Gather 'Round the Railroad District

Gather ‘Round the Railroad District: a free public concert collection in a historic neighborhood, supporting local businesses and organizations while raising funds for Rogue World Music. 

Gather ‘Round the Railroad District is back for a second year! This unique event brings together music lovers of all ages and backgrounds through a FREE, walkable collection of concerts in Ashland's picturesque Railroad District neighborhood. With 6 incredible bands performing at 4 different outdoor concert sites, attendees are in for a memorable evening of live music.

“Our 2023 Gather ‘Round the Railroad District was a bit of a ‘proof of concept’ pilot. Approximately 2,000 people attended that event, and that was with minimal outreach or awareness building. This year, we anticipate even more folks joining us for what feels like a HUGE neighborhood party.” - Ana Byers, Rogue World Music Executive Director.

Gather 'Round the Railroad District promises a diverse range of musical genres, and a chance to immerse seasoned world music aficionados and world-music newbies alike in the vibrant energy of the Railroad District neighborhood. Coinciding with the Ashland’s First Friday Artwalk, the event brings the vibrancy of public arts to a historic Ashland neighborhood, drawing people to gather and connect in public spaces outside of downtown Ashland. Concert locations include Railroad Park, KS Wild, Arkitek Design & Architecture and Umpqua Bank. Attendees embarking on the Gather 'Round music route have the opportunity to experience a taste of each concert happening at the various outdoor locations by circling back around the music route as the evening progresses in order to catch the second round of bands, which will start playing at 6 pm. Alternatively, attendees can stay at one location for the full performance of a favorite band. Folks are encouraged to bring a chair and get comfortable if they don’t want to do the full stroll. 

“Part of our intention of holding this event in the Railroad District is to support this key Ashland neighborhood and business district.” - Ana Byers, Rogue World Music Executive Director.

"Having been an organization that opened our new office during Covid, it's been a slow process for us to meet all of our Railroad District neighbors, but Last year's Gather 'Round the Railroad District event helped bring KS Wild into the neighborhood fold and get community members into our space. Not to mention it was very special to have such unique, worldly tunes filling our patio!" - Haleigh Marting, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center (KSWild) Communications Manager. 

"Collaborating with RWM has been a benefit to Ashland because it stretches the dollars we have available to support events while also strengthening Ashland Parks and Recreation goal to seek out and support opportunities for community building through programs and events in our parks, opens spaces and trail networks that celebrate art, music, sports and nature.” Rachel Dials, Ashland Parks and Recreation Deputy Director. 

Though free to attend, this event is collecting donations to support Rogue World Music programming. By December 31st, Rogue World Music will have provided free public arts programming to over 10,000 people in 2024. This includes the Rogue World Music Festival- a multi-day, multi-city event held every Memorial Day weekend, world music education for K-5th graders throughout the Rogue Valley, Wassailing workshops this fall & winter, and more. Public arts is a powerful connector of people and uplifter of public spaces. Donors of all amounts can give on the RWM website, by Venmo, PayPal, cash, or check at any of the Gather 'Round the Railroad District concert locations. 

“Our hope is that on average, every person who attends Gather ‘Round the Railroad District will give $5. It’s a small amount, but it adds up really quickly with the number of people who attend. I don’t think that folks realize that each donation, no matter the size, communicates to sponsors, granting foundations, donors, and their community leaders that what we offer is important. It is a way to vote for what you feel is a meaningful experience in your community.” - Ana Byers, Rogue World Music Executive Director.

Gather ‘Round the Railroad District attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the totally FREE and completely secure bicycle valet offered by Piccadilly Cycles as part of this event. With lots of folks out for First Friday Artwalk, and the kick off of Southern Oregon Pride, this local bike shop is providing an incredible amenity to support leaving cars at home (and taking the pain out of parking). Their bike valet station will be located at 515 A St. on the corner of 4th and A St., in front of Piccadilly Cycles. It is operating from 4:30 - 7:30 pm. 

“We are so lucky to live in a town full of arts and entertainment as well as natural beauty and outdoor sports. We love supporting diverse events in Ashland and hope no matter where you’re headed you choose a bike to get you there.” Tory Peil, Piccadilly Cycles. 

This event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Piccadilly Cycles, Ashland Ace Hardware, A St. Animal Clinic, Deluxe Awning Co., Nagel Whitaker Real Estate Group, the Ashland Food Co-op and Ashland Insurance Company.

If you would like to support RWM’s work, collaboration, & partnerships in the Rogue Valley community, donate today. Rogue World Music is a 501(C)(3) Oregon-based arts nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible for any U.S. tax payer AND qualify Oregon residents & corporations for the Oregon Cultural Tax Credit. Donate today.

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