Inaugural Make Music Day Temecula announces events

Music means many things to many people, but for Make Music Temecula founder Joanna Pearl, music is a life affirming way to bring people of all backgrounds together.

"Music is love, it is everything to me anyway," Pearl said. "Music shows our feelings. It touches people differently than just talking. Everyone loves music; everyone can come together over it. It's what we need right now."

Taking place Sunday, June 21, World Make Music Day is a free celebration of music in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries that originated in France in 1982. Unlike a typical music festival, there are now expensive tickets or throngs of crowds to battle to enjoy the music. Instead, Make Music Day is open to all who wish to take part, every musician from young to old, amateur to professional and from every genre imaginable.

"It's a true celebration of music," Pearl, who is a singer songwriter, said. "Make music day offers people around the world, the opportunity to share their music with one another, and best of all, it is free and open to the public."

Make Music Temecula, an annual event held on the longest day of the year, is no different from its counterparts around the world and will feature everything from performances and concerts to free music classes.

Some highlights from the event to be held across the Temecula Valley include a virtual opening ceremony featuring Pearl performing "The Star-Spangled Banner," a giveaway of 240 harmonicas to use with free online music lessons, live music at Longshadow Winery, a creative songwriting class and an interactive after-party.

In honor of Make Music Temecula's effort, June 21 is currently under approval to be declared "Make Music Day" across Riverside County by Supervisor Chuck Washington, Pearl said.

"It's amazing that our community, in literally less than a week, has pulled together for this event. Music is love and everyone needs music right now," Pearl said.

Pearl said that her hope is everyone participates in one of the many events, including those being hosted online by visiting, http://www.MakeMusicDay.org/Temecula, and clicking on 'Participate' for June 21.

The schedule of events includes:

Make Music Day virtual opening ceremonies takes place from 8-9 a.m. on the "Make Music Temecula" Facebook page when Joanna Pearl sings "The Star-Spangled Banner," followed by welcoming messages and more live music.

The Hohner Harmonica Lesson is from 10-11 a.m. on the "Make Music Temecula" Facebook page led by Don Grisham, a Temecula Valley resident and professional harmonica player. This educational virtual event provides basic, hands-on introduction to playing the harmonica. Make sure to pick up a free Hohner sponsored harmonica before June 21 at the locations specified at http://www.MakeMusicDay.org/Temecula.

Live music is featured from 2-5 p.m. at Longshadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery in Temecula by HeyDay Productions. The three-hour live music show features local artists Wise Old Owl, Sean Sheldeake, Robert Rankin Walker, Mettle and more.

Simple Creative Songwriting with Nonie takes place from 7-8 p.m. on the "Make Music Temecula" Facebook page led by Ms. Nonie Hilgesen, a professional vocal coach to the stars, such as Kodi Lee, Makayla Phillips and Tori Kelly, and friends. The program will take on the challenge of writing and completing a song throughout the day, June 21, about a special Temecula Valley resident and presenting the song live during the hour.

Make Music Day Interactive after-party will be from 8-10 p.m. Residents are invited to the Make Music Temecula 2020's official after-party with location and festivities to be announced. Visit the event website for updates at http://www.MakeMusicDay.org/Temecula.

"Play music, dance, learn something new, laugh, smile, serenade someone, whatever you end up doing just turn it up loud and let it pour out of you! Let's Make Music Temecula," she said.

Kim Harris can be reached by email at [email protected].