In celebration of International Make Music Day, which takes place June 21 every year, a variety of local organizations will serve as hosts of free live concerts throughout the city that will feature local musicians, music demonstrations and music-themed giveaways.
The celebration will incorporate live demonstrations and performances as well as an online component.
“Our community is very lucky to have so many talented musicians,” Mayor Ken Miyagishima said. “On Make Music Day, they will be able to showcase that talent all around Las Cruces. It is a great day to celebrate after the year we have all gone through.”
The free live performances start at 11 a.m. Monday, June 21 at Klein Park, 155 Mesquite St, with Mariachi Femenil Flores Mexicanas (in the photo below), who will bring an educational component to their performance. Following will be a special presentation to New Mexico Advocates for the Arts, the organization that hosts the annual Las Cruces International Mariachi conference.
The New Mexico Advocates for the Arts will be gifted an “El Maestro” Guitar – valued at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $419 – and a “Segundo Nivel” Violin, valued at $799, from Make Music Day International special partner, H. Jimenez.
“We are very excited to partner with Make Music Day Las Cruces and H. Jimenez,” said New Mexico Advocates for the Arts Director, Robert Palacios. “This gift of a guitar and violin will allow students to have the opportunity to participate in future performances while playing world-class instruments.”
The music will continue through 1 p.m. Monday at Klein Park with performances by NM/TX Stateline, Lily Hernandez, and Borderland Bones. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, water, and lawn chairs or a blanket.
Later in the day, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., a showcase of local bands of varying genres will perform on the main stage at Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main St. Kicking off the night will be Nicole Osborn, followed by Dallas David Ochoa, Cosmic Unknown band, and Papayas con Chile. Headlining the show will be local favorite, Unlyshed (in the photo to the upper right). Attendees are encouraged to bring water, lawn chairs, and umbrellas for shade.
In addition to the two performances downtown, there will also be live performances from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hubbard’s Music-N-More, 108 Wyatt Drive, where bands will perform on their stage. Also, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Las Cruces Ukes, a local ukulele club, will host music lessons and sing-alongs at Good Samaritan Society Village, 3011 Buena Vida Circle.
Make Music Day Las Cruces has also received Bluesband Harmonicas by Hohner and Ukulele books by Alfred Music to give away at the live performances and demonstrations.
For the most up-to-date schedule or to get involved in the events, visit: makemusicday.org/lascruces, or follow the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/makemusiclascruces.
In honor of Make Music Day, Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main St., and Visit Las Cruces offices, 336 S. Main St., will feature orange exterior lighting on June 21.
All live events will follow the most current COVID-safe practices and state and local restrictions including mask-wearing for those who are not fully-vaccinated.
About Make Music Day
Held annually on June 21, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in 1,000 cities across 120 countries. The daylong, musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. This year, more than 100 U.S. cities, including Las Cruces, are organizing Make Music celebrations, encompassing thousands of music making opportunities nationwide. Make Music Day is presented by the NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. More info at www.makemusicday.org.
