Make Music Day was launched by the French Ministry of Culture in 1982. France held the new celebration, called Fête De La Musique, on the summer solstice – the longest day of the year. The ministry encouraged everyone to go outside and Make Music. Professional artists and curious bystanders alike joined the in the celebration. The free musical performances continued from morning to night at locations throughout the city – parks, gardens, street corners, rooftops, restaurants, shops – wherever music could be enjoyed. The holiday quickly inspired millions. More than 40 years later, Make Music Day has expanded into more than a thousand cities in more than 100 countries worldwide!
This year, Fresno joins the celebration by launching its very first Make Music Day on Wednesday, June 21! Make Music Fresno invites everyone to participate no matter their musical skill. There will be free musical performances at locations throughout the city. There will also be instrumental demonstrations for those new to music and opportunities to participate in group performance events. This inaugural Make Music Day is an opportunity to highlight the uniquely beautiful scope and diversity of musical talent, culture, passion, and expression found here in Fresno. It is a chance to bring the community together in a celebration of music.
GROUP EVENTS
Music draws people together. These group events encourage audience participation and are designed for people of all ages and skill levels! Come explore your inner musician!
Children’s Musical Storytime: (Betty Rodriguez Library 9-9:30am) Start the day off right with interactive children’s music to shake and wiggle to. Bring your little ones and join in the fun with staff members Miss Isariya and Mister Ben.
Drum Circle: (Betty Rodriguez Library 10-10:45am) Come enjoy a drum circle at Betty Rodriguez Library! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a percussion pro… join in the fun. The drum circle will also feature Jumbie Jams from Panyard Music.
Harmonica Tutorial with John Clifton: (Betty Rodriguez Library 11am-12pm) John Clifton is an international blues performer with roots in Fresno. He will give a group harmonica lesson followed by a special performance featuring some of his original music. Free harmonicas from Hohner Harmonica for the first 30 participants!
Roomful of Pianos: (Gottschalk Piano 9-10am, Valley Pianos 4-5pm) Local pianists have the opportunity to perform at Gottschalk Piano and Valley Pianos on their beautiful instruments. Come to play or come to enjoy!
Make An Instrument: (Koligian Park 6:30-7:30pm) Area Girls and Boy Scouts will teach you how to make your own instrument. Or bring your own instrument and join in the fun!
Free Group Guitar Lesson: (Guitar Center Fresno 7-8pm) Get started on your guitar journey with a free lesson at Guitar Center Fresno! RSVP today or for more info, call or stop by your local Guitar Center store.
Flowerpot Music: (Woodward Park 8-9 am, Campus Pointe 5-6 pm) Written by celebrated composer Elliot Cole, flower pot music is a uniquely beautiful musical experience. BRING A FLOWER POT OR A METAL BOWL and we will provide the “music” and the Vic Firth mallets.
Panyard Jumbie Jam: (Woodward Park 8-9 am, Campus Pointe 5-6 pm)Try out a steel drum… Panyard Music will provide the jumbie jam drums and the sheet music… you provide the fun and the imagination.
Or Relax and enjoy a professional do their thing.
Musicians – It’s not too late to join in!
If you are a performer and would like to participate, go to our to participate page to register. When you register, include information about the type of music you play, whether you need electricity at your venue, and when you are available to perform. Our location generator will help you connect with a venue near you! Venues – if you are interested in hosting musicians, visit our participate page to connect with artists. We welcome everything – from outdoor stages to storefronts to front lawns. You will be able to choose the time frame, the genre of music you would like to host, and which amenities you have available for performers.
Or, create your own event and register your performance on our site! A little free advertising never hurts.
And if you decide not to register, just get outside somewhere and play on June 21!
Let’s Make Music Fresno!