About
Each year, over 1,000 cities around the world throw citywide music celebrations on June 21.
It all started 40 years ago in France.
In 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, store fronts and mountaintops.
And, unlike a typical music festival, anyone and everyone would be invited to join and play music, or host performances. The event would take place on the summer solstice, June 21, and would be called Fête De La Musique. (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music!”)
Amazingly enough, this dream has come true. The Fête has turned into a true national holiday: France shuts down on the summer solstice and musicians take over. Almost 8% of the country (5 million people) have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique.
Three decades later, the holiday has spread throughout the world and is now celebrated in more than 120 countries. In the U.S., the presenting sponsor is the NAMM Foundation.
2023 brought this new event to Polk County. In a partnership between the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Art Association, we are striving to bring live music, of all kinds, to the residents of Polk County. Your business can be anywhere in Polk County to participate.
As a third year event, and on a weekend, this event will be from 5-10pm, with the intention of growing a little bit each year. The idea of bringing families and individuals out on the first day of Solstice to enjoy the talented musicians and visit local businesses, was one day that could not be ignored. Enjoy! Listen! Dance!
Participate
Want to play? There’s always room in the band.
We invite musicians, rappers and instrumentalists of all kinds to collaborate on making June 21 a musical masterpiece. Singers, church choirs, jazz combos, rock bands, glee clubs, MCs, marching bands, mariachis, and every other kind of musician, of any age group or skill level, are all welcome.
How to Make Music on June 21
- Musicians register here:
Click Here to Register as a Performer
We invite all businesses to host musicians at your place of business.
How to Host Music on June 21
- Have a safe, clean, outdoor spot to host musicians
- Offer your space for free for all musicians and attendees
- Venues register here:
Listings
2023 Listings: Wednesday, June 21st
Support
Please help support Make Music Day Polk County. Please email polkcounty@makemusicday.org for sponsorship opportunities.
If you would like to support Make Music Day Polk County with a donation, please mail to:
MICC
355 Pacific Ave. N. Suite B
Monmouth, OR 96361
MEMO: Make Music Day Polk County
Contact
Get in touch with us at polkcounty@makemusicday.org.