Pueblo flash mob protests riverwalk music policy
Flash mobs can be quite entertaining and unexpected to those walking by. However, Saturday’s mob along the Historic Pueblo Arkansas Riverwalk wasn’t just playing music, they were making a statement. Many of Pueblo’s musicians gathered to protest the silence along the riverwalk channel. They say the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo Authority or HARP has too many restrictions on musicians who want to play along the riverwalk. “It’s pretty dead down here,” said flash mob organizer Janet Wilson. “There is nothing more vibrant on the riverwalk when you hear music.”
Pueblo musician Stefan Findley says it is difficult for him to play along the channel with his guitar. “One time I was opening up my case and just jamming when a security guard came up and said hey that’s not welcome here,” recalled Findley. “It kind of threw me off for a loop. Like, what do you mean? Music should be welcome everywhere.” According to the Pueblo Arts alliance, who has been in charge of allowing musicians to play along the riverwalk for a little over a year, said they do not limit the amount of permits issued to musicians.
As long as they audition or send in music proving they are a legitimate musicians and get a peddlers license from the city, they can play along the riverwalk channel. The only place along the riverwalk channel excluded from music is underneath bridges.
However, protesters say they just want to play without the hassle. They feel the riverwalk should be an open space to all music.
The city says more artists off all kinds on the riverwalk would be a good thing, but they want the right artists. Many along the riverwalk Saturday agree, more music would be a welcome sight. “We walk a lot in the mornings but there is a lot of silence,” said Pueblo resident Valerie Shisler who stopped to check out the flash mob. “It would be nice to hear more music.” “I think there should be music out here every day as far as I’m concerned,” said Pat Grubb, another local who sat for a while to hear the guitars. Saturday ‘s flash mob did not have a permit to play along the riverwalk.
If you wish to acquire a permit to legally play music along the riverwalk you can contact the Pueblo Arts Alliance.
