Make Music Day is an international day of free live music. Musicians of all types, skill sets, and ages come together with venues to put on concerts all day. This day is all about bringing live music experiences to our community.

Make Music Day happens every year, June 21st. This year, the event falls on a Friday. 2024 is the seventh year that Northwest CT is participating. Register as a venue or performer and start promoting your participation in Make Music NWCT!

Make Music NWCT is proudly presented by the NWCT Arts Council.
Check out a trailer for Make Music NWCT!

Who can participate in Make Music Day?

• Anyone is welcome to participate! Whether you are a professional musician or you’ve never performed in public, this day is for you.

What does Make Music Day really look like?

For a glimpse of past performances and some inspiration, go to the Make Music Day youtube page to see videos of Make Music Day from all over the world.

REGISTER HERE

How it works:

Musicians/Singers and Venues/Locations can register using our matchmaking site. Once registered, performers can request time slots at different venues, and venues can request performers. You can all communicate and coordinate with one another through the matchmaking site!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Log in regularly to keep up-to-date with new invitations and performer profiles. Participants (music makers and music venues/hosts) will come in daily between now and June.

Musicians/Singers:

Anyone from beginners to seasoned professionals are invited to participate in Make Music Day. If you are interested in participating, register on our Matchmaking Portal! Here, you can request to perform during certain time slots at different venues. You can include all your needs for your performances in your profile when you register (i.e. electricity, pianos, or general quietness).

Venues:

Almost anywhere can be a venue! We encourage people to think outside of the box as to what a venue can be. There is also an option to host online/virtual performances. We do encourage outdoor venues (with a backup ‘rain location’) to keep performances accessible. As a venue you are also able to review and approve performances. Register as a venue and request performances on our Matchmaking Portal.

Create your own Make Music Day poster!

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Get in touch with us at info@artsnwct.org

FAQ

What is Make Music NWCT?

Make Music NWCT is a free region-wide celebration of music open to the public. It is an official chapter of International Make Music Day, which began in France as the Fête de la Musique in 1982.

The goal is to spread the joy of live music to our community and to highlight local musicians. It is open to performers of all ages, skill levels, and genres.  

Why isn’t it always on a weekend?

Make Music Day always falls on the Summer Solstice, June 21st. It is celebrated in more than 750 cities around the world. 

Who can participate?

Musicians and venues of all types are encouraged to participate in Make Music Day. There is no audition process, and students, amateurs, part-time professionals, and established artists are all welcome. 

The first step is to sign up through the Matchmaking Portal and connect with venues or artists to schedule performances. Surprise us with your creativity!

Participants Info

Where can I perform?

Venues from all over the region sign up to open their doors to musical performances. Log in to the Matchmaking Portal to see a list of participating venues.

To host performances at your venue, go to the Matchmaking Portal.

How long will each performance last?

Artists and venues must agree to the length of the performance during the matchmaking process. It is very important to stick to the agreed-upon length so that the statewide performance schedule stays on track.

May I perform all over the state?

Yes, but each participating region/city has its own organizer and registration site. Be sure you are registering on the right sites. Make sure to leave enough time to get to your next gig and tell the each venue about your plans.

 You can find all participating towns/regions from the state at Make Music CT.

What if my band signs up now, but has to back out later?

Performances can be edited up until the registration deadline (Friday, 6/21).  Once you are locked in, we are counting on you to perform!  If you do need to cancel, please let both the Arts Council and your venue know immediately. All performances that are registered and confirmed by the deadline will be locked in and publicized.

What if I play an instrument, but don’t have my own band?

You can play a solo performance or connect with other artists and plan joint performances on the Matchmaking Portal.  You can also join or organize a “Special Project” event, a gathering where musicians of all backgrounds can come together to jam.  Reach out to us via (860)-618-0075 or info@artsnwct.org for more information.   

Are there any noise ordinance restrictions?

Noise ordinances are in effect on Make Music Day.  Typically 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM are acceptable times for higher decibel sound, and common sense and courtesy should be practiced.  There have been cases of venues hosting later performances planned in cooperation with surrounding homeowners.

Who will provide a stage / tuned grand piano / etc. for my concert?

Venue listings on the Matchmaking Portal will specify what they can provide, and whether electricity and/or pianos are available.

Will there be a main stage?

There will not be a main stage. Performances will take place at various locations, some during the same time slots. Your stage could be a front porch, a restaurant patio, a park bench, or any other outdoor space you can imagine. Do you have somewhere you’d love to play? Convince that location to register as a venue!

Will I be paid to perform?

Make Music Day is a free international day of music open to the public.  The goal is to spread joy through music to communities that might not have access to live performances.  Musicians and venues are not paid.  While most performers volunteer their time and talents, both venues and musicians are welcome to seek outside sponsorship and support for their programming.

Can I charge admission for a Make Music NWCT concert?

No.  All performances are free and open to the public.

Can my concert be “invitation only”?

No.  All performances must be free and open to the public.

Can I have my event indoors?

Yes. We encourage venues/performers to host outdoor performances,  but indoor performances are OK too.