Cities around the world are getting read to Make Music on Sunday, June 21, 2015. The international day of music started in 1982 in France (Fête de la Musique), and has since swept the globe, encouraging people to play music for others in public places. Today over 700 cities in 120 countries are participating in the Make Music day, which encourages musicians of all ages and abilities to simply take to the streets, parks, plazas, etc, to create music to share with others.
The music shared on June 21 is nothing to over think. It’s not Porchfest, nor is a music festival. It’s much more of a stripped down grassroots movement that could merely consist of a fiddle player standing at a street corner playing some tunes. At the same time, there’s no reason that a band couldn’t play from in a public park (with proper permits), or an orchestra couldn’t set up for an impromptu outdoor show (Kleinhans?).
So grab a jew’s harp and play a tune on the Metro Rail on the way to work. Or sing your heart out on the patio of a restaurant. Everyone has the ability to join in on the fun.
If there are music-oriented organizations out there that would like to help put Buffalo on the “Make Music” map, I have just submitted to the organization that Buffalo will, in some capacity, be participating in some fashion this year. This is not a huge lift. Rather it is another organic way to get Buffalo’s talented musicians to play along with the rest of the world.
I am hoping that restaurants with patios book some musicians on that day. Music schools should figure out a plan to get students playing out and about. Musicians can play under their favorite shaded tree, or get together to organize a cookout with fellow musicians. If we all help to organize and promote Make Music, there’s no reason that we can’t fill this city with vibrant summer sounds on Sunday, June 21 from 12pm-8pm. If you have a concert or an idea that you would like to share, I just whipped up a Make Music Facebook page that will help to track who is playing, where and at what time.
All of it is free and open to the public. The city-wide event is not currently run by any one organization, although all individuals, groups and organizations are encouraged to participate in their own unique way. The Make Music Buffalo Facebook page has been established to simply let musicians and the public learn more about the goings on surrounding the freestyle Sunday event. Musician participants are expected to abide by all state and city ordinances. Buffalo Rising will help to promote the event that takes place around the world.
Now let’s make some music!
Lead image: Make Music