Community music spaces bring new vitality
Street music is gradually becoming a familiar part of cultural life in eastern Lam Dong. Without elaborate stages or barriers between performers and audiences, simple melodies heard in parks, squares and community spaces are enriching local cultural life, connecting generations and strengthening community bonds.
"Nhip Sang - Morning Jam"
Every Sunday from about 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Vo Van Kiet Park in Phu Thuy Ward becomes livelier than usual. In the fresh morning air, saxophone, violin, and guitar melodies create a distinctive musical atmosphere amid everyday life.
With no barriers or admission fees, this familiar corner of the park has become a gathering place where the "Nhip Sang - Morning Jam" group performs and invites others to join in.
Represented by Huu An, the group was formed with the idea of bringing music beyond traditional performance spaces and closer to everyday life.
"We simply wanted to bring music into an open space. There is no need for a grand concert hall. Anyone passing by can stop to listen or even bring an instrument and join us. The music here does not belong to anyone in particular. It belongs to everyone," Huu An said.
That relaxed, spontaneous spirit gives "Nhip Sang - Morning Jam" an appeal that even professional stages do not always offer.
For Bui Van Hau, the group's saxophonist, the greatest reward after each performance is not financial, but the attentive faces and friendly smiles of listeners. "Playing music on a cool morning and seeing people stop to listen gives us fresh energy. The fatigue from a whole week of work seems to disappear," Hau said.
More than a recreational activity, "Nhip Sang - Morning Jam" is also enriching grassroots cultural life.
Nguyen Huu Thong, member of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Phu Thuy Ward Party Committee and Chairman of the Ward People's Council, praised the initiative and creativity of local young people. He said their voluntary Sunday morning performances at Vo Van Kiet Park have created a healthy cultural space and helped meet residents' demand for arts and entertainment. Local authorities are ready to listen, support and accompany the initiative so it can continue to grow, reach more people and gradually become a distinctive part of local cultural life.
Spreading grassroots cultural vitality
Beyond the music activities at Vo Van Kiet Park, Phu Thuy Ward has also seen other creative and flexible community arts initiatives. One example is Cau Vong Music Space, initiated by People's Artist Minh Man, Secretary of Residential Area 7.
Created through contributions from individuals and businesses with a passion for the arts, Cau Vong Music Space quickly became a familiar cultural gathering place for residents and visitors.
Children, older people and artists share the same modest stage, while audiences sometimes remain seated through sudden rain to enjoy the performances. These moments reflect the vitality and appeal of community arts, where value comes not from elaborate stages or expensive costumes, but from a shared love of music, enthusiasm and human connection.
These community music models have also helped connect generations. On weekends, it is common to see several generations of a family strolling together and stopping by park benches to enjoy the music.
Amid busy daily life, open music spaces also offer workers a place to relax. Ma Ngoc Thien, a Grab driver from Bac Binh, said he sometimes stops at the park after morning trips.
"Work can be stressful, but sitting in the park and listening to music for a while makes me feel much lighter and refreshed before continuing my day," he said.
From the music-filled corner of "Nhip Sang - Morning Jam" to the warm community spirit found in other shared cultural spaces, these initiatives show the impact of ideas that begin with local people and receive support from grassroots authorities.
Without elaborate scripts or grand stages, the vibes of young musicians and support from local authorities have helped create vibrant community cultural spaces. Simple melodies woven into everyday life offer not only moments of relaxation but also stronger human connections and a greater sense of community. Familiar parks and public spaces are becoming cultural gathering places where music spreads joy and a love of life.