Courtesy Cindy Cook
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Music Lovers Only
Filling the longest day of the year with free music
Way back in 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture had a vision for a musical holiday/festival during which everyone everywhere could participate in sick jams, free of charge—not only as listeners, but as musicians. The Make Music Festival was born, and has since grown into a celebration in over 1,000 cities across 120 countries as Make Music Day.
In this year’s Santa Fe rendition, COVID-19 means fewer offerings, but despite the abbreviated events list, it’s still bigger than when organizer Busy McCarroll first put together the event in 2009.
“We had to pay for a buskers license, which cost $35,” McCarroll tells SFR. “We didn’t get paid and made about $5 in tips.”
Things will surely be better this year because we’re all desperate for any live music, and the party kicks off with free music lessons at The Candyman Strings & Things.
“According to a Gallup poll, 85% of people who don’t play music wish they did,” says Candyman owner Cindy Cook. “We want this to be a day for the non-music-maker or beginning music-maker to try their hand at making music.”
To help with that, The Candyman is donating 100 pairs of drumsticks and 100 harmonicas, and they’re available in the store now.
“Playing music makes everyone smarter, more compassionate and it staves off dementia,” Cook adds.
Later in the day, Santa Fe Brewing Company hosts a free outdoor show with singer-songwriter Lisa B. Friedland, swing act Half Pint and the Growlers, Americana duo Marc and Paula’s Roadside Distraction, folk singer Lucy Barna and indie songsmith David Wheeler.
“Who wouldn’t want to sit back at Santa Fe Brewing Company, grab a frosty cold one and lay in the grass?” Cook queries. “It sounds like a perfect way to spend the day to me.”
Don’t forget, you’ll still need to mask up and stay 6 feet away from people. (Campbell Lozuaway-McComsey)
Make Music Santa Fe Lessons: 12-5 pm Monday, June 21. Free. The Candyman Strings & Things, 851 Saint Michael’s Drive, 983-5906
Make Music Santa Fe Live Show: 3-8 pm Monday, June 21. Free. Santa Fe Brewing Company, 35 Fire Place, 424-3333
Keeping it Current
Courtesy Currents New Media
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Just because the annual CURRENTS New Media event has moved from its usual digs at El Museo Cultural to the Center for Contemporary Arts’ Tank Garage space doesn’t mean the gathering of cutting-edge digital, video, AR and VR artists is going to be any less powerful. If anything, CURRENTS’ addition of online elements and special events at its brick-and-mortar gallery CURRENTS 826 (826 Canyon Road) showcases how the scrappy festival’s dedication transcends location. From June 18-27, find more than a dozen creators from across the globe showcasing their latest at CCA, and stay connected online for special treats, surprises and more throughout the excitement. (Alex De Vore)
CURRENTS New Media: Various times Friday, June 18-Sunday, June 27. $7 (free for 20 and under). Center for Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 982-1338, currentsnewmedia.org.
Feel the Love
Rachide Jafar
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If you missed out on last year’s Love & Happiness event at the HIPICO equestrian center during the height of COVID-19, you’ll surely be forgiven. But just in case you’ve been living the FOMO life since then, organizer Raashan Ahmad returns this week with DJs Ride, Dynamite Sol and D-MONIC for a cavalcade of Motown, dance jamz, hip-hop and more. Think of it like a celebration for Juneteenth that’ll also accept donations for the Santa Fe Mutual Aid/Santa Fe Mutualista group, which helps connect those in need with those who help—totally free. You’ll have to register through holdmyticket.com, and don’t forget to mask up and think responsibly while you’re out there shaking it for the first time in ages. (ADV)
Love & Happiness Fest: 6 pm Saturday, June 19. Free. Santa Fe Plaza, 100 Old Santa Fe Trail, tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/373902
We Are Risen
Public Domain
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Though the official Pride party from Santa Fe’s Human Rights Alliance goes down on the Plaza on Saturday, June 26 this year, most are celebrating the annual remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Riots all month long. Local festivities begin this week with a 21+ dance event at the CHOMP food hall in downtown Santa Fe. DJ Matthew Sato sets the tone for the afternoon kickoff party, and CHOMP’s full bar and varying food vendors offer up libations and snacks for the dance-faithful. Never forget the queer folks who made it all possible, never forget the value in safe spaces to exist as one’s true self—plus there’s cocktails and dancing! (ADV)
RISE! Pride Kick-Off Dance: 1 pm Sunday, June 20. $15. CHOMP Food Hall, 505 Cerrillos Road, 772-0946.
