From the drumming circle to the showcasing of a variety of instruments and performers, Make Music Eastlake was a “great start” for a first-year event.

That was the observation of Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, executive director of the Fairmount Center for the Arts and the organizer of the local event.

On June 21 Eastlake became one of more than 800 Make Music Day locations around the world.

“The weather held up and it was wonderful to have people from all over come and connect through music,” Fleming-Gifford said. “The city did a great job of sharing social pics and videos throughout the evening.”

When Fleming-Gifford visited Nashville on Make Music Day a few years ago, she brought home materials of how that city had created a series of music activities through the downtown area.

Inspired, she approached Eastlake.

“There’s no better time to elevate and celebrate the role music plays in our lives and our community,” Fleming-Gifford said. “This is about connection, community and collaborations. Music brings it all together.”

In 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere — street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, storefronts and mountaintops.

Since its launching in France in 1982, Make Music Day is now held in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. Make Music Day is open to anyone who wants to take part, whether they are young or old, an amateur or professional.