West Valley joins World Music Day with free performances

 More than a dozen venues across the West Valley will host live, free music performances on Saturday, June 21, as part of the region’s first official participation in Make Music Day, a global celebration of music held annually in more than 120 countries.

Organized by the West Valley Arts Council, the local lineup features events at libraries, senior centers, restaurants, art galleries and other community spaces in cities including Peoria, Avondale, Glendale, Tolleson, El Mirage, Buckeye and Surprise.

This year marks the West Valley’s debut in the international event, which began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique and has since grown into a worldwide celebration of music in public spaces.

More than 15 locations across the region are scheduled to host performances from musicians representing a wide range of genres and skill levels. Events will begin as early as 9 a.m. and continue into the evening.

Peoria

• Arizona Broadway Theatre: Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix Sing-A-Long, 11 a.m. to noon
• Peoria Main Library: Open mic with Jenni Gordon, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sierra Winds Senior Living Community: ShilohMFA (indie rock), 10–11 a.m.; Ashira Vayne (pop/R&B/rock), 11 a.m.–noon; Sharpi (blues, jazz, Motown), noon–1 p.m.

Avondale

• Civic Center Library: Brio Music Studio Showcase, 1–2 p.m.
• Sam Garcia Library: Piano concert with Eric Fish, 2–3 p.m.

Glendale

• Glendale Foothills Library: Traditional music jam with The Phoenix Old Time Musical Society, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Coyote Oaties: Songwriters Circle showcase hosted by On Stage Now, 4–8 p.m.
• La Perla Sports Club: T-Town Trio with Deborah Dominguez, noon–2 p.m.; The Frequency Principle, 2–3 p.m.; Davis-Maynard Duo, 3–4 p.m.

El Mirage

• El Mirage Senior Center: Musical theater with PJ Skates, noon–1 p.m.; Pop/R&B performance by Alex Franco, 1–2 p.m.

Buckeye

• Buckeye Chamber of Commerce: The Onomatopoeia Orchestra, 4–5 p.m.

Tolleson

• Tolleson Senior Center: Jimmy Davis Music Student Showcase featuring Ella & Mea, 9–10 a.m.
• Tolleson Library: Musical Story Time with Tolleson City Council, 10–11 a.m.

Surprise

• Unitarian Universalist Congregation: Piano and percussion duo Boom! featuring Kenny Ingram and Lanelle Horstmeier, 1–2 p.m.
• West Valley Arts Council – Arts HQ: Musical Instrument Petting Zoo by Restore Arts, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Drum Jam with All Call Theater, noon–1 p.m.

Organizers say the event is designed to foster community connections through music and highlight the region’s cultural diversity. All events are free and open to the public.

For a complete and up-to-date schedule of performances, visit makemusicday.org/westvalley.

The West Valley Arts Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes inclusive arts and cultural programming across 13 West Valley municipalities. Founded in 1969 and renamed in 1989, the council supports arts education, provides resources for local artists, and works to expand cultural opportunities throughout the region.

Visit westvalleyarts.org for more information.