It all started 38 years ago in France.

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In 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, store fronts and mountaintops.

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And, unlike a typical music festival, anyone and everyone would be invited to join and play music, or host performances. The event would take place on the summer solstice, June 21, and would be called Fête De La Musique. (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music!”)

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Amazingly enough, this dream has come true. The Fête has turned into a true national holiday: France shuts down on the summer solstice and musicians take over. Almost 8% of the country (5 million people) have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique.

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Three decades later, the holiday has spread throughout the world and is now celebrated in more than 120 countries. In the U.S., the presenting sponsor is the NAMM Foundation.

 

 

Learning more about http://www.makemusicday.org/

 

MAKE MUSIC DAY OXFORD​

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June 21, 2025 was a busy day with an awesome line up. HumBugz assisted with a DIY instrument and we heard from Chase Unger, KJ Whitton and Pat Harris, Jim Ferrara, Ashley Carpp, Young Dan and Jumpin' Johnny, the day was rounded out by a performance by Oxford's Own Mike Brandon Band - Thank you all for making it a success!

 

Oxford celebrated 2024 Make Music Day with Kanzeon Sound Studio who offered a community drum practice with Ken Parker at the Grange Gazebo and followed by free concert by Symphonic Bodega on the Grange Stage. 

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Oxford celebrated 2022 at the Gazebo at Town Hall from 12 pm to 2 pm- kids were invited to make instruments, share music, use their voice or instrument and Make Music!

At 6 pm to 8 pm Music performance by Bluegrassers Hitch and Giddyup