About

Make Music Albany is a free, citywide day of music to be held annually on June 21st, the longest day of the year. This will be the first year of participation for the City of Albany! Our event is part of the larger Make Music Day, an international summer solstice music celebration occurring in 1,000+ cities across the globe. Each year, coffee shops, restaurants, retail shops, centers of worship, front porches, parks, and other locations across Albany fill with music for everyone to enjoy!

What?

• Music “Performed by Anyone, Enjoyed by Everyone.”
• A celebration of the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.
• A buffet of musical merriment.
• A DIY city-wide fest where anyway to make music can and will happen.
• Open to music makers of all ages, skill levels, and musical persuasions.

When?
Annually on June 21st

Participate

Set Times:

12:00pm: Heard at The Egg

Celebrate international “Make Music Day” on the outdoor stage with Heard – a collective of musicians that bring their skills and passion for world music, jazz and improvising together to create irresistible grooves from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond, set in a unique sonic tapestry that will inspire you to sing, stomp and shake along with them, with free egg shakers for the first 100 people who arrive for the show!

Presented in cooperation with the NYS Office of General Services Special Events with support from M&T Bank

1:00pm: Thom Ingram at Washington Park Parade Grounds

2:00pm – 3:30pm: Open Mic at Washington Park Parade Grounds

If you would like to participate in the open mic, you can reserve a time slot by emailing albany@makemusicday.org or just stop by between 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Additionally, you are encouraged to setup anywhere in Washington Park (not on the roads) and jam out!

4:00pm – 6:00pm: Ruth Pelham at Washington Park Parade Grounds

Come sing-along with Ruth Pelham of the Music Mobile and add your voice to this joyful adult and family-oriented gathering intended to build the spirit of community through song. Ruth will sing her original songs and also folk and contemporary classics, and invites participants to offer songs and bring and play instruments that inspire hope and possibility in these challenging times. 

5:30pm: Sydney Worthley and TJ Foster from ERIE at The Palace Theatre (under the Marquee)

The Palace Theatre & Nippertown partner to present a pop-up performances under the Marquee by Sydney Worthley and TJ Foster from Erie, as part of Make Music Day!

Musicians: All styles, ages, and experience levels are invited to register to perform for Open Mic at Washington Park and participate on Make Music Day! Email to reserve a spot!

Venues: Whether you have a garden, pontoon boat, sidewalk, café, or other space in mind, it’s easy and there’s no cost to participate. Venues interested in participating must be:

• In the City of Albany
• Free and accessible to the public
• Maintain a clearance on the sidewalk for pedestrian passage

Parks/Venues/Spaces: Want to claim a city park, venue or space for your stage in 2024? Email albany@makemusicday.org and we can provide more information for signing up!

Questions?

Email: albany@makemusicday.org

Contact

Get in touch with us at albany@makemusicday.org