We linked to this song when we did our original post about the Free Music Archive, but it bears repeating:

(photo by David Belisle)

Colorado Springs can’t always keep ‘em, but it does graduate some fantastic talent. Take Laura Veirs, for example, an accomlpished singer-songwriter with seven albums to her name who once walked the streets of the old North End and the halls of Palmer High School. When translating Mandarin and a Chinese geological expedition didn’t suit her fancy, she turned to song writing. Before long she was she was opening for the likes of Sufjan Stevens and The Decemberists. But with her new album July Flame, she’s a headliner and a risen star. This past Saturday, NPR did a lovely 8-minute interview with Veirs about her new record that can be heard HERE.

If the interview isn’t enough, you can stream the entirety of her new album (which is officially released today) today ONLY at NPR Music, which will promptly inspire you to buy it HERE, of course.

Even better that: KRCC is bringing Veirs to perform at Venue 515 on Saturday, March 6. Tickets will go on sale at KRCC this coming Tuesday, January 19 at 9 a.m. Tickets won’t last long, folks.

Until next Tuesday, here’s a gorgeous video by Doug Savage for the title track of the new album:

Says FMA: “Cryptacize is the new project of Chris Cohen (ex-Deerhoof), Nedelle Torisi (Kill Rock Stars solo artist), and Michael Carreira (YouTube cowbell player extraordinaire).” Says Noel: It’s the Hawaiian Space Twee you’ve always been waiting for.

(download by clicking on the arrow on the right-hand side of the player)

If you missed our two-part post on the past, present and future of trolleys in Colorado Springs last October, now would be a good time to have another look (Part 1 is HERE, and Part 2 is HERE). Why?

Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) is hosting a public meeting Tuesday, Jan. 12 to gather input regarding the feasibility of developing an electric streetcar system in downtown Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.

The meeting takes place at the City Administration Building, 30 S. Nevada Ave. between 7:30 and 9 p.m., with a presentation scheduled at 8 p.m.

The study is a citizen-driven initiative in which the private sector is exploring creative solutions to community needs. The study is funded by a combination of federal government planning grants and funds that can be used only for planning studies.

If you’re a little confused on why such a study is taking place during such economically lean times, you’re not alone. Says the feasibility website:

The Colorado Springs Streetcar Feasibility Study will explore the relationship between streetcars and urban development in Colorado Springs by examining the feasibility of implementing a streetcar system for downtown Colorado Springs and surrounding areas along with the associated economic impact.

Supporting business, residential and cultural development in the downtown core is an important land use and economic development goal for the City of Colorado Springs. Based on the successful implementation of streetcar service and the corresponding economic development in other cities across the United States, the City of Colorado Springs is looking at the feasibility of building a streetcar system to encourage business, residential and cultural development in the downtown core.

You can get all of your questions answered and toss your two cents into the hat tomorrow night. Or you can go to the study website for history of streetcars in Colorado Springs and frequently asked questions.