NYC DOT brings live music programs to open streets this summer 

New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the return of the popular Make Music New York Day bringing live music performances to public spaces in all five boroughs on June 21. Concerts will be held in outdoor spaces free of charge. NYC DOT will host performances at 11 different plaza and Open Streets locations through the agency’s Public Realm Programing initiative and in partnership with Make Music New York. The agency will also partner with Mov!ng Culture Projects to hold performances in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Over the first two years of the Adams Administration, NYC DOT created a record-high 1 million square feet of newly pedestrianized space, through new plazas, sidewalk extensions, and more, all of which create the perfect venue for arts and culture programming.

Also in June, NYC DOT is activating public spaces for Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month, as well as hosting piano programming in partnership with Sing for Hope. The below events build on previous public space programming held earlier this month in celebration of these occasions. Throughout the rest of the summer, the agency announced a full list of activations and programming planned in public spaces across the five boroughs.  

“When we create new open streets, plazas, and public spaces for people, beautiful music can happen. June is Music Month, and we're delighted to partner with community organizations like Make Music New York to celebrate New Yorkers' creativity and our public plazas,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Many of these events will reach a diverse range of communities and showcase a wide variety of New York-based artists. The celebrations continue this summer with activations across the five boroughs! I thank NYC DOT staff and our incredible partners for delivering these free public events, and I urge you to join us!”

NYC DOT's Public Realm Programming initiative brings free activities to public spaces, such as plazas and Open Streets. This program connects public spaces with local organizations that host activities. All activities are free and open to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities. Programming brings arts, culture, fitness, and educational experiences citywide. For more information, visit nyc.gov/DOTProgramming.

Make Music New York Day Programming Schedule (June 21, 2024)

 Juneteenth Day Programming Schedule (June 19, 2024)

 Juneteenth Weekend Programming Schedule (June 21, 2024)

Juneteenth Weekend Programming Schedule (June 22, 2024)

Caribbean American Heritage Month Programming Schedule (June 15, 2024)

Caribbean American Heritage Month Programming Schedule (June 18, 2024)

 Caribbean American Heritage Month Programming Schedule (June 22, 2024)

Caribbean American Heritage Month Programming Schedule (June 29, 2024)

Sing for Hope Piano Programming Schedule (June 18, 2024)

 Sing for Hope Piano Programming Schedule (June 19, 2024)

Sing for Hope Piano Programming Schedule (June 21, 2024)

Summer 2024 Programming Schedule

 Bindlestiff Family Cirkus 

Fordham Plaza Programming

Bike the Block NYC (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

 “Our public plazas and Open Streets are such unique gathering spots. We can take them for granted, but they are an important resource in making NYC a cultural capital,” said James Burke, executive director, Make Music New York. “We're thrilled to work with the NYC DOT for the third consecutive season to transform these oases into intimate stages so that our diverse community of hometown musicians can share their talents with their fellow New Yorkers.”

 “Producing event in partnership with the DOT’s Office of Livable Streets’ Public Space Programming division has opened up so many possibilities for New York City artists to perform outdoors in public spaces in their own neighborhoods- and to be paid to do so,” said Robin Schatell, founder/director, Mov!ng Culture Projects. “I am especially excited to be able to showcase five locals indie rock bands on the 21st as part of the annual summer solstice celebration, Make Music NY.”

 “Our partnership with NYC DOT and Make Music New York brings Sing for Hope Pianos to public plazas for everyone to enjoy,” says Camille Zamora, co-founder of Sing for Hope. “These Sing for Hope Pianos become invitations to play, listen, or simply soak in the unexpected beauty in the heart of the city.”

 “It's a testament to the power of art to transform everyday spaces and bring communities together,” adds Sing for Hope co-founder Monica Yunus. “Sing for Hope Pianos offer a chance for spontaneous concerts and shared expressions, truly capturing the spirit of the city coming alive through art and connection.”

 “Incredible music is everywhere in New York City, but it's not always equally easy for all New Yorkers to access and enjoy it,” said Chad Cooper, executive director, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. “This partnership with Sing for Hope and the NYC DOT brings music quite literally into the public square, and we're excited that BKCM's wonderful faculty can be part of it.”

 “APAC's Fourth Annual BazART Event is activating for Juneteenth for the 1st time and features 5 Locations on Car-Free Streets and Plazas to Expand Safe Public Space, live performance arts activations throughout the city!” said Sainabou Njai, director, African Peach Arts Coalition.

 “The Big Apple is in for a treat this summer and fall as the renowned Bindlestiff Family Cirkus brings its acclaimed 2024 tour of Summer Follies to neighborhoods across all five boroughs,” said Ekat Sknarina, associate producer, Bindlestiff. “Embracing the spirit of unity and joy, the performances will be offered entirely free of charge, courtesy of the generous support from the NYC Department of Transportation and various local community organizations.”

 “Wukkout! is thrilled to partner with DOT for our Caribbean American Heritage Month experience this June,” said Krista Martins, founder, Wukkout! Soca Dance Fitness. “The mission of Wukkout! is to improve community residents' overall well-being through Caribbean dance and culture and we are grateful to DOT for supporting our endeavors. Thanks to everyone involved; we look forward to seeing the many faces of NYC through this collaboration.”