Make Music Day is an annual event celebrated on June 21 in Salem
Make Music Day is an international event celebrated annually on June 21 where musicians in cities around the world perform outside for free.
Abby Luschei, Wochit
Make Music Day returns Friday with more than 190 bands and musicians performing at over 50 venues across Salem and Keizer.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is part of International Make Music Day.
Organizers said in a press release this year’s event will set a new record as Oregon and the West Coast’s largest free music festival.
Performances will take place at various spots across downtown, Riverfront Park, Salem Public Library, Willamette Heritage Center and more.
The Gerry Frank Rotary Amphitheater will feature a variety of music including the Oregon Symphony’s Rose City Brass Quintet. Food trucks will be parked at Riverfront Park, where people can also get Make Music Salem’s official beer made by Santiam Brewing.
In addition to these free performances, RiverCity Rock Star Academy will be holding music education events for all ages throughout the day. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., they will host an interactive Found Sound experience with percussion instruments. At 1 p.m. in Durbin Alley, by the Reed Opera House, there will be a free group ukulele lesson hosted by Dan Miles. At 1:45 p.m., there will be bucket drumming next to the Grand Theatre downtown. The evening will conclude with a silent disco near the Gerry Frank Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m.
For a full schedule of events and performers, check out the event website, makemusicsalem.org, Facebook and Instagram page, @makemusicsalem.
Em Chan covers food and dining at the Statesman Journal. You can reach her at echan@gannett.com and follow her on X @catchuptoemily.
