Cultural Affairs Office
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The Mayor Announces Third Make Music Day Celebration in Houston
June 1, 2023 -- The Mayor encourages Houstonians to participate in the annual Make Music Day (MMD) in Houston again this year. This day-long celebration takes place on Tuesday, June 21st, the longest day of the year - the summer solstice.
Over 100 cities nationwide took part in almost 4,000 free events for last year’s celebration, further demonstrating the power of music to unite and uplift people, spread joy, and build community. The celebration reflects each city and features national programs, free performances, neighborhood serenades, patio and park music lessons, jam sessions, and music everywhere.
“The City of Houston is delighted to once again be part of the international roster for Make Music Day,” said The Mayor. “Last year, we kicked off the celebration in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Houston on the steps of City Hall. I am once again inviting all Houstonians, of all musical abilities, to join us and bring music to our neighborhoods, offices, and communities on this celebratory day of music.”
Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique and has spread to over 1,000 cities across 120 countries. Houston is partnering again with the French Consulate, and several countries represented by Houston’s Consular Corps to participate in the global event.
The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) has shown a commitment to support Houston’s music industry. MOCA is also grateful to partner this year with Houston-based literacy program Reading with a Rapper (RWAR), and again with Houston’s Professional Musicians’ Association (HPMA) which is providing funding for its members for the global event.
“Reading With A Rapper is thrilled to participate in Make Music Day, as music plays a vital role in our program,” said Jarren Small, CEO of Reading With A Rapper. “We encourage everyone in the City to use this day to create and share music with anyone willing to listen. We are also looking forward to our talented artist BuddieRoe performing at Houston’s City Hall on June 21st.”
“Musicians are encouraged to reach out to the Houston Professional Musicians’ Association office to apply for funding for their performances,” said Alex Navarro, President of HPMA (the local chapter of the American Federation of Musicians). “Houston, thank you for supporting your Houston Professional Musicians!”
We encourage you to join The Mayor, our Consular Corps, Cultural Districts (Arts District Houston, East End Cultural District, Fifth Ward Cultural District, Houston Museum District, Midtown Cultural Arts & Entertainment District, Theater District Houston, Third Ward Cultural District) and many more for Make Music Houston.
Make Music Houston programming currently includes:
- City Hall Ceremony -- A series of performances including RWAR artist BuddieRoe are scheduled on the steps of City Hall after a few words from The Mayor and the French Consular General to kick-off Make Music Day in Houston.
- French Consulate -- The Consulate General of France in Houston leads musical programming to inspire and encourage music-making among other local consulates.
- Cultural Districts -- Houston’s seven designated Cultural Arts Districts will participate in activating community facilities and spaces with live music and collaborations among musicians.
- Midtown Cultural Arts District’s iconic sign located at Bagby Park (415 Gray Street) will be wrapped with a design from a local Houston artist to honor and celebrate our national Juneteenth holiday. On June 21st, musicians are scheduled to perform in front of the sign. The backdrop serves as a reminder of our country’s history as we conclude a celebration of deep cultural heritage in Texas.
- Arts District Houston will host Nameless Sound, a 17-person improvising orchestra featuring an original score for improvisation, specifically suited to the SITE Gallery (2101 Winter Street, under the rice silos at Sawyer Yards). Attendees are invited to walk through the silos to hear different instruments throughout the space from 6-8 pm that evening.
- Mass Appeal – People of all ages and skill levels will join both online and in-person settings to make music in large, single-instrument groups.
Online registration is now open for local musicians and venues. The website provides a platform for locations and venues to match with musicians for Make Music Houston. Create a profile to get the matchmaking started and events on the calendar! To add an event or register to perform, please visit MakeMusicDay.org/Houston.
On June 21st, MOCA invites folks to post photos of MMD events using #makemusichou #mmdhou and tagging @houstonmoca. All events are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events, visit MakeMusicDay.org/Houston.
About Make Music Day
Make Music Day is presented by the NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the non-profit group Make Music Alliance. Its goals are to promote Make Music participation nationwide, provide tools to help manage events in each community, and foster collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support among its members.
About The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs guides the City’s cultural investments with policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment.
Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram @HoustonMOCA.
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