Make Music New York: Waterway Horns

Part of Make Music Day 2026, this performance spotlights NYC’s vital public waterfront gathering spaces through the power of music.

Enjoy the return of “Waterway Horns,” a singular initiative designed to spotlight NYC’s vital public waterfront gathering spaces through the power of music. In partnership with the Tideland Institute, Captain N.D. Austin has outfitted the historic Shoofly tugboat with a custom-designed ‘Hobophonium’ sound system made of salvaged tubas, ship horns, and bells. Musicians aboard the tug will perform as it makes its way along the East River and Hudson River, to be joined at select piers by the Landlubber Ensemble assembled under the direction of acclaimed composer/musician Stefan Zeniuk. Join us in creating a dynamic and integrated call and response composition!

For additional information and to register to participate, visit I Want to Toot My Own Horn!

While visible and audible all along the Hudson River shorefront throughout the day, key “stages” featuring the Landlubbers along the route at which to meet and play along include:

• Pier I, Riverside Park, West 70th St
  12:00-12:15pm
• Pier 45, Hudson River Park, west of West 10th St
  2:00-2:15pm
• Pier 17, South Street Seaport
  3:30-3:45pm

Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.