Signature Events

Signature Events bring MIM’s galleries to life through extraordinary cultural and celebratory experiences.

Signature Events bring the museum’s galleries to life by celebrating the world’s diverse music and cultures, popular music genres, and iconic musicians with exciting programs year-round. These family-friendly weekend events offer a variety of engaging activities, such as live musical and dance performances, curator talks, film screenings, workshops, storytelling, and more!

EXPERIENCE CULTURAL PROGRAMS

Immerse yourself in diverse music and cultures from around the globe. Each event focuses on a different country or geographic region.

MUSICAL ICON PROGRAMS

Commemorate influential and inspiring artists who are known as icons of the musical world and featured in MIM’s galleries.

CELEBRATE PROGRAMS

Discover something new about musical genres and experience how different traditions begin, become popular, and develop over time.

All Signature Events are included with paid museum admission and free for members.

 

2020 SIGNATURE EVENTS

MUSICAL ICON: ELLA FITZGERALD
February 22 & 23
“Dream a little dream” while celebrating Ella Fitzgerald with tribute performances, a microphone craft, and documentary screenings showcasing the life of the “Queen of Jazz.”

EXPERIENCE IRELAND
March 14 & 15
Soak in the music and culture of the Emerald Isle with live performances, music-making and dance workshops, a shamrock craft, and curator talks.

CELEBRATION SATURDAYS
Join us in the countdown to MIM’s 10th anniversary with five consecutive Celebration Saturdays that explore everything from the science of sound, to the tango, to jazz, and so much more!

  • The Tango  |  March 21
    Step into the cherished Argentine tradition of the tango with a guest lecture, a beginner-friendly dance workshop, and an enchanting performance. The day will conclude with a milonga to bring guests and performers together in a one-of-a-kind social dance.
  • The Science of Sound  |  March 28
    Learn about the deep ties between music and science with an interactive STEM workshop and a guest lecture by professor emeritus of biochemistry at Texas A&M, Dr. Joseph Nagyvary, entitled “Unlocking the mystery of the Stradivarius.”
  • All That Jazz  |  April 4
    Come share your love for the timeless genre of jazz with a screening of the recently remastered film Jazz on a Summer’s Day, a concert film set at the star-studded Newport Jazz Festival of 1958.
  • MIM Out Loud  |  April 11
    Get the chance to experience the rare instruments housed at MIM as they are brought to life with sound, including the self-playing Yamaha Disklavier, the eleven-foot tall octobasse, and the one-of-a-kind visible organ custom-made for MIM!
  • Playing For Change  |  April 18
    Discover the power of sharing music across cultures with a unique opportunity to make music alongside members of the Playing For Change Band, comprised of musicians from around the world.

MIM’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
April 24, 25 & 26
Embark on a musical journey around the globe to commemorate MIM’s 10th anniversary and reflect on a decade of music: the language of the soul. Diverse performances, hands-on learning experiences, and thrilling musical encounters will bring MIM’s immense collection to life.

EXPERIENCE CENTRAL AFRICA
May 23 & 24
Explore traditional and modern musical cultures of Central Africa through performances, interactive workshops, and engaging lectures. Enhance your visit by touring MIM’s special exhibition, Congo Masks and Music: Masterpieces of Central Africa.

CELEBRATE BLUEGRASS
June 6 & 7
Let the music pluck at your heartstrings during a weekend dedicated to this American roots genre from Appalachia. Take in a lively performance and gain deeper insight into the history and instruments of bluegrass.

EXPERIENCE FRANCE
July 11 & 12
Celebrate Bastille Day and French culture at MIM. Enjoy musical performances, shop for French merchandise at the Museum Store, and indulge in a French-inspired menu at our café. Vive la France!

EXPERIENCE INDIA
September 5 & 6
Engage in the depth and variety of India’s performing-arts culture through vibrant musical and dance performances, participatory workshops, and curator talks.

EXPERIENCE JAPAN
October 3 & 4
Experience the music of the “Land of the Rising Sun.” From the excitement of taiko drums to the pure tones of the shakuhachi flute, Japanese music has something for everyone.

’TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAYS AT MIM
December 19 & 20
Enjoy MIM’s musical transformation into a “Winter Wonderland” with seasonal songs and musical traditions from around the world.

VIEW CALENDAR

 

Programming is subject to change.