It sounded like seasonal fun. Hitch a ride on the KC streetcar on Wednesday or Saturday and listen to live music. The occasion was christened Holiday Jam. Unfortunately, or maybe not, Cutest had a prior engagement so I soloed.
In my mind I pictured musicians plying their craft to eager listeners who were brimming with holiday cheer, singing and clapping along.
So much for that fairytale. Saturday afternoon I hopped aboard streetcar #801, tagged the Holiday Express, now known by those who rode it that afternoon as the Minnow. Unfortunately, I boarded one ride before the entertainment was to start. Not a problem. A quick, eventless round trip and I was back at the station, ready to be awed by holiday singers. And now the story begins.
But what to my wondering eyes did appear but a middle schooler without a reindeer. He was dressed to perform with red-green plaid pants and an alpine hat to match. His entourage tagged right behind, mom, dad and little brother by whose face you could tell, he thought that this was some sort of hell.
Older brother soon broke out in song, accompanied by his ukulele and harmonica, pleasing the throng. However a grinch soon appeared and spoiled our fun. Alas, ‘twas a poor lady with too much spirit within. She talked and she sang and she danced but to only those tunes in her head could she spin.
So to the City Market did we arrive, along with security, maybe five. After much pleading for the unwelcome guest to go, she did, only to reappear through another back door. At last she left and off we went, the musician and riders to make merriment. Oh but happiness would not long reign, for the street car, speed it could not maintain.
It chugged and it chugged but no grip could it get, so there on the bridge we all did just sit. So off others and I went, our fun on the street car having been spent. I walked along through the snow, kind of enjoying the day, not thinking of woe.
Having grown quite thirsty upon this long walk, a beverage establishment was just what I sought. What better spot to stop than the Streetcar bar at 15th and Main, where a fine scotch would certainlyt ease all my pain.
As I reflected on the day, I felt very proud, for the riders never complained or got loud.
A streetcar ride is worth it you see; Kansas City riders we definitely should be.
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P.S. And without any rhymes or times or kinds of music: Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the 19th. Find the info you need at https://kcstreetcar.org/holida-jam 2023. It’s an experience!
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