NATIONAL BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DAY

Each year on May 22 we observe National Buy a Musical Instrument Day.  The day is all about playing music.  If you are a musician, it might be time for a new instrument.  Maybe you can learn to play a second or third one.  If you have never played an instrument before, National Buy A Musical Instrument Day might be the motivation you need to start.

National Buy a Musical Instrument Day is not just for school-aged children. This observation is for people of all ages.  Grandpa can play his ukelele while the grandkids play the drums, trombone, and flute. Together they can all make terrific music!

While most of us will only view this as a hobby, I can say from teaching hundreds of adults, yes this is possible. Even if you only sing, play by ear or are interested in playing from music I can tell you it is definitely something that everyone can do to a degree.

Musical Instruments
Find an instrument that suits you. My husband is a professional musician and his keyboard is played in real-time live performances. It has the ability to sound like a $40,000 grand piano, to an electric guitar. With brass, reed and almost anything you might want in between.
Scottlmusic
Check out his site with live music he performs.

NATIONAL BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DAY HISTORY

While ununable to find any information on the fonder. Evidence supporting National Buy a Musical Instrument Day was originally May 18 in honor of Meredith Willson, the writer, and composer of The Music Man. While the plot of The Music Man and Willson’s hometown inspiration for the book, musical, and film have a delightful kinship to this day, at this time we are unable to confirm the origin of this day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay

No matter your age or musical experience, May 22nd is the day to go instrument shopping. Use #BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay to post on social media.

JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Jewish American Heritage Month in May reflects on the contributions of the Jewish people to a young and growing Nation over its almost 250-year history. Like many in the United States, their culture and history go far beyond the founding date of the country. The Jewish people began establishing families, businesses, synagogues and contributing to their communities long before 1776.

In every sector of the Nation, Jews have made vital contributions to the culture and molding of the country. Each generation made contributions that shaped who we are today. From the early progress of colonies deciding to raise arms against the British (Hyam Solomon) to our courts (Louis Brandeis and Elena Kagan), they continue to build upon the civilization their forefathers sought. Others brought their scientific knowledge (Albert Einstein and Jonas Salk) while a community of business leaders created foundations (Al Fleishman and Monroe Green). They also filled the world of arts with immense talent entertaining us (Woody Allen, Barbara Streisand, J.J. Abrams), creating classic compositions (Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein), or writing timeless works (Norman Mailer, Ayn Rand).

Jewish American Heritage Month also looks at the history of injustice the Jewish people have had to overcome for centuries, not just in America but around the world. It’s a time to reflect on the tragic conditions they suffered and at times continue to face. The observance also offers the opportunity to end anti-Semitism and learn the history behind it.

JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Following resolutions passed by the House and Senate, in 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed May to be Jewish American Heritage Month. His proclamation was the result of efforts by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders.

Each year since then, the sitting president proclaims Jewish American Heritage Month in May.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth

During Jewish American Heritage Month attend local events hosted by heritage centers, libraries, schools, and synagogs. These organizations host seminars, webinars and other events sharing the heritage, history, and culture of Jewish Americans. You can also take time to read books, memoirs or documentaries on the subject. Share your Jewish heritage and family history or speak at a local event.

Use #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY

On National Record Store Day, owners, employees, and music lovers gather in the place that created a culture of its own.

From vinyl to digital and back to vinyl again, the brick and mortar store celebrates a love of not just the music, but the art of jacket covers, words, and style. Through a variety of events, record stores across the country and the world hold one day events and promotions.

Even though independent record stores have dwindled in the last decade, around 1,400 still remain in operation in the United States. Most of those are operating in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle. However, other smaller metro areas also cater to vinyl and disc, too. Think Duluth, Fargo, Des Moines, and Terre Haute. They all have record stores full of classic albums waiting for you to discover your favorite cover.

NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY HISTORY

Founded in 2007 by a gathering of independent record store owners, the first National Record Store Day included Metallica meeting fans at Rasputin Music in San Francisco. Since then, the celebration spread globally encompassing all genres of music and fandom.

Vinyl records never went away and companies who make them are seeing increased popularity.  The most expensive vinyl record is certainly not the most collectible because, well, only one was ever made. In 2015, hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan produce a single copy of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. The album was purchased for 2 million dollars.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY