Whether or not one goes on to play Carnegie Hall, the benefits of simply making music are myriad. According to the nonprofit Merit School of Music, playing a musical instrument is a boon to health and wellness, causing the brain to release endorphins and block the nerve cells causing the sensations of stress and pain. And that’s just for starters—the process of playing music also supports the regulation of emotions, strengthens our muscles and lungs, and creates social connections and community among like-minded musicians.
The French Ministry of Culture understood all of this back in 1982 when it launched Make Music Day on June 21, the day of the summer solstice, encouraging everyone who is able to pick up an instrument, step outside, and play it. The community responded, and free pop-up performances echoed across French cities throughout the day and well into the night.
The concept spread, as many great ideas do, and 44 years after its founding, Make Music Day is now a global phenomenon, with various countries and states offering free concerts and opportunities for both participants and spectators on June 21, this coming Sunday. Make Music Day now has 29 official state partners in the U.S. Within Florida, Palm Beach County is one of just four participating counties, and the only one in the tri-county area.
Sunday’s local events include “From Joni to Adele: A Tribute to Iconic Songstresses,” a concert at 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Boca Raton, 2601 St. Andrews Blvd. Vocalist Kellie Bruneau and pianist Marina Machado will take the stage, joined by students and staff from Barclay Performing Arts, to perform the music of the towering women of pop, including Stevie Nicks, Whitney Houston, Carole King, and Lady Gaga. Up north, the Choral Society of the Palm Beaches and Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches will present pop-up vocal performances at The Gardens Mall, at the fountains near Macy’s, at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
And while Broward County isn’t an official participant in this year’s Make Music Day, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is hosting its own event, welcoming four singer-songwriters to perform from 2 to 5 p.m. at Tunnel Top Park, 601 E. Las Olas Blvd. Jeff Durham and Jay Valor are among the scheduled talent, and amateur musicians are invited to drop in and play and song throughout the afternoon.
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