Music along the Main Street of America
Since its creation 100 years ago, America’s immortal Route 66 has inspired countless songs by Nat King Cole, The Eagles, Nelson Riddle, Woody Guthrie, Alan Rhody, and many more.
For the highway’s Centennial celebration in 2026, Make Music Day chapters along the route from Chicago to Santa Monica are hosting special events on June 21 to highlight the highway’s central role in music history.
Take a Sunday drive, roll down the windows, and explore the music of the Mother Road for yourself!
Chicago, IL
At the official start of Route 66 on Chicago’s Navy Pier, Make Music Chicago hosts an afternoon of Route 66-inspired music played by two bands from the School of Rock.
Between 1:00pm – 3:00pm the House Band from School of Rock Chicago West (Ari, Capri, Gabi, Grey, Jahaan, Jasper, Kristen, Liam, Luciana, Malachi, Max, Nelson, Noah, Owen, Ozzy, Paige, and Tal) will perform songs including “Get Your Kicks On Route 66,” “Highway Star,” and “Every Day Is A Winding Road.” And the Red Hots from the School of Rock Chicago (Alexa, Bella, Blake, Charlie, Cruz, Hazel, Liam, Mason, Nicolas, Sarina, Tessa, Via, and Vivi) will perform a set including “Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe and “Interstate Love Song” by Stone Temple Pilots.
Tulsa, OK
Make Music Tulsa, the “Capital of Route 66,” will feature musical performances alongside the giant roadside figures known as The Land of the Giants.
They also have set up interactive musical bikes, an art installation where you can hop on a bike and pedal to power drums, guitar, bass, and vocals, bringing Route 66-inspired songs to life
And if that’s not enough, people are invited to drive down the Route 66 Musical Highway, where specially engineered rumble strips play the melody of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land” as long as you drive at exactly 35 miles per hour!
Santa Monica, CA
Route 66 terminates in Santa Monica – one of the newest Make Music Day chapters – where Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is running a year-long Route 66 Song Contest. The songwriter who best captures the spirit, history, and cultural significance of Route 66 to the city will win a grand prize of $10,000.
For Make Music Day, plans are underway to feature Route 66 songs at Mel’s Diner, the original end-of-the-road destination. Watch this space for details!
