World Music Day 2013 (Fete de la Musique)

New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The World Music Day is celebrated annually on June 21 and has turned into a worldwide phenomenon as countries around the world enjoy the day in their own way.

The day is also referred to as Fete de la Musique was a music festival began in France in 1982. French Minister of Culture Jack Lang conceived the concept in 1981. Since then the day has been celebrated each year as the World Music Day.

According to another theory, American musician Joel Cohen of the Boston Camerata fame proposed an all-night music celebration to mark the beginning of the summer solstice in 1976 while he was on a scholarship to study music in Paris. The first Fete de la Musique was held in Paris in 1982 as French music and dance director Maurice Fleuret pursued Cohen's ideas.

Ever since 1982, June 21 has become a worldwide phenomenon with over 32 countries all over the world. Normally, the World Music Day features amateur and professional musicians performing on the streets, in squares, or in public places. Larger bands usually throw a free gig and invite cross-genre musicians to share the stage with them.

The official Fête de la Musique organisation in Paris give sanction to events on two basic conditions: one that all concerts must be free to the public, and two, all performers donate their time for free. This will help in making all sorts of music available to the public. It provides an opportunity to commune and share a special bond through music. The slogan Faites de la musique (Make music), a homophone of Fete de la Musique, is used to promote this goal.

The day also promotes peace and spread goodwill through music. Some of the countries that celebrate World Music Day are: Argentina, Australia, Britain, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, India, Lebanon and many others.

Event: World Music Day (2013)
When: Friday, June 21, 2013.