Yes.  Make Music Day is meant for everyone, any age any ability.  If you have an instrument or a voice to share, we welcome you to sign up as a performer.  If you aren’t totally confident in your abilities as a performer, there are lots of opportunities to participate in group lessons, music jams, or sing-a-longs.  Everyone is welcome. 

Probably, yes.  The event must be free and accessible to everyone. We encourage outdoor music performances, but keep in mind that all performances are required to adhere to the City of Worcester sound ordinance found on the City website, and the street performer regulations.  Note there are special restrictions near schools, hospitals, courts, and medical offices.*  Performances in outdoor spaces also cannot block pedestrian access or cause any other public safety issues. 

Please note that all Make Music Day performance venues must be registered with the matchmaking website to be considered official.

*Performances in city parks are only allowed in designated Make Music Day performance locations.  To perform in a park, create a performer profile in the matchmaking website and request one of the park locations as a venue.

If you are unsure about whether your location is an acceptable venue, please contact us at Worcester@makemusicday.org.

Maybe.  The majority of locations where performances are to be held are in city parks, where there will not be electricity.  There will be a few select venue locations where power will be available, and we will do our best to accommodate you, but we cannot guarantee power to everyone.  Please consider offering to give an acoustic performance if possible, even if it’s something you don’t usually do.  We’re all about trying new things on Make Music Day.

Short answer – yes, so long as you follow the rules. The short version is that as long buskers are not in the way (blocking or impairing passage of public ways) or asking for money with a sign larger than 12” x 18”, they’re welcome to accept money, even in a city park. So, make a sign, let people know who you are, and if they are inclined to toss some money in a guitar case nearby, you are free to accept it.

When you register as a performer for Make Music Day at a venue in the matching system, we will do our best to ensure that the venue meets the requirements.  We will also have volunteers on hand to keep an eye on the crowd to make sure public ways are not being blocked.  You will still be responsible to make sure that you do not exceed the volume and signage limits.

If you choose to busk on a different day, you will have to ensure that your location is OK under the rules.  Note that performing in a city park is never allowed unless you have the permission of the Parks Department.

We hope that you will consider performing outside beyond Make Music Day.  Buskers bring vibrancy and fun to cities.

Read the full city ordinance here: http://www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/3f/29/3f295f00bb434e541d4216238db275f1/revised-ordinances-2008-1.pdf

Make Music Day was designed to be a free music event, therefore we do not offer stipends for matched performances. Concerts should be free to attend, un-ticketed, and open to the public.

This is a rain or shine event. If necessary, we will move performances indoors.

No, all Make Music Worcester events must be free and open to the public.

Venues must adhere to our “free and accessible” policy and exhibit our festival culture. Events should be free at the point of access i.e. no ticket or entrance fee. Make Music Worcester is built around a culture that promotes an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, age or ability.

As many as you would like. As long as your space is open and there are artists willing to perform at that time you are good to go. Performances typically range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, but it’s up to you and the artist to negotiate what’s best.

Venues with existing alcohol and entertainment permits are welcome to participate and are responsible for adhering to the regulations of those existing permits. Otherwise, Make Music Worcester is an alcohol free event.

Scheduling more than one performance is fine. However, please allow reasonable time for travel and set-up if you plan to perform more than once.

Several events are being planned for Make Music Worcester that require no prior musical experience—only a desire to have fun. Several locations will be hosting free lessons, which encourage anyone and everyone to join in.

Make Music Worcester is not a typical music festival. Make Music Worcester is about people getting together in their own neighborhoods, creating their own musical events in a do-it-yourself fashion. We provide the framework and help facilitate the match making process — the rest is up to you! Artists and locations are responsible for producing their own events. This includes finding electricity, and providing whatever equipment is needed.

Yes! You can organize your own event, or hire your own musicians for the day. As long as your event meets Make Music Worcester qualifications, your event can be part of the Make Music Day Worcester listings.