Make Music New York exists to organize an annual festival of over 900 free, participatory concerts in every genre, in outdoor spaces throughout New York City, taking place on a single day. Originating in 1982 as France's "Fête de la Musique," Make Music New York had its third festival on Sunday, June 21, 2009, with 900 free performances by 4,000 musicians.

Description and/or History:
Make Music New York is a new live, free annual musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21—the longest day of the year.

On that day, public space throughout the five boroughs — sidewalks, parks, community gardens, and more — become impromptu musical stages, dance floors, and social meeting points. Thousands of amateur musicians, in every genre, perform on sidewalks for the biggest crowds of their lives. Professional musicians perform for new audiences, who come out from under their headphones to hear unfamiliar groups risk-free. And everyone is invited to sing along and enjoy the first day of summer.

The third annual MMNY last year featured 900 performances by some 4,000 musicians. Thanks to a matchmaking website produced with Time Out New York, anyone can sign up to perform, or to provide space for musicians. The City's cultural organizations also take part: in 2009, these included Carnegie Hall, the Guggenheim Museum, Jazzmobile, City Parks Foundation, Queens Museum of Art, the Jazz Gallery (featuring Randy Weston), Composers Collaborative, and many more.

The next Make Music New York will take place on Monday, June 21, 2010.

Contact people:

Aaron Friedman, President, (917) 779-9709, (email) Chris Henderson, Volunteer Coordinator, (718) 974-8383, (email)

Address:

[Various Locations Throughout All 5 Boroughs] New York, NY 10001 (See a map)