MacPhail Center for Music is Hosting a Free Sounds of Summer Music Festival July 8 at Water Works Park
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 2:23AM
Event will feature performances by the Michael Cain Trio, J.D. Steele, other MacPhail faculty and students, plus Up Tempo! announcement
Summer in Minnesota is the time to enjoy music in the parks and that is exactly what MacPhail Center for Music is doing as it hosts its second annual Sounds of Summer Music Festival on Saturday, July 8, from 3-7pm at Water Works at Mill Ruins Park, 425 West River Parkway.
This event, which is free and open to the public, is perfect for all ages and will feature rich, soulful and dynamic performances by MacPhail Center for Music students and faculty. Performances will include MacPhail’s premier percussion ensemble, RimShots!, student soloists and MacPhail’s Faculty Jazz Combo, followed by MacPhail’s Community Youth Choir led by Twin Cities legendary musician J.D. Steele, and headliner, the Michael Cain Trio, featuring Ted Olson and Angelo Stokes.
“We have such a vibrant music community in Minnesota, and this is one way to enjoy local music and celebrate the musicians – both well-known and established along with those who are upcoming,” said Paul Babcock, president and chief operating officer at MacPhail Center for Music. “We welcome everyone to this free and fun-filled summer event.”
In addition to listening to lively music on a summer afternoon, MacPhail Center for Music will be announcing Up Tempo!, its fundraising campaign. Up Tempo! is a $25 million fundraising campaign that will provide scholarships for children and youth, support vital new music programs and ensure access for all to MacPhail. The campaign has raised $19 million thus far and is in its final stretch of raising $6 million.
“We have seen at MacPhail how music has the ability to transform lives and strengthen communities,” said Kyle Carpenter, MacPhail Center for Music Chief Executive Officer. “As the world experiences significant cultural and generation shifts along with music education funding challenges in schools, MacPhail Center for Music is committed to continuing its mission and increasing accessibility of music to anyone who wishes to experience the life-changing and transformational advantages of including music in their lives.”
Through its fundraising efforts, MacPhail Center for Music hopes to build on its legacy and provide even more robust music programs for the community. The funds raised will help by delivering unparalleled music learning by exemplary faculty to students of all backgrounds and abilities; developing compelling and diverse new programs through new curricula and teaching methods, and connecting students with the music most relevant to them; and broadening accessibility to ensure no student is ever turned away due to financial challenges.
Below are photos from the 2022 Sounds of Summer event:
