Earlier we learned about Fête de la Musique in South of France.

What is a gift from France, appreciated by millions, and requires thousands of hours to put together?

The answer is not the Statue of Liberty, but good guess. The correct answer is the Fête de la Musique. While New York has consistently been at the center of the music scene, the city has never been witness to this celebration. For the first time, however, on June 21st, New York will take part in the Fête de la Musique.

If you plan to be in New York on this date, instead of renting a hotel room, why not stay in a New York bed & breakfast or a New York vacation rental? Join New York Habitat and the city of New York as we celebrate the first coming of this world-renowned festival.

Music Festival New YorkThe organizers of the New York celebration have chosen to name the festival Make Music New York, in response to the French play on words: fête, which means “festival”, and faites (same pronunciation), which means “make.”

As New York Habitat operates offers apartments in New York, apartments in Paris, as well as villas and apartments in the South of France, this festival is of great interest to us. The Fête de la Musique originated in France in 1982. Jack Lang, the Minister of Culture, worked to create a day in which anyone could perform on the streets of France and any person was free to crowd the squares and plazas to enjoy the music making.

The Fête de la Musique was first held on the day of summer solstice in 1982 and has continued to be held on that day in France and all over the world. The festival is meant to promote diversity in music and also aids to provide a stage for non-professional musicians.

The day’s performances will cover classical, electronic, hip-hop, jazz, world music, funk, young musicians, Latin, and more!

Music Festival New YorkToday the festival takes place in over 300 cities in 108 countries including: Egypt, Cuba, Australia, Japan, Poland, and Greece. For a detailed list of the many countries involved, as well as further information on Make Music New York, visit http://www.makemusicny.org/.

Make Music New York will take place in various locations all over the five boroughs. Use this festival as an opportunity to explore a neighborhood or borough that you have never visited, while also enjoying local musicians. Don’t wait! Find a great apartment, discover New York, and perhaps, while you’re at it, make some music.

Feel free to suggest great neighborhoods or to comment on Fête de la Musique and/or Make Music New York below.