Last Updated on June 14, 2019 by marian@celebrate-family.com
Make Music San Jose returns with over hundred free performances and events at over 40 venues citywide. Make Music San José is part of the international Make Music Day celebration!
With free events from sunrise to sunset, from Alviso to Almaden, Make Music San José has something for everyone. There are multiple ways to join in the fun. Drop in at one of the interactive Play-Along events, which include drop-in music lessons, musical meet-ups, and hosted jam sessions. A searchable listing of all performances and events is online at www.MakeMusicDay.org/SanJose.
Sampling of 2019 Make Music San José events:
Music Fun at Children’s Discovery Museum
Visit the instrument petting zoo, make a rhythm instrument, and groove and dance with live musical artists, including Zydeco for kids with Andre Thierry. This event will be in the outdoor Amphitheatre and does not require Museum admission to participate.
Where: Children’s Discovery Museum’s Cadence Amphitheatre, 180 Woz Way
When: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Maori Rhythm Sticks
Come join in this cultural experience! The focus will be on the rhythmic beat of traditional Maori music. Rhythm sticks will be provided for use during the program while participants learn the popular Maori Stick Game.
Where: Alviso Branch Library, 5050 North First Street
When: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
JTown Artwalk
Come stroll through San José’s Japantown and enjoy musical performances hosted by local businesses as part of the Jtown Artwalk, including Na Kolohe Kane at Santo Market, jazz and ukulele at Roy’s Station, and taiko drumming throughout Japantown.
Where: Japantown, San José
When: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Summer Solstice Yoga and Sound Healing
Join Conscious San José and Be the Change Yoga for a free community yoga class of 108 sun salutations, set to live music and sound healing with musicians Father Earth and 5150 Shaman.
Where: San José City Hall Plaza, 200 East Santa Clara Street
When: 7:00 am to 9:00 am
Gooood Morning San José with Mariachi Azteca
Wake up to summer with coffee and a serenade by Mariachi Azteca roving between the cafés located along the Paseo de San Antonio downtown.
Where: Paseo de San Antonio between Market and Fourth Streets
When: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Piano in the Park
Come out and play the piano by the lake. A piano will be at Almaden Lake Park all day for visitors to play on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is made possible with support from the Office of San José Councilmember Johnny Khamis.
Where: Almaden Lake Park, 5949 Winfield Blvd
When: All Day!
My San José Song by San José Chamber Orchestra
San José Chamber Orchestra and partners will be performing original songs inspired by San José and submitted by the public as part of the My San José Song project. San José’s own Jackie Gage will be closing out the day with her song “A Secret Place”, which debuted at the 2018 San José Jazz Summerfest. www.mysanjosesong.org
Where: San José City Hall Rotunda, 200 East Santa Clara Street
When: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Harmonica Lessons with Aki Kumar
Grab your kids and friends and come out for free harmonica lessons. San José blues harmonica super star Aki Kumar, known for his unique blend of blues and Bollywood, will give beginner harmonica tips and lead you in a harmonica jam. Free harmonicas courtesy of Hohner Harmonicas.
Where: San Pedro Square Market, 87 N San Pedro Street
When: noon to 1:00 pm
Do You Know San José? – Make Music San José Edition with the SJZ Boom Box
Enjoy an evening of music and games at Meadowfair Park with the San José Jazz Boom Box and Needle to the Groove Records featuring performances by Miguel Kultura, Marinero, and Valley Wolf. The San José Public Library Maker(space) Ship will also be out with music-related science experiments. This is event is part of the Viva Parks Neighborhood series by the San José Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services
Where: Meadowfair Park, Barberry Lane at Corda Drive
When: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
All events are free and open to the public. Check out the full listing of events at www.MakeMusicDay.org/SanJose. Additional events and performances will be taking place at libraries, community centers, coffee shops, parks, paseos, and even at the Mineta San José International Airport.
Thank you to the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs for a great day!