Imagine a day dedicated specifically to that which humanity has in common: music and the elated feelings of joy that encompass it. Good news, you won't have to wait much longer for such a day, as Milwaukee welcomes its second annual Make Music Day on June 21.
Beginning with a dream by one man, Jack Long, to promote music relentlessly for a day, the idea grew into an international spectacle 35 years later. France’s Ministry of Culture declared the summer solstice, June 21, as a national holiday for the “festival of music,” Fête De La Musique. Accepted by 120 countries, over 700 cities participate each year in bringing live music of all genres to their streets for people of all ages.
Milwaukee will join the world celebration with its own local concerts spread throughout the city streets and parks from 11 a.m. to midnight. Currently, 23 different actswill perform at 18 various locations. All shows are free to the public.
Here are our picks for some artists to check out at these participating Milwaukee venues:
Tribeca Gallery Cafe
- Andii (Jazz, Folk, Singer/Songwriter)
Milwaukee Art Museum - Windhover Hall
- Tom Herbstreith (Native American)
- 4th Dimension (Jazz, Pop, Rock)
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
- Loud Library (Pop, Other)
- Tristann (Classical)
Central Library
- Two Ukes Walked Into a Bar (Pop, Indie-Folk, Folk)
Center Street Branch
- Saint Miguel & KhalilTheActivist (Hip-Hop, Jazz, R&B)
- Melodic prodigies (Hip-Hop, R&B, Singer/Songwriter)
- Laurence (Singer/Songwriter, Indie-Folk, Electronic)
Saint John’s on the Lake
- 5AM A Cappella (A Cappella, Barbershop, Pop, Indie-Folk)
East Library
- Tomás Goldsmith and Students (Kids, Jazz, Classical)
See the full lineup here.
Make Music Milwaukee is encouraging any venue and musicians of any genre or age to get involved in this musical extravaganza.
Information regarding participation can be found here.