ArtistDirect News
Big Bear Lake Hosts Sixth Annual Make Music Day Celebration on June 21
When the sun climbed over Big Bear Lake on Sunday, June 21, the town’s streets erupted into a spontaneous, all‑day jam session that drew more than 60 musicians and a crowd of locals and visitors along the Moonridge corridor and the Village L.
The day opened with a speech from Mayor Randall Putz, but the moment he finished was interrupted by a chorus of singers from the Diane Kubeja Voice Studio who launched into Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The performance was followed by a playful reenactment of the iconic car‑headbanging scene from Wayne’s World, after which Mayor Putz concluded his remarks, thanking the committee and emphasizing music’s healing power.
Throughout the afternoon, the Village offered a diverse lineup. Soloists such as Alec Johnson, Connie Ybarra, David Bishop and Tom Stauffer took turns on stage, while duos—including Roper and Roper, Scott and Amy, and Robbie Bos with Bob Middleton—shared the spotlight. Full‑band acts—Merge Left, Elevated, Dragonwolfe, The Linda Ronstandt Project and Brand New Keys—provided a continuous backdrop of sound. The event showcased musicians of all ages, from young talents Urijah Rojas and Stella Rosenblatt to Baby Boomer‑era artists and others in between.
The local flavor was amplified by the Yucaipa Ukes, a group that trekked up the mountain for the day, who performed alongside the High Mountain Ooks, a student ukulele ensemble from Randy Boswell’s class. Organizers floated the idea of a future “battle of the Ukes/Ooks” as a possible highlight for next year’s celebration.
Make Music Day is part of an international tradition that began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique. According to the Make Music Alliance, the day is now celebrated in more than 750 cities across 120 countries, encouraging citizens to play music outdoors and host free concerts. Big Bear Lake’s participation has grown steadily; the 2026 event marked the sixth year the town has hosted the celebration.
A key feature of the day was the distribution of musical instruments. Over 100 egg shakers and 75 kazoos were handed out to both kids and adults, allowing everyone to create music on the spot. The instruments underscored the event’s goal of making music accessible to all, regardless of skill level.
The presence of the Diane Kubeja Voice Studio singers—who have performed at venues such as the Sydney Opera House—added a professional touch to the community‑focused atmosphere, bringing polished vocalists into a casual, public setting.
Big Bear Lake, a reservoir nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, has long hosted community events that celebrate its natural beauty and local culture. The Make Music Day celebration fits neatly into that tradition of fostering community engagement through music and outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, the Make Music Big Bear Committee plans to continue its annual celebration on June 21, with potential new features such as the proposed ukulele battle. The event’s success demonstrates the enduring appeal of free, community‑driven music festivals and their role in strengthening local bonds.
In summary, the June 21 celebration in Big Bear Lake brought together a diverse array of musicians, instruments, and audiences in a public space, reinforcing the town’s commitment to accessible music and community cohesion. The event’s alignment with the global Make Music Day movement highlights its significance as part of a broader cultural tradition that encourages music as a shared, healing experience.
The day opened with a speech from Mayor Randall Putz, but the moment he finished was interrupted by a chorus of singers from the Diane Kubeja Voice Studio who launched into Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The performance was followed by a playful reenactment of the iconic car‑headbanging scene from Wayne’s World, after which Mayor Putz concluded his remarks, thanking the committee and emphasizing music’s healing power.
Throughout the afternoon, the Village offered a diverse lineup. Soloists such as Alec Johnson, Connie Ybarra, David Bishop and Tom Stauffer took turns on stage, while duos—including Roper and Roper, Scott and Amy, and Robbie Bos with Bob Middleton—shared the spotlight. Full‑band acts—Merge Left, Elevated, Dragonwolfe, The Linda Ronstandt Project and Brand New Keys—provided a continuous backdrop of sound. The event showcased musicians of all ages, from young talents Urijah Rojas and Stella Rosenblatt to Baby Boomer‑era artists and others in between.
The local flavor was amplified by the Yucaipa Ukes, a group that trekked up the mountain for the day, who performed alongside the High Mountain Ooks, a student ukulele ensemble from Randy Boswell’s class. Organizers floated the idea of a future “battle of the Ukes/Ooks” as a possible highlight for next year’s celebration.
Make Music Day is part of an international tradition that began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique. According to the Make Music Alliance, the day is now celebrated in more than 750 cities across 120 countries, encouraging citizens to play music outdoors and host free concerts. Big Bear Lake’s participation has grown steadily; the 2026 event marked the sixth year the town has hosted the celebration.
A key feature of the day was the distribution of musical instruments. Over 100 egg shakers and 75 kazoos were handed out to both kids and adults, allowing everyone to create music on the spot. The instruments underscored the event’s goal of making music accessible to all, regardless of skill level.
The presence of the Diane Kubeja Voice Studio singers—who have performed at venues such as the Sydney Opera House—added a professional touch to the community‑focused atmosphere, bringing polished vocalists into a casual, public setting.
Big Bear Lake, a reservoir nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, has long hosted community events that celebrate its natural beauty and local culture. The Make Music Day celebration fits neatly into that tradition of fostering community engagement through music and outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, the Make Music Big Bear Committee plans to continue its annual celebration on June 21, with potential new features such as the proposed ukulele battle. The event’s success demonstrates the enduring appeal of free, community‑driven music festivals and their role in strengthening local bonds.
In summary, the June 21 celebration in Big Bear Lake brought together a diverse array of musicians, instruments, and audiences in a public space, reinforcing the town’s commitment to accessible music and community cohesion. The event’s alignment with the global Make Music Day movement highlights its significance as part of a broader cultural tradition that encourages music as a shared, healing experience.