REPORT TO CULTURAL COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Discuss Joining the Make Music Alliance in 2027 and Participating in Make Music Day on June 21, 2027
Report
BACKGROUND
In 1982, the French Ministry of Culture established a new form of musical celebration, one in which free performances would fill public spaces and be assessable to all residents. Unlike a traditional music festival, the event was designed to be fully participatory: any musician could perform, and any location could serve as a venue. Held annually on June 21, the summer solstice, the event was named "F?te de la Musique," a phrase that translates from French as both "Festival of Music" and "Make Music." Over the past four decades, this celebration has grown into a global movement, now observed in more than 2,000 cities worldwide. On June 21, 2025, 147 cities across the United States participated, collectively organizing 5,471 Make Music Day free concerts as part of this international event.
The Make Music Alliance is seeking to expand the celebration throughout the South Bay and has engaged neighboring communities as potential participants. The City of San Jose has participated as "Make Music San Jose" for several years, and thirteen California cities currently take part in Make Music Day. The next event will be held on June 21, 2026.
A member of the Cultural Commission was first introduced to the Make Music Alliance and Make Music Day at the Silicon Valley Creates Municipal Arts Roundtable on January 27, 2026. The Commission subsequently received a presentation from a representative of Make Music Alliance and the Department of Parks & Recreation (Department) at its March 2, 2026 meeting. The Commission voted (5-0) to recommend that the City Council support the City of Santa Clara joining the Make Music Alliance and participating in Make Music Day.
Since the March meeting, staff have identified additional information regarding the program. The purpose of this report is to provide the ...
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