The Instigator
Mark Green, an integral part of RiverCity Rock Star Academy and the heart of Make Music Salem, passed away on August 5, 2025, from Wild-Type Amyloidosis. Mark, along with his wife Karen and daughter Danielle, founded RiverCity in 2015, as a place to learn, perform, and form lasting friendships and bands. Since then, thousands of students, families and dedicated teachers have been part of the RiverCity network. Mark chose the school’s motto ‘We Believe Everyone is a Musician’ and believed everyone should have the opportunity to experience music. Mark and Karen helped establish a nonprofit music scholarship fund, Salem Music Initiative, to provide financial assistance to eligible students of all ages, including adults. Mark wanted to make his community a better place for everyone, and never hesitated for RiverCity to partner with community organizations on music and other events. Mark was proud that RiverCity received the ‘Al Loucks Business-Government Partnership Award’ from the City of Salem in 2024, and the ‘100 Top Dealer Award’ for 2024 and 2025 at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show, for the RiverCity pro shop.
Mark always wanted to make his community a better place for everyone and he was excited to be able to bring the international music celebration Make Music Day to Salem, with the first Salem music event taking place on June 21, 2016 (always on the first day of summer). Since then, Make Music Salem has grown into a large-scale, free event featuring over 275 performances across more than 60 venues, and just celebrated its 10th Year of hosting. The event spans every genre and style, providing a platform for musicians of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to share their talents. Mark was proud that the Make Music Salem volunteer committee received the City of Salem ’Spirit Award’ in 2024, and was recognized by the national Make Music Alliance as the ‘Best Functioning Smaller-to-Medium Sized City.’ Mark was also a member of the Make Music Alliance Board.
Information about a Celebration of Life is forthcoming.
The Book Bin
Carlee Wright
