Make Music New York: 1000+ Concerts. One Day. Five Boroughs. Above + Below Ground.
Today's blog is what I'll call the unofficial Music Under New York - Make Music New York listing, because at Music Under New York, we celebrate live and free music (price of a subway fare) 365 days out of the year. I love the idea of one crazy day with so much free live music, that I also wanted to share where to find the Music Under New York musicians on this special day
On June 21, 1989 I flew from NYC to Paris, France. When I landed, I found myself in the midst of an uproarious yet melodic commotion that I'd never known. It was the "Fete de la musique," an outdoor festival of music held on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. I am happy to be a part of the festivities this year on this side of the world.
New York City is always full of music, life and song, to imagine it more magical is nearly impossible. However, for the past eight years, Make Music New York has taken our magical chaos to whole new level.
This Saturday, June 21, Make Music New York returns to celebrate the beginning of summer with over 1000 concerts and music performances throughout the five boroughs. Public parks, sidewalks, venues, block parties and music schools, are just some examples of where you will stumble into a magical musical experience. And as always, the underground will be bustling with music.
For the above-ground schedule check out Make Music New York's website.
For underground schedule, Here's the list of Music Under New York performances this Saturday! Please pass along to your friends.
click on above image for a larger format
I'll be using #MMNYBuskers to share spontaneous performances from the underground throughout the day.
Here are a couple of busker friends with above-ground gigs on Saturday!
SisterMonk performs @ 6:15 PM at the East River Park Bandshell-Music all day, (SisterMonk a Music Under NY member, will perform at three different venues during the festival in Brooklyn and Manhattan) Here's a clip I recorded of them in the underground at Grand Central Station Mezzanine.
Mariachi Flor de Toloache, the all female mariachi band, will perform at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza- 346 E. 47th St at 1pm. Below is a clip I made of their Music Under New York audition.
And here's a little something for aspiring musicians and future buskers!
• Free Guitar Lessons at some NYPL branches. Guitars for lessons provided. Sponsored by GAMA and Little Kids Rock (sponsored by Yamaha and Godin)
Summer Solstice- MUSIC Underground June 21
Times Square/42 Street/Upper Mezzanine
- 12-3__Grupo Wayno, S. American music
- 3-6___ El Vaté, Andean pipes
- 6-10__ Eric Paulin & the Meetles, jazz & tribute band
Times Square/41 Street/ Mosaics
- 8am-12__Susan Keser, classical/pop violin
- 12-3____Mecca Bodega, world music
- 3-6_____ Tony Pots & Pans, percussion
42 Street/ 8 Avenue
- 12-4__Nadine Simmons, Gospel, pop singer
- 4-7___Raices Group, Inca music
34 Street/6 Avenue
- 12-3__Andes Fusion, S. American music
- 3-6___ Drumadics, buckets & horn
- 6-9___ eCUSSIONIST, drum improv
14 Street/ Union Square
- 12-3__ Roger G & Unique Force, mimes
- 6-9___ Scott Stenten, double neck guitar
Columbus Circle/60 Street
- 12-3__Cathy Grier “NYC subway girl”, singer songwriter
- 3-6___Marcella Louise, opera singer
- 6-9___Afrikumb Uabé Drummers, caribbean drums
Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street (Barclays Ctr)
- 12-4__Maetro Moses Josiah, saw player
- 4-7__Delta Dave, blues guitar & singer
LIRR # 2 (next to McDonalds)
- 12-3__Acapella Soul, doo wop vocals
- 3-6__Rober Anderson Jazz Band
- 6-9__Lawrence Rush & Underground Harmony
- 9pm-12am__”The Sugar Bear” Kahn Hightower R&B, soul singer
LIRR # 3 (8th Avenue)
- 12-3__Sammie C. Davis “Mr Melody”, pop, soul singer
Whitehall Ferry Terminal
Grand Central Terminal/Lower Level
- 10am-1__Maya Miele, solo guitar
Grand Central Terminal/Graybar
- 11am-2__Luellen Abdoo, classical/pop/tango violin
Music is such an important part of all of our lives whether we realize it or not. I hope you get out and enjoy all that Make Music - Fete De La Musique has to offer where ever you live.