An Active Transportation Alliance Benefit That Will Really Rock

Here’s a painless way to support the advocacy work of the Active Transportation Alliance (or painful if, unlike me, you don’t like forward-thinking rock bands).

In the wake of this year’s high-profile bike fatality cases, local musicians wanted to do something to help push for positive change. They’re donating their services to raise money for Active Trans’ efforts to promote better conditions for walking, biking, and transit with a benefit concert next week, and tickets will cost you a mere $5.

Active Trans Benefit Concert
Tuesday, December 13, 8:30 p.m.
The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.

The show is headlined by Mako Sica, a local trio featuring “wordless vocals and Eastern-influenced melodies,” which recently appeared on NPR's World Music-focused show Radio M. Rounding out the bill is Mardou, a punk band from Cinicinatti, the Chicago/Memphis duo Courtesy, playing “dark, experimental ambient soundscapes” combined with video, and Taphophile, an avant-garde solo project.

“I feel passionate about supporting awareness and respect for cyclists in the city,” says Mako Sica guitarist Brent Fuscaldo. “I commute at least twice a day to work on bike and am a year-round rider, even in harsh winter conditions. And anyone who spends time on bike sees the challenges we all face in safety even within the first few blocks of a trip. Rather than just complain about it, we wanted to have our band help in some way.”