In Loving Memory of Mark Green — Founder of Make Music Salem

In Loving Memory of Mark Green — Founder of Make Music Salem

Salem, [State] — August 5, 2025 — It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of Mark Green, the passionate heartbeat and visionary founder of Make Music Salem. After a courageous and hard-fought battle with wild-type amyloidosis, Mark left us peacefully on the evening of August 5, 2025, surrounded by love.

A Champion for Community and Sound

Mark wasn’t just the driving force behind Make Music Salem—an inclusive, community-focused festival that brought live music to the streets, parks, and hearts of Salem—he embodied the very essence of what it represented: creative connection, joyful participation, and the unifying power of music. Under his leadership:

• Local musicians and rising talents found stages and audiences.

• Families, friends, and strangers came together under a shared soundtrack of summer melodies.

• Every performance—whether symphony, soloist, or street ensemble—was met with Mark’s unwavering warmth and enthusiastic support.

His dream transformed Salem each summer into a harmonized tapestry of voices and instruments, all thanks to his boundless energy and generous spirit.

A Journey Marked by Courage and Grace

Wild-type amyloidosis is a rare, progressive condition that affects multiple organs, posing profound physical challenges. Yet Mark faced his diagnosis with determination and a heart full of hope. He continued to lead with courage:

• Overseeing festival logistics via phone and email, even from the hospital.

• Encouraging performers to embrace the stage, reminding them—and everyone—that music heals.

A Community United in Grief and Gratitude

News of Mark’s passing has cast a reflective hush across Salem’s streets and stages. Musicians, volunteers, and attendees from countless Make Music Salem events have shared their grief—and shared stories of how Mark made them feel welcomed, emboldened, and heard.

One longtime performer recalled:

“Mark didn’t just organize this festival—he lived it. He made you believe your music mattered. That’s the kind of kindness you don’t forget.”

Expressions of sympathy and fond remembrance continue to pour in from around the region.

Memorial Events and Tributes

Mark’s family invites the public to join a heartfelt Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 15, at 5:00 p.m. in the heart of Happiness Plaza—one of the festival’s most cherished venues. Aggregate tributes will include:

• Musical performances across genres.

• A moment of silence at 6:00 p.m., marking the hour of his passing.

• An open mic for anyone wishing to share a memory, poem, or song in Mark’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a newly established “Make Music Salem Memorial Fund”, aimed at:

• Providing scholarships for emerging local musicians.

• Supporting community-centered music workshops and events in perpetuity.

A Legacy Written in Harmony

Mark Green’s passing leaves a heartbreaking void—but it also reminds us of the beauty he inspired. His legacy lives on in every chord played at Make Music Salem, in every note of community he fostered, and in every life his kindness touched.

Rest In Peace, Mark. Your music plays on—echoing in Salem and beyond.