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PHOTOS: Make Music Day Salem marks a return to normalcy and the start of summer

RiverCity Rebels perform at the Wooly Bully Stage at the Willamette Heritage Center during Make Music Day in Salem. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

It’s been a rare sight to see huddles of people gathered maskless since the pandemic upended lives last spring.

But on Monday, the official start of summer, Salem’s streets were alive with music and people as Make Music Day Salem marked the return of live music.

There were beatboxers, folk singers and rock bands smattered throughout the city performing for free to passersby.  Musicians set up on sidewalks, in front of bars, stores and at the Willamette Heritage Center.

Despite the 90-plus degree heat, people were smiling and clapping, taking refuge under awnings when possible.

There’s still time to catch some tunes. Make Music Day’s last performers start at 9 p.m. A full schedule is at https://www.makemusicsalem.org/schedule

Tom Murphy plays mandolin in front of Venti’s Cafe and Basement Bar during Make Music Day Salem. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

Melanie Weston claps for David Rodriguez outside her gallery Salem on the Edge during Make Music Day Salem. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

Al Silvera and Brandy Engel watch Robotic Torres perform in front of Caakes during Make Music Day on June 21, 2021. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

J Schroeder plays piano in front of Kraftworks during Make Music Day in Salem. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

People took refuge in the shade during Make Music Day in Salem as temperatures rose into the 90s. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

The Boys Wilson perform in front of Noble Wave on June 21, 2021 during Make Music Day. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

David Rodriguez sings in Spanish in front of Salem on the Edge gallery during Make Music Day in Salem. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

People clap for a performer during Make Music Day in Salem, an all day free music event. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

People gather in front of the Wooly Bully Stage at the Willamette Heritage Center on June 21, 2021 to see musicians perform during Make Music Day. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

A sign advertising Make Music Day in Salem. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

Musicians performed all over Salem during Make Music Day on June 21, 2021. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

A pair of drummers performed while riding on downtown streets during Make Music Day on June 21, 2021. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)

Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected]

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