The Issaquah Alps were alive with the sound of music on the evening of June 21 as Issaquah joined 120 countries around the world in celebrating Make Music Day.
The world festival began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, a chance for musicians, singers and dancers of all skill level to perform in their communities.
Cities around the world joined the movement and became Make Music Cities. There are currently over 750 Make Music Cities on every inhabited continent.
Four years ago, Issaquah became the first city in Washington to take part as an official Make Music City.
“It’s very much a community event,” said Brenda DeVore, executive director of the Downtown Issaquah Association, which puts on the event.
This year was the biggest year yet for Issaquah’s Make Music Day, with over 50 acts participating, including four local music schools, and about 400 people in attendance.
“It brings people to our downtown, vitality to our businesses,” DeVore said.
The city’s 11 indoor and outdoor stages, spread throughout town at parks, restaurants and landmarks such as City Hall and the Historic Train Depot, played host to a variety of styles of music, including classic rock, oldies, jazz, classical, Broadway showtunes and even hard rock.
Over 150 participated in the “Louie, Louie” flash mob that took place on the steps of City Hall.
For the first time ever, all of the participating stages in town took part in the “Louie, Louie” flash mob, spreading the song throughout the streets.
The only requirement for a Make Music City is that performances must be open to everyone and no one can make any money from performances, which DeVore said is “part of the spirit of the festival.”
“It’s an all-play,” DeVore said. “Every age is welcome to come, and there’s no limit on anyone’s ability or experience.”
After the piano players were done, Wilde Thyme brought the sound of strings to the Historic Shell Station. Nicole Jennings/staff photo
Students from Kaleidoscope School of Music in Issaquah rocked out in front of the library. Nicole Jennings/staff photo
Issaquah rock n’ roll band The Tasty Waves brought classic hits of the ’70s, such as Steely Dan’s “Old School” to the steps of City Hall as youngsters joined in with their dance moves. Nicole Jennings/staff photo
Fathers and daughters danced along to the rock music outside of City Hall. Make Music Day is not just a time for the musicians onstage to perform; audience members are encouraged to dance and clap along. Nicole Jennings/staff photo
Seattle ukelele group Strum made listeners feel as though they had left Issaquah and were now sitting on a beach in Hawaii. Nicole Jennings/staff photo
Enjoying the first evening of sun in 10 days, girls happily danced to the music on the grass outside the Historic Train Depot. Nicole Jennings/staff photo
Nicole Jennings/staff photo
Nicole Jennings/staff photo
