Now in its 16th year, “Punk Island” — NYC’s free, all-ages DIY punk festival — returns to Randall’s Island on the special day of Saturday, June 8th for a daylong celebration where the underground takes center stage, and the unfiltered, unapologetic spirit of punk lives on. Punk Island will feature a full six stages for the first time since the pandemic. 

More Details: https://linktr.ee/PunkIslandNYC 

Make Music is proud to be the Fiscal Sponsor for The Porch Stomp Music Festival on the special date of June 15th!

The Porch Stomp Folk Music Festival on Governors Island in New York City is a vibrant celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music set against the iconic backdrop of the city skyline. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Governors Island, this annual event brings together an eclectic lineup of talented musicians, who perform on charming porches and pop-stages scattered throughout the island. Attendees can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of folk music styles, from bluegrass to Americana, while soaking in the laid-back, community-driven atmosphere. With workshops, jam sessions, and opportunities for spontaneous collaboration, Porch Stomp fosters a sense of kinship among musicians and audience members alike, making it a cherished gathering for folk music enthusiasts from all walks of life. 

More information is available on the Porch Stomp Website: https://www.porchstomp.com/ 

Join the FAB Alliance for a summer solstice celebration at Jitu Weusi Plaza in Clinton Hill!

Tilted Axes: Strawberry Solstice

A musical procession for the first day of summer and the full strawberry moon.
It begins and ends at Richard Tucker Park, W 66th Street and Broadway. 
It contains a foray into the neighborhood with stops at places of interest. 

Tilted Axes: Music for Mobile Electric Guitars is an ensemble created in 2011 and led by composer Patrick Grant. Now in its 12th season, the project takes on aspects of spectacle informed by the traditions of urban street bands, avant-garde theater, and ancient music. It takes music out into the world and seeks transformative situations meant to change the conversation.  

Tilted Axes perform exciting original compositions and a couple of unique arrangements of seasonal tunes, sonic structures comprised of burbling polyrhythms, and contemplative grooves for deep listeners. They will premiere a new piece, "Strawberry Solstice" and well as some surprises, it's a tilted tradition.

www.tiltedaxes.com @tiltedaxes #tiltedaxes

Matt Lavelle’s 12 Houses will bring together a giant ensemble of 100 improvisers, anchored by the 12 Houses members, to create “100 Musicians for Peace and Unity”. An open invitation will be extended to musicians in the city to join the performance. 

The giant ensemble will perform 4 works from the original repertoire of the 12 Houses, including group improvisation as well as solo features. Written parts will be simple and accessible to players of all levels. Music will be provided ahead of time, for participants to print out and bring with them. There will be a brief rehearsal/discussion of the musical approach prior to the performance. 

The 12 Houses are a multicultural multigenerational multi-gender large music ensemble rooted in jazz and free jazz led by multi-instrumentalist composer and conductor Matt Lavelle. The orchestra has had as many as 18 members and has performed more than 150 times in the last 12 years, primarily in New York City. Inspired by Lavelle’s studying with Ornette Coleman and being a musician in William Parker’s Little Huey music orchestra, Lavelle has created a group that pulls from and unifies all of jazz history.

Pueblo Harlem is Belongó’s (formerly Afro Latin Jazz Alliance) annual celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture, which has taken place for 10 years with support from New York City Council District 7. This festive program includes activities for children and families, and performances by: Arturo O’Farrill and the multi Grammy Award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra; the Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats, Belongó’s pre-professional youth ensemble; and special guests from Belongó’s family of performing and teaching artists. 

Belongó performs, educates about, and preserves the music of all of the Americas, emanating from African and indigenous roots, through the entry point of jazz and embraces its mission with a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion, and the equality of all cultures worldwide.

Pueblo Harlem is presented in partnership with the Brotherhood Sister Sol. This program is a part of Make Music New York’s “Plaza by Plaza” series, sponsored by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

The shakuhachi is the Japanese end-blown bamboo flute. Originally played by monks of Zen Buddhism, the shakuhachi’s unique music has been passed down through the centuries in an unbroken tradition.  

The Kyo Shin An Shakuhachi Ensemble is led by Grand Master James Nyoraku Schlefer, one of the most active performers and teachers in the United States. This concert will gather six-eight, NY-based shakuhachi artists to perform solo and ensemble music from the Japanese classic repertoire, creating a tranquil atmosphere for contemplation and relaxation. 

The Ensemble will perform at the Brooklyn Commons from 12-2pm, and Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 from 4-6pm. 

Presented by Brookfield Properties, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

StoneWall Ball, as part of Make Music NYC, is now in its 8th year at the beautiful and historic National Monument/City Park along Christopher Street and 7th Avenue. From a humble start on the summer solstice June 21st 2016, with the founder John Plenge and 2 local musician friends playing acoustic guitars while seated in the park from 11 AM to dusk at 10 PM; the goal has always been to host free live music performances outdoors on the longest day of the year.

Over the past 8 years StoneWall Ball has hosted performances by over 150 diverse musical acts in the same park for the Solstice. From singer-songwriters to rock, jazz, punk and blues bands to folk, soul and experimental electronica DJ's with a theremin quartet and Brazilian Batucada ensemble thrown into the mix-the aim has always been to showcase the diverse pool of local NYC indie artists every year in conjunction with Make Music New York.

The Prinkipo Quintet specializes in the rich music of Turkey and Eastern Mediterranean region, comprising five esteemed musicians hailing from Turkey, Lebanon, and Macedonia. Each member has extensively studied their musical heritage and now shares it with audiences in the United States and worldwide.  
 
The Prinkipo Quintet is proud to perform for the communities in Sunnyside and Corona, Queens, celebrating local Turkish, Greek, and Balkan residents and their heritage. This program is presented in partnership with Global Music Makers, and the Sunnyside Shines BID.

Schedule:

1:00 - 2:30pm: Performance at Lowery Plaza (map)
5:00 - 6:30pm: Performance at Corona Plaza (map)

The always popular participatory program affectionately known as “Sousapalooza” returns this season with a special afternoon performance from the plaza at 599 Lexington Ave. 

All brass, woodwind and percussion players, of all backgrounds and skill levels, are invited and encouraged to join us by sight reading the marches of the incomparable John Philip Sousa on the spot, in a pop-up performance directed by Conductor Oscar Wiley Thorp. All necessary sheet music is provided below.

SHEET MUSIC:

• El Capitan

• Fairest of the Fair

• Hands Across the Sea

• High School Cadets

• In Memoriam

• Liberty Bell March

• Manhattan Beach

• Semper Fidelis

• Sound Off

• Stars and Stripes Forever

• The Thunderer

• Washington Post March

Anvil Entertainment presents: Street Jamz 2024 at Forsyth Plaza in Chinatown!

SCHEDULE:

2pm: World Record Players 

3pm: Glicky’s Connection 

4pm: The Wigouts 

5pm: Johnny Mellor’s Bastardos 

6pm: Not All Heroes 

This program is a part of Make Music New York’s “Plaza by Plaza” series, sponsored by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

Calling all Cellists, and music lovers!

Join the Violoncello Society of New York for a fun, family-friendly event all about the cello! Come learn more about the Cello and other instruments in the orchestra, join us for our giant Cello play-along, and a concert of Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 by Villa Lobos, performed by Soprano Yolanda F. Johnson, and 8 pro cellists led by VCSNY President Kate Dillingham!

Register here to receive email updates about the play-along Cello Repertoire: https://forms.gle/cjcQHxdY4FCD9Xh99

Walk-ups are welcome!

Schedule:

3-4pm: Instrument Petting Zoo, Lemonade, Family activities etc.

4-5pm: Larger Inclusive Cello Ensemble pieces

5-6pm: Bachianas Brasileiras No 5 -"Headliner" program

Join the Fordham Road BID for an afternoon of fun at Fordham Plaza! The BID will host a community get-together, with family activities beginning at 1pm. Then, the New Heights Brass Band will give a special performance from the plaza from 3-5pm! 
 
New Heights Brass Band delvers unforgettable performances in a wide array of settings. From lively parades and exciting second lines to surprise birthday parties, we know how to get the party started. Our energetic renditions of classic Top-40 hits, New Orleans favorites, and timeless jazz standards fills any venue with an irresistible air of celebration.

The African Peach Arts Coalition is proud to present the 4th Annual “Bazart” concert series, celebrating Juneteenth across NYC. This series will be stopping by the Thatford Ave. Open Street in Brooklyn for Make Music Day, presented by the Brownsville Community Justice Center and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT).  

This program is a part of Make Music New York’s “Plaza by Plaza” series, sponsored by the NYC Department of Transportation. 

Make Music New York and the HYHK Alliance are proud to present Broadway at Bella Abzug, a free, public concert of classic and contemporary theater repertoire, where professional Broadway and off-Broadway singers will serenade passersby at Bella Abzug Park in Hudson Yards. Produced in part by Owen Mannion. 

FEATURING:

Wyatt McManus (4:00pm)

Wyatt is an actor, singer and children’s theatre director based in New York City. Apart from studying at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, he has appeared in numerous regional theatre productions. Highlights include: The New York City Opera’s “Dear Erich” at the Nat’l Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene and “Baby” at The Media Theatre, Philadelphia. www.wyattcmcmanus.com / @wyatt.chamberlain 

Hosea Mundi (4:40pm)

@hoseamundiofficial  


Mariama Diop (5:20pm)

Mariama Diop made her professional debut in Once on This Island’s first National tour in 2019 and her Broadway debut in The Lion King in 2022. Mari is a social activist and committed to making the world a better place. She has spoken at the United Nations for their Girls in Science and Girl Power conventions. She has a passion for social justice and loves historical musicals - especially Hamilton, Six and 1776! She is also a published author and a proud New Yorker. 

https://www.mariamadiop.com / @mariama.nyc 


Aidan Wells (Accompanist) 

Aidan S. Wells is a NYC-based music director and conductor. Beyond an expansive history as a pianist on and off Broadway, Aidan served as Associate Conductor for the South Kansas Symphony until 2020, and has conducted a range of concerts and productions both from the keys and the podium. Some favorite Music Director credits include Ordinary Days, Guys and Dolls, We Will Rock You, original productions of Over The Garden Wall, Brighter Than The Sun, and several devised pieces like How Did You Know Her?: an (un)Original Song (re)Cycle. Aidan is currently on staff and a frequent Associate Music Director at New York University. 

https://www.aidanwells.com / @aidanswells 

Make Music is proud to partner with Sunchild Productions for this special Make Music New York Concert from Astor Place Plaza!

This special program will feature:

Charu Suri, a pianist and composer who treads fearlessly between genres, fusing Indian ragas with more traditional jazz; Suri is also the first Indian woman to debut work at Carnegie Hall.

Cassandra Kubinski: After sold out shows at Carnegie Hall and Caffè Lena, Cassandra Kubinski brings her pop/folk sound to Make Music NY. Fans of Billy Joel, Sara Barielles, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift will enjoy her piano-forward trio and soulful, witty, poignant lyrics

This program is a part of Make Music New York’s “Plaza by Plaza” series, sponsored by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

Bring your guitar to the park and join hundreds of guitarists of all levels for a massive guitar strum-along of beginner friendly songs like Perfect by Ed Sheeran, Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, and more. It's all free!

Hosted by NYC Guitar School

Registration, Details, and Song Charts here: https://www.meetup.com/mass-appeal-guitars/events/301058659/

Schedule:

4:30-6:30pm: Free guitar lessons from twenty guitar teachers

6:30pm: Play-along concert

Stick around at 7pm for live rock music!

Join the Kensington Steward and Make Music New York for this fun community program at Kensington Plaza!

Schedule:

5pm: Make Music Make Instruments - Workshop and Crafts for kids
6pm: Bucket Drumming Workshop - With Andrew Drury
7pm: Artmageddon Band

This program is a part of Make Music New York’s “Plaza by Plaza” series, sponsored by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

Make Music New York is proud to present the Altin Sencalar Latin Jazz Project, presenting compositions rooted in Salsa, Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Afro- Caribbean original music along with arrangements of popular jazz standards envisioned with a Latin flavor.

Featuring:

Altin Sencalar- Trombone
Kalí Rodríguez-Peña- Trumpet
Sterling Cozza- Piano
Marcos Varela- Bass
Zachary Adleman- Drumset 

Hailed by Stereophile Magazine for “sound[ing] like 21st-century grandchildren of JJ Johnson and Kai Winding” (with his co-bandleader Chris Glassman) and praised by the International Trombone Associations Journal for his “virtuosity [and] melodic and harmonic mastery,” Altin Sencalar is in high demand across the country as a performer, educator, and composer. As an active performer, Altin has shared the stage, toured, and/or recorded with DeeDee Bridgewater, Rodney Whitaker, Christian McBride, Michael Bublé, John Lee, The Dizzy All Stars Alumni Big Band, David Sanborn, Dafnis Prieto, Ulysses Owens Jr., The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Velvalletes, Ne-Yo, Big Sean, and many others. Altin exclusively performs on Yamaha Trombones and Euphoniums and is a Yamaha Performing Artist. He is also a Posi-Tone Recording Artist, Picket Blackburn Trumpets & Brass Trombone Brand Ambassador, and is a performing artist for Earasers Earplugs & InEarz Audio, Robinson’s Remedies, and AEA

Ribbons Microphones & Pre-Amps. Altin is currently based in New York City where he is currently on the music faculty at Iona University in New Rochelle, NY.

This program is presented by Make Music New York, Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, and HONK NYC!

This program is a part of Make Music New York’s “Plaza by Plaza” series, sponsored by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)

5-6pm: Amber Sweeney (Soul, RnB) 

6-7pm: This Way to the Egress (Dance Band, Rock)  

7-8: Alayisha (Singer-Songwriter, Indie) 

Amber Sweeney is a highly sought-after performer and songwriter who sings from the depths of her soul and translates her own curiosity into stories that reassure people they are safe to be seen and heard. Sweeney’s voice, musical talent, and songwriting have been featured in two CW television series: One Tree Hill and Life Unexpected while one half of the duo Everly. Another original song and performance by Sweeney was featured on television show Queen Sugar in collaboration with Italian artist Michael Prado. Her voice has also been featured in Stephen King’s film adaptation of Riding The Bullet, while bass player and backup singer for the rock band Enation. 

Formed in 2008, This Way to the EGRESS is a 5-piece accordion led ensemble hailing from the Tri-State area (Pennsylvania, NYC, NJ) comprised of Taylor Galassi (vocals, accordion, piano); Sarah Shown (vocals, piano, violin); John Wentz (tuba);  Jaclyn Kidd (guitar, banjo) and Nick Pecca (drums) and an ever-rotating cast of horn players. With a wide variety of musical backgrounds and a diverse array of influences, EGRESS crafts intricately arranged audible cocktails which are sure to make you move. Together they form a tapestry of worldly influences and an alchemy of sounds modern and past, familiar and forgotten. 

Alayisha is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer born and raised in Brooklyn. She is inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse, Leanne La Havas, and Raveena. Alayisha has performed at various venues throughout New York City and Brooklyn, as well as at the Big Lawn Music Festival in Poughkeepsie, NY. 

 
Presented in part by Cassandra Kubinski and Sunchild Productions, HONK NYC!, and the Angiuli Group. 

Join the Association of Classical Musicians & Artists (ACMA) for a program of beautiful music on the Hudson Riverfront. 

ACMA is a collaborative, vibrant community of people with a passion for music and the arts. Our primary mission is to inspire people through music and to continue building this community. We accomplish this objective through regularly scheduled recitals, social gatherings, and our Carnegie Hall concerts. We believe that all dedicated musicians, not just world-class professionals, should have the opportunity to perform in public. 

Folk Music Society of New York (FMSNY) seeks to build a community of people that love trad music, through participatory singing and playing. For Make Music Day 2024, FMSNY is organizing singarounds across NYC. All singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to join the circle and share songs with the Society’s regulars, from 5-10pm.   
 
In Brooklyn, Susan Bady and Gary Goodenough will host a session in Mount Prospect Park. Brooklyn Community Sing has been going strong for more than 10 years! 
 
In Manhattan, Heather Wood, Evvy Mayer and Chris Davis will be hosting a session in the beautiful Ring Garden in Inwood.  
 
In Queens, join the Sunnyside Folk Club for a session at Sanger Hall, an Irish-American pub in Sunnyside. Hosted by Donie Carroll and Steve Suffett, the club just celebrated its 10th anniversary! 

Join Kalimba/Mbira master Kevin Nathaniel for an evening of Thumb Pianos! Bring your instrument, and turn this iconic NYC location into a tranquil music garden.

Kevin Nathaniel is an internationally celebrated kalimba and mbira player. He plays traditional music, jazz, and contemporary music - all using kalimbas - and also builds many of his instruments. Kevin has worked with Alice Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Jonathan Demme, Madonna, Niles Rodgers, Ephat Mujuru, Dumisani Maraire, Bobby McFerrin, Tito La Rosa, Nana Vasconcelos, Carlos Roberto, and many more. 

Flora's Fanfare, formed in 2020 at Manhattan's iconic Washington Square Park, is a dynamic all-women brass band infusing NYC's air with exuberant pop, jazz, and New Orleans vibes. With a vivacious blend of original compositions, their high-energy performances resonate as a celebration of women's musical prowess and a vibrant city spirit. 

Accordionists of all shapes, sizes, and abilities are encouraged to join this Mass Accordion gathering, where you can participate in a performance of "In C" by Terry Riley, a partially-improvised piece. Led by pro accordionist Melissa Elledge, and presented in partnership with the Brooklyn Accordion Club.

Percussia is an innovative musical ensemble based in Queens, New York. Led by artistic director and percussionist Ingrid Gordon, Percussia’s unique instrumentation of percussion, harp, flute, and viola gives the group its one-of-a-kind signature sound. Percussia’s varied repertoire is an eclectic mash-up of contemporary chamber music, world, and popular music styles, and original arrangements. Percussia’s repertoire crosses genres, styles, and cultural boundaries. Percussia will be performing 3 new original works, whose commission was sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts

PROGRAM:
“Essential Foods” - Frank London
“On the Street Where I Live” - Ljova
”Journey of Hope” - Carlo Nicolau

Make Music is proud to present the RECAP Quartet and Eclectic Charango Beats from Diversity Plaza on Make Music Day!

This program is a part of Make Music New York’s “Plaza by Plaza” series, sponsored by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT). It is also made possible by the Office of Council Member Shekar Krishnan, District 25.

RECAP Quartet (6-7pm)

The RECAP Quartet is a program of Mantra Percussion, Inc. a future-focused, BIPOC-led organization committed to a lasting influence on percussion music and the classical music landscape. Our organization develops communities through collaboration and support, mentors new generations of diverse artists to reshape the classical music paradigm, and engages audiences through immersive, evening-length events that challenge the traditional classical music experience. We work toward this purposeful art-making process using an ethical, equitable framework, amplifying diverse voices — particularly from historically excluded communities. In doing so, we aim to build a future where our community can thrive, connecting more parts of society through determined artistic expression.

RECAP will present numerous pieces commissioned for the ensemble, exploring percussive music through pots, pans, glasses, flutes, marimbas, bells, and other found-sound instruments.

Eclectic Charango Beats (7:30-8:30pm)

The Eclectic Charango Beats Hybrid Set is the result of a collaboration between the Brooklyn-based band and Colombian Producer Pernett. This set was created to give the band’s music an electronic, vibrating and tripping touch, never missing the Andean and Latin-American elements on which the collective built their music over. Synthesizers, Charango and Colombian percussion over electronic deep beats it’s what you will find in this cosmic trip from the Andes mountains to the heart of Brooklyn.  

Eclectic Charango Beats was originally conceived as a 7-piece band, but in this clever reduction, producers Sebastian Gonzalez and Pernett (who knew each other closing the 90’s in the Conservatory of Music in Colombia) got together to twist the plot, delivering an energetic and rhythmic, yet melodic set, made for the ear and feet of music lovers in general.  

Make Music new York once again teams up with ImprovEverywhere to present the 19th iteration of the “Mp3 Experiment”, a participatory audio adventure in which attendees listen to synchronized, secret instructions in a public space via headphones and a smartphone app. It’s part flash mob, part silent disco, part immersive theater, part improvisation, and all fun.  

ImprovEverywhere will release the complete details including exact starting location and download information a couple of days before the event. Join their email list to be the first to know! You can also RSVP on Partiful for updates. By RSVPing on Partiful, Improv Everywhere will be able to text you last minute info (like if there is a rain delay).

Presented in partnership with the Hudson River Park Trust. 

Master harmonica player Jiayi He (as featured on America's Got Talent) will lead lessons and a group play-along for harmonica players of all ages and skill levels, including beginners! Just show up between 6:30-8pm to participate. Walk-ups are welcome. 

Free Hohner harmonicas will be available to participants! 
 
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/bbyd4TcVnowwmET16 

Jiayi He, a winner of prestigious awards in America, Europe, and the Far East, has served as a member of the judging committees in the Asia-Pacific Harmonica Festivals held in Asian countries. Jiayi has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras worldwide. He has appeared on TV stations including NBC, New 12 Long Island, Queens Public Television, SinoVision, Sino Television... Mel Bay Publications, Inc published his books "Recital Pieces for Chromatic Harmonica" "Virtuoso Harmonica Solos" "Harmonica Encores". Jiayi has been a soloist at Carnegie Hall, General Assembly Hall at United Nations and other premier venues. Former New York City Mayor Bloomberg attended his harmonica seminar held at the "Harmonica Mass Appeal" 

Join Ukulele pro Gwendolyn Fitz for an evening of song and fun in Central Park! Mass Appeal: Ukuleles is a fun Make Music tradition, perfect for adults, kids and families. Make sure to bring your Uke!

Gwendolyn Fitz is an award winning jazz-pop singer-songwriter with a love for story-telling. Classically trained as a flute player, Gwendolyn picked up the ukulele in 2016 to write the type of songs you would find in a romantic-comedy based off her life in NYC. The songs from her 2022 debut "I'm a Dreamer" EP were considered by Mahalo Magazine to be "storytelling at their finest," and "[music] that will stay stuck in your head for days." Her single, "Mind Made Up," earned her a spot as a finalist in the 2023 Coffee Music Project, allowing her to perform at the 2023 New York Coffee Festival.

Email Gwendolyn for questions and more information! gwendolynfitzmusic@gmail.com

@GwendolynFitzMusic

Make Music New York is pleased to announce the return of Mozart’s Requiem!

In past years, these performances of Mozart’s Requiem, organized by conductor Douglas Anderson and producer Melissa Gerstein, have proven both popular and profoundly moving. This season, they invite singers and instrumentalists from across New York City and beyond to celebrate the Summer Solstice and remember lost loved ones by performing Mozart’s profound and solemn work, the Requiem, K626, at a new location: 599 Lexington Avenue at 53rd Street (SE corner).

From Maestro Anderson: “We will gather again this year as part of the Make Music New York annual festival to perform and present this great piece of music with its original intention: to honor loved ones who have passed.  Participating in this event, and performing simultaneously with this group of like-minded performers, provides a much-needed lift to the spirits of all engaged in the endeavor.  An hour of your time spent in the solemn exercise on your part in performing this exceptional piece of music will be a lasting tribute to the family, friends, acquaintances, and fellow citizens we have all lost.  We, the world, and history will know that we performed in their memory.”

The performance will begin at 7:00 pm sharp on June 21 with an introduction and notes from Douglas Anderson and will conclude at approximately 8:15 pm.