Based in one of the country’s poorest districts, public arts projects enable civic-minded musicians to engage their community and use their talents to contribute towards neighborhood vitality. The Arts Educational Partnership says public concerts in urban areas promote creative thinking, problem solving, self-awareness, and cross-cultural understanding.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, music, like most other industries, has taken a huge setback. Many musicians have experienced gig cancellations, and are now learning to adapt to alternate methods to gain visibility. Social distancing, while necessary at this time, creates challenges with group performances. The "South Bronx Concert Series" will create an online platform for Bronx musicians to perform, receive compensation, and build their online network, while maintaining safety measures.

Elissa Carmona is the winner of the 2020 Community Arts and SU-CASA awards. In 2016, she founded Morrisania Band Project (MBP), an award-winning musical collective that adds vibrancy to the South Bronx through music, community engagement, and raises awareness for issues like sickle cell disease, gun violence, and hurricane relief. From May through December 2019, Carmona presented musical tributes to Aretha Franklin at venues throughout NYC, New Orleans, and North Carolina.