June 21 has been designated as World Music Day, a day the world celebrates the magical gift of music. It’s origins lie in France when, in 1976, American musician Joel Cohen, proposed an all-night music celebration to mark the beginning of the summer solstice and since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with over 32 countries worldwide having their own celebrations in their own way, regardless of the season. Since then the idea has spread across the globe with each event holding to the same simple set of principles: that the day is held on the mid-summer solstice and that all concerts and events are free and accessible to the public.
It is a day of free music, where musicians - local and amateur - are allowed and encouraged to perform their music in public spaces without any restriction. Of course, in Mumbai we would have to pay entertainment tax (and shut down by 10 pm), but still, it’s a fabulous day to celebrate the spirit of music in all its forms.
Music Day is a connected set of free public events which takes place each year on the 21st June, our midsummer. Last year there were events in 108 countries and 726 cities around the world, not including France where there were too many events to count!
Typically this means that the music is brought out onto the streets, though venues are also encouraged to get in on the act!