Make Music Phoenix
Free Family-Friendly Music Festival
Thank you all for participating in an unforgettable day of music, fun, and community at Make Music Phoenix on Friday, June 21! This free all-day celebration featured performances and activities for all ages across some of Downtown Phoenix’s most popular cultural attractions. Whether you’re a family with kids, a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for something exciting to do, Make Music Phoenix has something for everyone. Below are our event schedule and artist bios.
All-Age DJ Dance Party at the Phoenix Art Museum
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Energetic DJ Dance Party at the Phoenix Art Museum! Gabe Mestas spun beats perfect for families and individuals alike, this event was a morning of music, dance, and community spirit. No tickets were required to enjoy the music outside the museum.
Discover more about admission and other events at the Phoenix Art Museum, and take advantage of free tickets available through the Act One Culture Pass program.
Gabe Metas Bio
Gabe Mestas is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work blends the boundaries between traditional art and science/engineering. His sound projects focus on electronic music production and curatorial sound selection for when performing live. While most of his work is based on the visual arts, electronic music piqued his interest in recent years and has become a cornerstone of his projects, including using analog signal analyzers to visualize music in novel ways, and writing software to automate the creation of audio-reactive music videos.
Music Explorations at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Perfect for young families, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers Early Childhood Music Explorations. Kids aged 0-8 came together to sing, play, and dance while learning music basics in a fun and engaging environment. From interactive classes to hands-on instrument sessions, this event was a delight to little ones.
10 –11:00 AM Higher Octave Healing started the day with their The Start with Music program, geared toward ages 0-5. These classes are provided at no cost to the participants, and each child in attendance will receive instruments and props to use during class.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Rosie’s House staff got kids moving and learning with interactive music activities, open to all families! Kids played introductory instruments like tambourines, mini guiros, rhythm sticks, and more.
Don’t forget to check out the awesome offers available through the Act One Culture Pass.
Learn more about Children’s Museum of Phoenix, click here for ticket information to take advantage of additional family-friendly activities.
Live Performances at the Heard Museum
11:00 AM – 2 PM
2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
We came together to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Canyon Records artists at the Heard Museum.
11 AM – NOON Live performances by Grammy®-nominee Aaron White (Northern Ute/Diné) in the indoor Foyer of Steele Auditorium.
NOON – 2 PM Live performance by the inspiring Jonah Littlesunday (Diné), in the indoor Foyer of Steele Auditorium. Included a visit from the comedic musical talents of Bob the Eagle.
Visit the Heard Museum to see current exhibitions. Take advantage of the free tickets available through the Act One Culture Pass program.
Aaron White Bio
Aaron White (Northern Ute/Diné) is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer/songwriter, Native American flutist, flute maker, and lecturer. He formed the groundbreaking group Burning Sky in 1991, earning a 2003 Grammy nomination and a 2004 Native American Music Award. His solo flute album, “Moon Light Love Songs,” won Best Flute Recording in 2022. For over 28 years, Aaron has been a prominent Indigenous musician in Arizona, performing widely at concerts, venues, museums, and major events.
Aaron has played with notable artists like John Densmore, Jackson Browne, and Taj Mahal, and his music features in award-winning films including “Lakota Nation vs United States” and “The Doe Boy.” His flutes are part of the Musical Instrument Museum collection in Phoenix, AZ. Aaron has been an artist in residence at several prestigious museums, creating flutes and sharing his music. He believes music can heal and inspire, stating, “All of us carry the gift of music in our heart and soul. May we always share these gifts with gratitude and warming hearts.”
Jonah Littlesunday Bio
Jonah Littlesunday is a Diné Native American Flutist that captivates the soul with soothing, resonant Native American Flute music that reflects journeys of love and healing.
From the quiet hills and plateaus of his Navajo people, Jonah Littlesunday has emerged as one of the most distinctive performers of the Native American flute. Inspired by themes that all human beings cherish – love, peace and unity, Jonah draws upon the solitude of his ancestral lands to create a meditative soundscape that heals the soul.
Life’s journey is like a leaf in the air. There are times you can’t control your fate. You just have to have faith and float with it. Through it all, I have had the honor of entertaining elders, audiences across North America, injured animals and wonderful kids. Ahe’hee (Navajo for “thank you.”). – Jonah Littlesunday
Classical Music at AZ Opera Black Box
Noon – 1:00 PM
1636 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
This immersive experience of classical music at the AZ Opera Black Box featured a performance by Arko2, the violin and viola duo featuring Ramon “Chino” Soberano and Rosie’s House faculty member Michael DiBarry, from Noon to 1:00 PM. The enchanting melodies transported listeners to a world of musical brilliance.
Arko2: Chino Soberano & Michael DiBarry, violin & viola Bio
Arko2 was born when two newly-married musicians decided they could make their performances mobile and innovative by expanding the repertoire for violin and viola duos through new commissions and arrangements. Both playing violin and viola, Ramon “Chino” Soberano and Michael DiBarry are looking for new ways to connect with audiences through the limitations of just two bowed instruments at a time.
“Arko” is the Tagalog word for bow, and it pays tribute to Chino’s roots as a Filipino artist. Chino is a new member of Arizona Opera Orchestra and teaches at both South Mountain Community College and Phoenix Conservatory of Music. Michael teaches at both Glendale Community College and Rosie’s House and performs with the Arizona Philharmonic in Prescott as acting associate concertmaster. Both Chino and Michael received their Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from Arizona State University.
To contact Michael or Chino, email us at phoenix@makemusicday.org.
Family-Friendly Music at Burton Barr Central Library
2:00 – 3:00 PM
1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Burton Barr Central Library’s Pulliam Auditorium welcomed the community to step into a world of enchanting classical music. Performance by Arko2 the violin and viola duo featuring Ramon “Chino” Soberano and Rosie’s House faculty member Michael DiBarry.
Don’t forget to check out the awesome offerings available through the Act One Culture Pass. This took place during the Library’s Summer Reading Program, discover more events here.
Arko2: Chino Soberano & Michael DiBarry, violin & viola Bio
Arko2 was born when two newly-married musicians decided they could make their performances mobile and innovative by expanding the repertoire for violin and viola duos through new commissions and arrangements. Both playing violin and viola, Ramon “Chino” Soberano and Michael DiBarry are looking for new ways to connect with audiences through the limitations of just two bowed instruments at a time.
“Arko” is the Tagalog word for bow, and it pays tribute to Chino’s roots as a Filipino artist. Chino is a new member of Arizona Opera Orchestra and teaches at both South Mountain Community College and Phoenix Conservatory of Music. Michael teaches at both Glendale Community College and Rosie’s House and performs with the Arizona Philharmonic in Prescott as acting associate concertmaster. Both Chino and Michael received their Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from Arizona State University.
To contact Michael or Chino, email us at phoenix@makemusicday.org.
Musical Extravaganza at Rosie’s House
4:00 – 8:00 PM
919 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85034
All were invited to the Musical Extravaganza at Rosie’s House which featured a diverse lineup of jazz, mariachi, raffles, and more! Fun included performances, body percussion dance party, and delicious treats from the MiAmore Wood Fired Pizza and Snowy Churro food trucks.
Schedule of Events:
- 4 – 5 PM: 🎺 Unforgettable performance from Rosie’s House faculty member Michael Flores and his Mariachi Trio
- 5 – 5:30 PM: 💃 Get moving with our Body Percussion Dance Party that is perfect for all ages
- 5:30 – 6 PM: 🎻 Experience the vibrant energy of The Medina Sisters mariachi band, composed of Rosie’s House students
- 6 – 6:30 PM: 🍕 Food trucks arrive! Indulge in delicious treats from MiAmore Wood Fired Pizza and Snowy Churro.
- 6:30 – 7 PM: 🌟 Discover the talent of our community at the Student & Faculty Showcase, where students and faculty present diverse performances
- 7 – 8 PM: 🥁 Feel the vibrant Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms of Josiel Perez Ft. Victor’s Caldee Cuban’s Connections, featuring Rosie’s House faculty Kristal Ramsey
But that’s not all –a attendees took home cool raffle prizes, explored our interactive instrument petting zoo, and joiedn in community jam sessions that celebrate the joy of making music together!
Special thank you to our 2024 Raffle Partners for supporting our community through in-kind donations. Visit Rosie’s House on June 21 from 4-8 p.m. to enter a chance to win:
- Chipotle gift certificate for an appetizer & 2 entrees
- Changing Hands Bookstore $20 gift certificate
- Shopping spree at Bashas with a $100 gift card
- Scavenger Hunts by Let’s Roam family adventure activity pass
- Take the music home thanks to Hohner Harmonicas
Michael Flores Bio
Michael graduated from Pueblo Magnet High School, where he joined a youth mariachi group and advanced his musical career by performing in semi-professional groups, competing internationally, and performing at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
As musical director of Mariachi Corazon Del Valle, he led the group to several achievements, including recognition from Mayor Kate Gallego. With Arizona Music Fest, he developed a multicultural music ensemble and taught mariachi history. Currently, Michael is the Mariachi faculty teacher at Rosie’s House, where he passionately works to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mariachi’s cultural significance.
Josiel Perez Bio
Born on October 9, 1986, in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, Josiel comes from a musical family, including his uncle, Andres Perez. He began his musical education at 9, studying trumpet, piano, and composition at ENA and ISA in Havana. Josiel has performed internationally, including a 2007 Master Class in Barbados, touring with Orchestra Klimax, and playing first trumpet with Orlando “Maraca” Valle in Europe.
In 2011, he toured the U.S. with MARACA’s Latin Jazz and Salsa group. After moving to Albuquerque, he studied with Bobby Shew, performed with various groups, led the JP Project, and collaborated with notable musicians in the band ENJOY. His group for this event, Cuban Connections, features Kristal Ramsey, his long-time friend and Rosie’s House piano faculty member.
Live Music by LuMar at Xico
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
829 N 1st Ave Ste 101, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Guests celebrated Latino and Indigenous culture at Xico with live music by the acoustic duo LuMar, guitarist Luis Martinez and singer Marah Armenta. This was an evening of soulful melodies and vibrant community spirit.
Third Fridays in Phoenix are the perfect opportunity to explore and support local art and community initiatives. By joining us at Xico on Third Fridays, you contribute to the thriving cultural scene of Downtown Phoenix and celebrate the power of music to unite and inspire. Click here to view the Third Friday Map.
LuMar bio
LuMar is a versatile acoustic duo based in Phoenix, AZ, consisting of guitarist Luis Martinez and singer Marah Armenta. While presenting a unique soulful approach, LuMar provides live entertainment for any occasion, such as weddings, corporate events, restaurants, etc. LuMar also offers a full-band and performs valleywide with the Hip-Hop group, The Stakes.
Luis Martinez, a dedicated faculty member at Rosie’s House, brings his passion for music education and performance to every strum of his guitar. His commitment to nurturing musical skills and fostering a love for music among students exemplifies his dedication to both the arts and community enrichment.
Saboten Taiko Open Rehearsal at Fushicho Daiko Dojo
5:30 – 8:00 PM
925 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Experience the power and rhythm of Japanese Taiko drumming at Fushicho Daiko Dojo. The Saboten Taiko class opened their doors as they rehearsed their dynamic repertoire, and invited the community to musical journey like no other.
Fushicho Daiko Dojo: Arizona’s premier Japanese Taiko drumming ensemble
Founded in 1992, they are proud to be Arizona’s longest running public Taiko dojo. With over 80 students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, we are also one of the largest dojos in North America. As a woman-led dojo they pride ourselves on inclusion and diversity; their mission is to share the passionate energy and unique harmony of Taiko drumming to all who wish to be inspired by this dynamic and powerful art form.
Make Music Phoenix is a free event that promises a day filled with diverse musical experiences for all ages. From DJ dance parties and classical concerts to interactive children’s activities and live performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 21, and join us in celebrating the joy of music and community in Downtown Phoenix!
You can also participate at home with our 8 DIY Instruments.
Make Music Phoenix Sponsored by
Rosie’s House’s mission is to eliminate barriers to high-quality music education. Through music, we support youth as they develop their full creative and personal potential. We envision a community where all youth have access to music education and opportunities for lifetime achievement.