Country Music Artist Goes 'Corona Caroling' In Mesa Neighborhoods
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Like the rest of the state, the coronavirus has dumped hard times on Arizona’s third-largest city. But a country artist is on a mission to deliver music directly to people in Mesa — one street at a time.
Matt Farris grew up in a double-wide trailer in western Arizona. He moved to Nashville and got a record deal. Then the artist came home and chose to live in Mesa.
“It’s a pretty amazing feeling to be able to bring music to the people during these hard times,” he said.
A Facebook Live video shows Farris and his band kicking off what they call "Corona Caroling." These are weekly concerts of original songs and covers, played from a flatbed trailer pulled through neighborhoods.
“It’s been a whirlwind of fun, that’s for sure. Being able to see all the people. That we’re able to make them smile sitting in their driveways or at the assisted living homes,” he said.
Mesa Mayor John Giles said the mobile shows give neighbors a chance to at least waive to one another, and they’re one way how the worst of times can bring out the best in people.
“And music has this kind of magical, meditative effect on people. It really lifts your spirits,” he said.
Spirits drain quickly in Arizona’s deadly summer heat. Forecasters said temperatures will hit 100 degrees this weekend. Mesa residents could normally look forward to public pools opening next month. But the pandemic has stolen the service.
“There’s a lot of families in Mesa that really, their lives revolve around the summer aquatics program,” Giles said.
People without a backyard pool aren’t the only ones who’ll miss out, he said. The aquatics program includes synchronized swimming, diving and competitive teams.
Giles said there is a plan to jump start city aquatics, when it’s legal and health officials say it’s safe.
“With the stress people are experiencing, it would really be wonderful to get these programs back online and to give kids something to do and get out of the house,” he said.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to correct the name of Matt Farris's performances.
