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The excitement builds as Make Music Salem 2024 approaches, with the festivities set to commence on Friday, June 21st. The local community is warmly invited to participate in a day dedicated to music, camaraderie, and festivity. Celebrating its ninth year, this edition promises to be the largest yet, featuring over 190 bands and performers at more than 50 locations across Salem on the inaugural day of summer. The event showcases a variety of musicians, venues, sponsors, and volunteers, and honors the global tradition of Fête de la Musique. As the largest free music festival on the West Coast, this year’s gathering aims to break previous records and enhance community involvement, ensuring a memorable experience for all who partake in the performances, hosting, or simply enjoying the vibrant musical atmosphere.

Event Highlights Include:

• Over 240 Performances Registered: Attendees can experience a wide array of musical styles, from Americana to Latin, and jazz to electronic. Other genres include funk, rock, blues, country, hip-hop, gospel, indie-rock, experimental, bluegrass, soul, classical, world music, choral, musical theater, singer-songwriter, Celtic, and more.
• Multiple Venues Throughout Salem: The city will transform into a massive concert hall with performances scheduled in diverse settings including sidewalks, parks, alleyways, and local businesses, contributing to a dynamic, city-wide musical celebration.
• Unique Musical Experiences and Education: RiverCity Rock Star Academy will host various mass appeal music education events. These include an interactive ‘Found Sound’ experience from 10 am to 5 pm, a bucket drumming session at 1:45 pm near the Historic Grand Theatre, and a free group ukulele lesson at 1 pm near the Reed Opera House. At 4:30 pm, participants can receive free harmonicas and join a group jam session. The day will also feature kazoo giveaways and mobile pop-up street shower karaoke.
• Special Appearances and Evening Events: Noteworthy appearances include the Unipiper and the Portland Samba Band, with the day wrapping up with a silent disco at Riverfront Park by the Gerry Frank-Salem Rotary Amphitheater from 7 pm until midnight, hosted by To The Ceiling Entertainment group.
• Gerry Frank Amphitheater Highlights: This central venue will host an array of local bands such as Wild Ire, Boundless Joy, and Giantess, alongside performances by the Oregon Symphony’s Rose City Brass Quintet and a collaborative show between the Salem Orchestra and rock band Sunset Bends. Festival-goers can also enjoy a variety of local food trucks and refreshments, including the event’s official beer, “The Beat Gose On,” available throughout the community in bars and stores.

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