The late, great Louis Armstrong once said, “Music is life itself.” Singer Aretha Franklin believed that music has the power to be uplifting, encouraging, and strengthening, while Elton John says, “Music has healing power.” No matter how you view it, making music is a universal expression of joy, which is probably why Make Music Day – a global music celebration that takes place on the summer solstice each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music – is such a popular event. Make Music Santa Fe will return for its eighth year with a diverse and wonderful mix of free musical activities and performances on Wednesday, June 21 2023, from 1 p.m – 8 p.m.
Getting Involved
This year, over 1,000 U.S. cities across 120 countries around the world will host thousands of musical performances and activities as part of the world’s largest annual music event. Restaurants, businesses, galleries, and other institutions throughout Santa Fe take part in the festivities, but ultimately, it’s all about community. And even better, it’s free!
All musicians are invited to participate, no matter their age, or whether they are beginners, professionals, or something in-between. Those interested are invited to take part by signing up at the website before June 14, 2023. Once signed up, all events will be included on the official Make Music Santa Fe Calendar listing and be part of the global celebration of music making.
Highlights of Make Music Santa Fe 2023
Though the list will continue growing right up until the day itself, a fantastic variety of group activities have already been lined up in the Railyard Plaza, including:
- Crash Romeo karaoke
- West African drum music with Akeem Ayanniyi
- Folk Jam with Jono Manson
- Circle Singing with Joseph Ewatuya
- Group Harmonica lesson (100 harmonica give away!) with Phil Arnold
- Songwriting workshop with Lucy Barna
- Ukulele strum-along with Brian Nelson from Queen Bee Association
- Instrument petting zoo supplied by The Candyman Strings & Things
Plus, there will be live performances by local artists at local establishments up and down the entire Railyard district. Check back with the website often, to see who else has been added to the mix. As always, be prepared for surprises!
What is Make Music Day?
It all began in 1982, in France as the Fête de la Musique, and has since spread to over 1,000 cities across 120 countries. Completely different from a typical musical festival, Make Music Day concerts are performed by anyone who wants to take part and are free to attend.
From classical to folk, hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock, live music of all kinds will ring out on streets, sidewalks, porches, plazas, parks, gardens, storefronts and other public spaces on the longest day of the year across the globe. Several learning opportunities are also available for those who don’t play music but would like to join in the fun!
Make Music Santa Fe is Organized by a team of music community leaders and organizations including the Santa Fe Music Alliance, Kludgit Sound, The Santa Fe Arts and Culture Department, the NM Music Commission Foundation, and The Candyman Strings & Things. Make Music Santa Fe is a unique, diverse, and inclusive musical celebration creating community events that are open to anyone wanting to take part. People from all ages, all walks of life, and all levels of musical experience will pour into Santa Fe’s Railyard Plaza to share and engage in musical celebration with the wonderfully diverse and vibrant community of Santa Fe!
For more information on Make Music Day and Make Music Santa Fe, visit the website.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
