Music will fill the streets and bounce off the stoops of the city Sunday, thanks to the folks at Making Music magazine decided a few years ago that Syracuse, the place where they walk up those steps to work so many morning, deserved to take part of a worldwide phenomena.
It's called Make Music Day. Sounds good to the ear, doesn't it?
In 1989, Fete de la Musique was born in France, in part to celebrate the Summer Solstice. This Saturday, similar events will fill souls in more than 700 cities. New York City was the first American city to join the festivities, in 2007. Now, Central New Yorkers can add notes to those in in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Pasadena, Providence and Santa Fe.
Let the sun shine and the music float on the longest day of the year.
Back from a restive week in Cape Cod this week, I received a LinkedIn note from Antoinette Follett, Making Music Editor-in-Chief. We've met during my years writing about Syracuse music, and she thought I might want to spread the word about this one.
Good call. They want to bring together people from all over the area to share the joy of making and listening to music.
How'd Follett put it in her follow-up news release again?
The mission of Make Music Day is to create a day of musical sharing that gathers people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate the unifying power of music. All Make Music Day events are free, family-friendly, and not for profit, and organized by local volunteers and Making Music magazine.
Music makers of all types, abilities, and ages are encouraged to take part in the day’s events. The goal is to create a day of music making and awareness in the community. These are not concerts (no staging or amplification), but participatory events.
Her quote:
“Make Music Day encourages a different perspective on music making,” says Making Music Editor-in-Chief Antoinette Follett, who spearheaded efforts to bring Make Music Day to the Syracuse. “Our city is teeming with musicians of all different genres and levels. Bringing them together to celebrate music is a powerful way to enrich our community and motivate others to make music a part of their daily lives.”
Well put, Antoinette.
The schedule:
• 1 p.m. -- “Second Line Syracuse” Parade at Skiddy Park, Otisco St., Syracuse (Led by Westside Neighbors)
• 1 p.m. -- Guitar League Jam, Armory Square Park, W. Jefferson St./S. Franklin St. (Hosted by Ish Guitars)
• 2 p.m. -- Harmonica Lesson with free Hohner harmonicas for participants, Armory Square Park, Walton St./S. Franklin St.
• 2:30 p.m. -- Drum Circle, Armory Square Park, Walton St./S. Franklin St. (Led by Wacheva Cultural Arts)
• 3 p.m. -- Cajon Demo with Kevin Dean, Armory Square Park, Walton St./S. Franklin St.
• 3:30 p.m. -- Ukulele Jam, Armory Square Park, Walton St./S. Franklin St.
• From noon to 2 p.m., the Red House Rock Camp Jam will students and teachers playing outdoors to honor the special day. The Red House is located in Armory Square, at West Fayette and South West streets.
• And starting at 1 p.m. and lasting all day, Kellish Hill Farm at 3192 Pompey Center Road in Manlius will host a Make Music Day Jam. Players of all levels of talent and styles are welcome to the rustic Music Barn and/or the amphitheater if weather permits. Amiable host Kathy Kellish will oversee a break at 5 p.m. for a potluck dinner.
Follett adds: If you are interested in participating in any of these events, or creating your own event, contact Making Music at info@makingmusicmag.com) or find “Making Music Mag in CNY” on Facebook for more information.
Could be a good way to spend a few hours together on Father's Day, yes?
Let there be music.
Two points for pops if he got my Wayback Machine lyrical references to the Fifth Dimension and Doobie Brothers above.