Make Music Day is an annual celebration that occurs each June 21, when people in more than 750 cities around the world make music together on the summer solstice. In 1982, Jack Lang and the staff of France’s Ministry of Culture created a new kind of musical holiday they called Fête de la Musique, which means both “festival of music” and “make music!” They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners, parks, rooftops, gardens, storefronts, and mountaintops. Everyone was invited to join and play music, or to host performances, wherever they were. The Fête has turned into a national music-making holiday in France every June 21, on the summer solstice. According to surveys, almost 8% of the country—5 million people—have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique. Today, Make Music Day has become an international phenomenon, with millions of musicians of all styles, all ages, and all skill levels reimagining their cities as stages, and using music to spread joy to their communities. And Make Music Day is spreading quickly in the United States.
The City of Albany, NY Office of Cultural Affairs plans, produces and co-sponsors an array of fairs, festivals, and concerts promoting art, entertainment and cultural interest for all ages. These special events are 100% underwritten by generous local and national sponsors.
