As summer approaches, Detroiters are starting to feel the rhythms of the season. From Chene Park’s summer concert series to the annual R&B, gospel and jazz festivals at Hart Plaza, songs and sounds are beginning to greet the sunshine.
Adding to the festivities, the city will be part of a worldwide celebration with communities in 120 other countries for “Make Music Day,” which will be held from noon to midnight June 21. The second annual “Make Music Detroit” will feature multiple groups and genres at more than 25 venues, all free of charge. Other countries involved in the worldwide event include Germany, Chile, Nepal, Kenya and Japan.
Participants will enjoy numerous musical acts at the Detroit Institute of Arts and other locations throughout the city, ranging from blues musicians to gospel choirs. Local performers are also encouraged to sign up, no matter what their skill level, musical style or age. Larry King, president of Make Music Detroit, says the program is more than just a musical event.
“Make Music Detroit is not just a festival, it is an ongoing movement to highlight the importance of music education during youth development,” said King. “Every child in our community deserves music education and we’re thrilled and honored to bring this event to our city again this year.”
Introducing music education during a child’s early years is said to help promote learning, as well as supporting better social, academic and spiritual growth.
This year’s audience can expect to find two stages and a workshop and storytelling tent on the front lawn of the DIA. There will also be performances in areas of Detroit, including Eastern Market, Corktown, downtown, and the North End.
The Detroit Institute of Music Education will offer free workshops during the event.
Last year’s festival garnered more than 100 free performances at multiple sites that were split up between the Cultural Center, North End and Downtown neighborhoods.
This year’s performers include a wide variety of artists, such as Dumpster Machine, Mahogany Jones, Psychotic Reaction, Straight Gate Mass Church Choir and 9-year-old harmonica player “Mighty” Michael Mendelson.
Most performances are 30 to 45 minutes long.
More information about the event can be found at: www.makemusicdetroit.org.
Shah and Howard will are sure wow the crowd with their unique rhythm.
Detroiters enjoy sounds of summer as part of international ‘Make Music Day’ added by Debanina Seaton on
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