Metro is delivering the goods, and the public has snapped up every available seat for the highly anticipated MetroRail Fest Concert. May 23, 2015 is the official welcome to more transit options as the Green (East End) Line makes its way down Harrisburg through the historic East End and the Purple (Southeast) Line begins service through one of Houston's oldest African-American neighborhoods.
The new lines provide customers with convenient travel to the downtown Theater District, nightlife and entertainment centers including Discovery Green, the George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center, BBVA Compass Stadium and Minute Maid Park with continued access to midtown, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center, Moody Park and the Northline Transit Center / HCC. The Green (East End) Line runs 3.3 miles from downtown, east along Harrisburg, while the Purple (Southeast) Line is 6.6 miles long and connects downtown with the University of Houston Central Campus, Texas Southern University and The Palm Center. Both new routes intersect the existing Main Street Red Line.
Each rail station platform showcases Metro's Arts in Transit program, featuring the work of 22 artists who illustrate the cultural and artistic diversity of the communities they serve. Stations on the Southeast Line highlight African-American heritage and those on the East End line focus on Mexican-American culture.
MetroRail Fest 2015 takes place on May 23 in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, BBVA Compass Stadium and with CBS Radio. The festival will celebrate Metro’s Connecting Communities initiative showcasing the city’s finest attributes including its the new rail lines, live music, family fun activities and a spectacular fireworks show. Metro will provide free light rail rides all day and there will be a Free concert sponsored by Parsons and Houston Rapid Transit (HRT).
Due to overwhelming response, MetroRail Fest 2015 Tickets are no longer available. The community can still participate in four rallies and ribbon-cutting ceremonies across the city May 23.
At 3 p.m., Metro will host pep rallies with live entertainment and formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies at The Palm Center, East End, Theater District and EaDO rail stations. Stakeholders will take the inaugural ride to the BBVA Compass Stadium for additional festivities and a free concert.
Headlining the event is Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, NE-YO. With three #1 albums and 10 million albums sold worldwide, NE-YO, has also written and produced chart-topping hits for today’s biggest stars including Rihanna, Beyonce, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion and many more. NE-YO recently released his sixth full-length studio album Non-Fiction, which topped the R&B Charts.
Also performing is the Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Frankie J, a former member of the Kumbia Kings. Frankie J has performed chart-topping English and Spanish hits to adoring crowds across the world. Rounding off the entertainment line-up is the Ernest Walker Band, Zenteno Spirit, Mario Havikoro Dancers and Herman Charles Dancers. A fireworks finale will conclude this grand occasion.
