Oakland University to Celebrate Peace Day with Free Concert on September 21
ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Oakland University will once again honor the International Day of Peace with its annual Peace Day Concert, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 21 at Varner Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public, offering a musical celebration dedicated to unity, compassion, and global understanding.
A Celebration of Peace Through Music
This year’s Peace Day Concert will highlight the talents of Joe Reilly, a singer, songwriter, social worker, Dharma teacher, and educator known for writing heartfelt songs that build community across cultural and social divides. Reilly’s music emphasizes healing and connection, making him an ideal centerpiece for this year’s performance.
He will be joined by Lesley-Anne Stone and Mark Stone, both respected voices in the world of socially conscious and community-driven music. Together, the trio promises a concert that embodies the theme of “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” the official message for this year’s International Day of Peace.
Honoring a Global Tradition
The International Day of Peace was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 and has since been observed annually on September 21 as a day for humanity to rise above differences and contribute to a culture of peace. Across the globe, events ranging from vigils and educational programs to concerts and public gatherings serve as reminders of our shared responsibility to promote harmony.
By aligning with this tradition, Oakland University affirms its role not only as an educational institution but also as a community leader that fosters inclusivity, dialogue, and cultural awareness through the arts.
The Message Behind the Music
For Joe Reilly, the mission is deeply personal. “When we make music together from the heart, we remember who we really are as relatives in one big extended Earth family,” he explained in anticipation of the concert. “We are able to experience our deep, indestructible nature of interbeing and embody the peace that we want to see in the world.”
That philosophy echoes the spirit of the International Day of Peace — a reminder that the simple act of making and sharing music can become a bridge between communities, faiths, and generations.
Free Admission and Community Participation
The Peace Day Concert is free to attend, encouraging broad participation from both the university and the wider Michigan community. Organizers emphasize that music is a universal language, capable of drawing together diverse audiences to share in reflection and solidarity.
For more details, attendees can contact Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at 248-370-2030 or via email at smtd@oakland.edu.
The Peace Day Concert at Oakland University is more than an afternoon of music — it is a call to action and reflection for all who believe in the power of art to create understanding and harmony.