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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2023
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

NYC DOT to Celebrate Make Music New York Day in Public Spaces Across the Five Boroughs on June 21st

NYC DOT partners with Make Music New York to bring music programing to over 15 plazas across the city on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

New York — New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the return of the popular Make Music New York Day bringing live music performances to more than 15 different public spaces in all five boroughs on June 21st. Concerts will be held in outdoor spaces free of charge. Made possible through the Public Space Programming initiative, performances will be held in partnership with Make Music New York, at 10 different plaza locations. The agency will also partner with Concerts in Motion to hold performances from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. at an additional five public spaces citywide. Additional programing partners include Tilted Axes, Queens Theatre, and Honk NYC. For more information about Make Music New York, visit the organization's website.

"We're partnering with Make Music New York to celebrate New Yorkers' creativity and our beautiful public plazas," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Many of these events will reach a diverse range of communities and showcase a wide variety of New York-based artists. I thank NYC DOT staff and our incredible partners for delivering these free public events, and I urge you to join us on Wednesday the 21st!"

NYC DOT's Public Space Programming initiative brings free activities to public spaces, such as plazas and Open Streets. This program connects public spaces citywide with local organizations that host activities. All activities are free and open to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities.

Programming brings arts, culture, fitness, and educational experiences to public spaces citywide.

"Make Music New York is an amazing tradition that honors our city's vibrant music scene and brings communities together outside," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. "I encourage every New Yorker to stop by the plazas for a musical performance you'll never forget."

"New York City comes alive in the summer, reinvigorated with energy and a sense of community. DOT's Make Music New York Day is helping us welcome summer with sounds of the cultures and people represented throughout our boroughs and neighborhoods. Thank you to Commissioner Rodriguez for continuing to see the value in this program, and for encouraging a summer of fun and dancing, with streets that are serving the people," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

"Cultural displays of music, dance, and song have long been effective in drawing diverse communities together," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "This partnership between the New York City Department of Transportation in partnership with Make Music New York and Concerts In Motion is providing New Yorkers an opportunity to enjoy the arts at 10 outdoor open spaces across the five boroughs, including the Bronx's own, Lou Gehrig Plaza that will feature the Morrisania Band Project, the BindleStiff Family Cirkus and more. At the Morrison Plaza in Soundview, residents can pause to enjoy vocalist Kevin Nathaniel who uses ancient African instruments to channel sound as a universal healing force. I want to thank Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, and his entire team as well as Make Music New York and Concerts in Motion for their work to make the arts accessible and inclusive for all New Yorkers to enjoy."

"Concerts in Motion has been committed to serving New Yorkers across the city with the many different genres of music they love most played by top musicians who enjoy meeting them and connecting with them since our founding -- and we are so thrilled to bring music to all five boroughs in the same day! We can't wait to see our friends out in the community, and welcome new ones to the CiM family. We're so grateful to DOT for partnering with us to make Make Music NY Day even more beautiful," said Jennifer Carnahan, Concerts in Motion Founder and Executive Director.

"HONK NYC is delighted to bring our immersive block party to Parkside Plaza in Brooklyn for MMNY. Musicians, dancers, and craft makers will take over the plaza from 5pm to 8pm, celebrating contemporary street band music and spectacle culture in NYC," said Sara Valentine, HONK NYC.

"We are proud to partner with the Department of Transportation and return to Corona Plaza this summer with a lineup of performances that we know will delight community members," said Taryn Sacramone, Queens Theatre.

"Open Plans loves Make Music New York! What better way to celebrate the longest day of the year than with an exuberant, musical celebration in the streets? This program is a shining example of the community and connection we can create when we prioritize our public spaces as sites for shared joy," said Jackson Chabot, Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Open Plans.