggie: I just want the space to expand and be better each month. I want more events, more concerts, more art shows, more community building! I am excited for the Groundworks Carnival coming up on Sunday January 30th, 2022. The arts team and volunteers are working hard for this event to be as fun and exciting as it sounds. This will such a fun event at the new space to spread the word about Groundworks while bringing the community together.
John: Now that we’re moved into this new space, live events and regular concerts are finally possible, so I’m definitely excited to see how the venue grows and changes over time. Our next biggest fundraising event is the Groundworks Carnival, which is the biggest event we’ve planned, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.
pat: Describe your inspiration for songs chosen for the December playlist.
Meggie: As someone still new to Tucson, I am still learning new quirks and things about the Arizona music and arts scene. Four years feels like nothing! This playlist reflects all the music I need to explore to understand Tucson’s music style just a little bit better.
John: I wanted to highlight local musicians first and foremost. Some of these bands are native Arizonans and some have moved to or from other places, but they all made their musical career here in Arizona. I also wanted to highlight some up-and-coming talents that Groundworks has had the privilege of hosting concerts for.
pat: Who are some of your favorite local bands (on the playlist and otherwise)?
Meggie: I love Imogen Rose. She is so young and talented. I get so inspired and jealous of her amazing music abilities.
John: Imogen Rose, AJJ, and Diners come to mind. There are also too many DIY bands to name, but they’re out every weekend performing some place or another and helping to make Tucson what it is.
