Inspired by the real life stories of two young New York musicians, DOWNTOWN EXPRESS revolves around a classically trained, virtuoso violinist from Russia – Sasha - and a quirky, multi-talented singer/songwriter – Ramona - in the downtown club scene.  Ramona (Nellie McKay) performs with her band on the subways as well as the clubs, scratching out a living, although she once had a promising career.  Sasha (Philippe Quint) is on a scholarship to Julliard, in America for little more than a month, naive but open to the musical wonders of New York.   Sparks begin to fly when Vadim, his self-assured father, eager to promote his son's career, falls in love with Marie, Sasha's mentor and pianist, and Sasha joins Ramona's band - and falls in love with Ramona.

Shot entirely on location on the streets of New York, DOWNTOWN EXPRESS is a gritty, authentic musical love story turning on a conflict between a father and son, dramatizing the struggle to be a creative artist as well as an immigrant in a time of economic and political uncertainty - a story where the stakes are high and music becomes an expression of freedom.

The score features the original music of Nellie McKay, Philippe Quint, Michael Bacon, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and street musicians all over New York City, the music capital of the world.