Make Music Cable is part of the worldwide Make Music Day music celebrations held each June 21, the summer solstice, and December 21, the winter solstice. Events around the world feature concerts, performances, music lessons, jam sessions and other musical events on streets, sidewalks, parks and public spaces.

Over 1000 cities around the world have celebrated Make Music Day! In the U.S., Wisconsin ranks near the top of the list of the number of cities and towns participating in Make Music Day.

Cable Area Social Connections has taken on this project to enrich our community and foster meaningful connections that foster health and well-being. We are adding a Winter Solstice Celebration to acknowledge the importance of winter activities to our local way of life. Cable is home to The American Birkebeiner as well as many other outdoor activities and experiences. Music makes it all just that much better!

History

It all started 40 years ago in France.

In 1982, Jack Lang and his staff at the 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 in France. The entire country 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.

Four 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 (National Association of Music Merchants).

Have a look at other Winter Celebrations here:

“Music has the power to bring people together like no other art form.” Michael Franti

Calling all Musical Artists! Anyone who loves music, art, movement, or drama, regardless of skill or training, is a Musical Artist. Come get involved in Make Music Day!

In the spirit of Make Music Day, all performances are free and open to the public. Tip jars are allowed.

All kinds of music and music-related performances such as dance and Tai Chi are welcome. The idea is for everyone to enjoy the experience of music.

As a prospective volunteer, you may have some ideas to share and implement–face painting, folk dancing, musical theater skits–let us know how we can help you implement your vision.

We are working on creating central sites where we all come together rather than dispersing over multiple sites. For Winter Solstice 2025, we are trying out this concept and will gather at The Hub at Mt. Telemark Village. Site location for Summer 2026 is TBD. Got ideas? Let us know.

One more time, all together now. Who Can Participate? EVERYONE!

Support

The more the merrier. Let’s gather as many people together as possible so that Make Music Cable becomes the best event it can be.

Have a special skill you’d like to put to work volunteering with Make Music Cable?

Would you like more information to share with friends, family or your community group?  

Able to donate your time, finances, or instruments?

Email cable@makemusicday.org

Get in touch with us at cable@makemusicday.org You can also find us on Facebook. Be sure to follow us to get important updates and fun content.

Last update: 12/4/2025