For the first time ever, Philadelphia will join the World Music Day celebrations.
World Music Day is a global celebration of music that falls on the summer solstice every year. Inaugurated in France in 1982 with their Fetes de la Musique celebration, the holiday now takes place in over 450 cities and 100 different countries. The holiday was officially recognized in the United States in 2006 as National Music Day.
According to NationalMusicDay.org, the purpose of the day is to “celebrate the central role of music in our lives and our country through free, open and accessible events throughout the US and the world.” From 8am to 8pm on June 21st this year, Philadelphia will be part of the festivities for the first time in the city’s history.
Across Philadelphia, performers of all shapes and sizes and genres will host and play events in venues that range from the typical to the offbeat and the pop up-esque. Local radio station WXPN took the reigns on the day as lead organizers. Dubbed Make Music Philly, the day will showcase a wide variety of free and DIY performances by local artists and musicians for any and every music lover out there. Working with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, the hometown leaders have set up an almost seamless resource that helps organizers and bands participate in official MMP events.
Through the event’s website, MakeMusicPhilly.org, artists, venues, and/or organizers can register their event free to ensure it becomes an official event. The site also features a “matchmaking” tool that helps link artists with different venues. After receiving approval, each event is then displayed on an interactive map. Those interested in volunteering for the day can also do so via the website.
With dozens of events taking place, there is a little something for every music fan. At the National Constitution Center, folk singers David Falcone and Ryan Tennis will perform (at 11am and 1pm respectively) as part of the new “1968” exhibit. Commerce Square at 2001 Market Street will play host to Rock To The Future House Band, a ensemble of 12 to 17 year old musicians for a lunchtime concert beginning at 12pm.
After work down at City Hall, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia and Norwegian Arms play in conjunction with the “City Hall Presents” free summer concert series. Other sites include Ortlieb’s Lounge, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and UPenn’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. A full, searchable listing can be found here.
With over 33 different venues taking part in the day, there is no excuse not to get out and join in on the fun! And if there isn’t anything that invites your attention, get some friends together and put together your own event that does. That’s what the day is all about!
