Catawba County, NC – Thirteen cities and counties in North Carolina will join forces to present hundreds of free outdoor musical events on Friday, June 21 for Make Music Day, a global music celebration on the summer solstice each year that brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music.
This year, with support from the North Carolina Arts Council, Bertie County, Brunswick County, Catawba County, Kinston, McDowell County, Raleigh, Stanly County, Statesville, Stokes County, Surry County, Vance County, Wilmington and Winston-Salem are some of the 150+ U.S. communities hosting thousands of Make Music Day performances nationwide, as part of the world’s largest annual music event.
Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, and in the years since it has spread to thousands of cities across 120 countries. This year is the first time it has been celebrated across the state of North Carolina.
Distinct from a traditional music festival, Make Music Day celebrates and encourages the natural music maker in all of us, regardless of age, ethnicity, background, or skill level. Make Music Day is a free and open invitation for everyone to perform, teach, learn, and experience the joy of making music on the longest day of the year. Reimagining their cities and towns as stages, every kind of musician – young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion – pours onto streets, parks, plazas, porches, rooftops, gardens and other public spaces to celebrate, create and share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers.
“North Carolina has proven to be fertile ground for a rich and diverse musical tapestry, with music and musicians that have impacted and been influenced by musical traditions from around the world,” said Jeff Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council. “It’s exciting to have communities all across our state participating in Make Music Day this year to highlight the joy that music can offer to participants and audiences alike. We hope that other communities are encouraged to take part in future Make Music Day celebrations.”
Highlights of Make Music North Carolina include:
Catawba County: Make Music Catawba County will be a countywide celebration of music from all walks of life, administered by Arts Culture Catawba. Events included so far are Street Jams in Downtown Hickory and Downtown Newton, an Open Mic Night with the Hickory Music Factory, and a Songwriters Session hosted by Cesar Cruz. Musicians of all skill levels are invited and welcome to join us as we create music all day long across our community.
To learn more about Music Music Catawba County, please visit the website at: https://www.makemusicday.org/catawbacounty
Statesville: Downtown Statesville will transform into a vibrant musical experience with live performances, workshops, open mics, drum circles, STEM classes, buskers, karaoke, and more at every turn, both indoors and outdoors. No matter your musical preference, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
To learn more about Music Music Statesville, please visit the website at: https://www.makemusicday.org/statesville/
For more information about this event please visit MakeMusicDay.org
