Cultural Affairs Office
Press and Communications
Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Brings 4th Annual Make Music Day Celebration in Houston
June 11, 2024 -- Mayor John Whitmire encourages Houstonians to participate in the annual Make Music Day (MMD) in Houston. This day-long celebration takes place on the first day of summer, Friday, June 21st.
“The City of Houston is happy to be part of the international roster for Make Music Day,” said Necole S. Irvin, Director the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
“I invite all Houstonians, of all musical abilities, to join us and bring music to our neighborhoods, offices, and communities on this celebratory day of music.”
MMD began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique and has spread to over 1,000 cities across 120 countries. The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) initiated this annual celebration in partnership with the French Consulate and continues that partnership this year. Houston’s Consular Corps continues to also expand its role in this global celebration.
“The Consulate General of France is delighted to support Make Music Day in the City of Houston, a vibrant celebration inspired by the renowned Fête de la Musique in France,” said the Consul General of France in Houston Valerie Baraban. “This event exemplifies the cultural exchange and creative spirit that music fosters. We extend our warmest wishes to all participants, as they come together to make music and unite communities.”
MOCA has shown a commitment to support Houston’s music industry and is excited to partner for the first time this year with Downtown Houston, and again with Houston’s Professional Musicians’ Association (HPMA) who is providing funding for its members for the global event.
“We are excited and honored for Market Square Park to host the Houston kickoff of Make Music Day,” said Kristopher Larson, President and CEO, Downtown Houston+. “We invite everyone to join in this global, daylong, free public event celebrating the musician that lives in each of us as we experience the joy of live music in harmony with cities around the world.”
“The Houston Professional Musicians’ Association is proud to partner for the 4th year in a row with the City of Houston and MOCA in celebrating Make Music Day!” said Alex Navarro, President of HPMA. “We are also the primary representation, protection, and bargaining unit for our City's musical talent, which is why we’re grateful to fund musicians' performances through our Music Performance Trust Fund Allotment. Musicians interested in being paid a fare wage for their performance on June 21st should reach out to our HPMA office to apply.”
We encourage you to join Mayor Whitmire, our Consular Corps, Cultural Districts and many more for Make Music Day.
Make Music Houston programming currently includes:
Kick-Off Ceremony -- A series of performances are scheduled at Market Square after a few words from City Officials, the French Consular General and Downtown Houston+ leadership to kick-off Make Music Day across Houston.
- Consulado General de México – Performances begin with Chikawa Conroe Dance in the consulate’s art gallery on the third floor, 3200 Rogerdale Road, 77042.
- Cultural Districts -- Houston’s seven designated Cultural Arts Districts will participate in activating community facilities and spaces with live music and collaborations among musicians.
- East End Cultural District On June 21st, Los de Siempre, the band of Dynamo supporters from El Batallon and other musicians perform at the Esplanade on Navigation.
- Arts District Houston hosts several performances at their network of studios in and around Sawyer Yards -- Sabine Street, Spring Street, Winter Street, The Silos and Silver Street Studios.
- Mass Appeal – People of all ages and skill levels will join both online and in-person settings to make music in large, single-instrument groups.
On June 21st, MOCA invites residents and visitors to post photos of MMD events using #makemusichou #mmdhou and tagging @houstonmoca. All events are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of events, visit MakeMusicDay.org/Houston.
Participate
Online registration is open for local musicians and venues. The website provides a platform for locations and venues to match with musicians for Make Music Houston. Create a profile to get the matchmaking started and events on the calendar! To add an event or register to perform, please visit MakeMusicDay.org/Houston.
MOCA also provides support for musicians and the music industry with the Houston Music Advisory Board. For more information, visit Houston-Music.live.
About the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs guides the City’s cultural investments with policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment.
Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram @HoustonMOCA.