Make Music Day will bring a variety of music programs to Ann Arbor venues

This story is part of a series about arts and culture in Washtenaw County. It is made possible by the Ann Arbor Art Center, Destination Ann Arbor, Larry and Lucie Nisson, the University of Michigan Arts Initiative, and the University Musical Society.

Make Music Day, an international free celebration of music, will return to the Ann Arbor District Library and locations throughout Ann Arbor on June 21. The celebration will feature concerts, workshops, and interactive music activities at AADL’s downtown branch and other sites. Organized locally by AADL, the event has continued to attract strong participation from residents, performers, and businesses.

“Community interest has been as high as ever,” says Rich Retyi, communications and marketing manager for AADL, in an email interview. “We have a dozen venues signed up to host 19 bands, including porches, garages, front yards, local businesses, and the Michigan Theater.”

Originating in France in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day has grown into a global tradition celebrated in thousands of communities. Unlike traditional music festivals that focus on professional performers, Make Music Day encourages participation from anyone interested in sharing music with their community. 

At AADL, visitors will find a full day of music-related programming. The activities are designed to give attendees opportunities to engage with music directly, whether by learning a new skill, trying an instrument, or performing alongside others.

“Ann Arbor is just one of dozens of cities in the United States and dozens more throughout the world celebrating on June 21,” Retyi says. “The idea is to celebrate music in all its forms, which is perfect for all genres and people of all skill levels.”

The celebration will also extend to the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, where family-friendly band Go Banana Go! will perform and musicians from across the region will gather for Sousapalooza, a large-scale community performance featuring the music of John Philip Sousa. Sousapalooza will run from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the 21st.

Retyi explains that many of the featured Make Music Day activities at the library, such as DJ workshops, folk song jam-alongs, and a musical petting zoo, are also offered throughout the year. Therefore, Make Music Day is an opportunity to introduce new participants to AADL’s ongoing creative programming.

“We’re using the day to help shine a spotlight on some of our regular programs,” Retyi says. “Patrons can check these out on Make Music Day and then, if they have a great time, circle the next occurrence on the calendars.”

More information about AADL events can be found here, as well as links to participate as a musician or as a venue host. Learn more about Make Music Day’s origins at makemusicday.org. 

“The idea is to celebrate music in all its forms, which is perfect for all genres and people of all skill levels,” Retyi says.