About The Event
…an amazing opportunity to come together.
Each year, on June 21st, the planet celebrates Make Music Day, a free celebration of music, launched in 1982 in France as the Fete de la Musique, and now held in more than 1200 cities in 120 countries.
Anyone can play. Everyone can watch. No one is excluded. And it’s free! Amateur and professional players of every age, culture, genre, and skill level are encouraged to create a FREE outdoor concert and play! You can play on sidewalks, streets, parks, churches, or even at home on TikTok! Rockers, rappers, bluegrass lovers, marching bands, little kids, kazoo masters, singer/songwriters – this is your day to share music with friends, neighbors, and strangers in the village. No rules. This for the joy of celebrating each other through the common bond we all share. Because everyone loves a great song.
Businesses and homes anywhere in Cambridge can host a musician. We have a matchmaking service who will connect performers with not only other people who might want to play with you, but with the location you can play at. Chicago does this. New York City does it. And so does Cambridge, Wisconsin. Our state has the highest participation of any state in the country! That’s because we know how to get together and have a great time.
If you live in Fort Atkinson, Lake Mills, Deerfield – anywhere near us, you’re MORE than welcome too!
How It Works
We’ve made a video to show you how to get involved as a venue or a musician. Watch it here.
Here are some resources to help you sign up, host an event, or play at one!
Who Can Participate And How?
Musicians: All styles, ages, and experience levels are invited to register to perform! You can play one set at one location or play 10 times. You may schedule as many shows as you like.
Venues: Whether you have a garden, boat, bar, porch, restaurant or any outdoor space in mind, it’s easy and it’s free to play. Indoor spaces open to the public without a purchase necessary are also welcome (coffee shops, boutiques, etc.)
YOU CAN GIVE LESSONS: Set up guitar or piano lessons, schedule a kids dance party, or any event that involves music. You can register your venue, and schedule your own event. The possibilities are endless, and you’re only limited by your imagination and creativity.
Online: Post tutorials, TikToks of your band, or photos/videos of performances. Even host a virtual concert! Use #MakeMusicCambridge and we’ll share your posts, or send us information and we’ll get your show on the schedule!
Important Dates:
- Venue Registration Opens: April 6th, 2024 at 10:00 AM
- Performance Registration Opens & Matchmaking Begins: April 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM
- Registration & Matchmaking Closes: June 19th, 2024, at midnight.
What is Matchmaking?
Matchmaking is our system of connecting musicians with venues (places to play in the village). After creating an account, venues can browse musician profiles and vice versa and participants then request a booking. Here’s a few tips:
- Don’t be shy! Feel free to send requests. It helps to put yourself out there and you can book as many shows as you want.
- Respond to requests as fast as you can. No one likes to wait to hear back. If it’s not a good fit, let the other party know so they can move on.
- Follow up! You can send direct messages through the system or reach out via phone or email.
- In the end, just about everyone who wants to participate will match up. If you need assistance, send a message to cambridge@makemusicday.org.
Who can host?
- Is your venue located in the Village of Cambridge?
- Is it free to attend and accessible to everyone?
- Can you maintain a 6′ clearance on the sidewalk for people to walk by?
- Looking to claim a village park for your stage? If it’s you and some friends playing violins, no permits are necessary. If you’re looking to do something bigger, reach out to us.
There are infinite ways that everyone in our community can participate in Make Music Day. Make Music Day isn’t just about the performers, it’s about celebrating every kind of music there is in ways that are accessible to everyone. By far, the easiest way to participate is to get out and support your local artists by enjoying their performances and activities on June 21st.
If you need assistance with registration, please email cambridge@makemusicday.org and we will help get you matched.
Participate
Who else is taking part?
Over 6 artists, including:
Deerfield Strummers -- Nicole reeves -- Nikolas Gonzalez -- The Causeway -- The Desert Lowes -- Travis Agnew
Over 4 venues, including:
Cambridge Market -- Galleria 214 -- PLOW -- The Upper Room - Back Patio
2024 Listings: Friday, June 21st
Support
If you would like to partner with us in organizing Make Music Day in Cambridge, please contact us at cambridge@makemusicday.org
Thanks to the Cambridge Arts Council for their ongoing support of music in the village.
Visit Cambridge Wisconsin is the village’s local event and visitor information site.
In general, artists and performing venues will share the very minimal expenses of each performance, or reach out to their own donors to do so. However, we may need a little help to fund signage and certain other expenses. If you would like to help us fund those expenses and become a sponsor of Make Music Cambridge, please email cambridge@makemusicday.org
Contact
Get in touch with us with your questions/ideas at:
Our event page on Facebook
Our event page on Instagram