Make Music Day returns on Sunday 21 June, with city-wide takeovers, a month-long event trail and free performances planned right across Australia.
Make Music Day is back, and Australia’s slice of the global celebration is shaping up to be its biggest yet. On Sunday 21 June, musicians, community groups, schools and music lovers across the country will take part in an event now spanning 1,000 cities across 120 countries.
The concept traces back to 1982, born in France as Fête de la Musique – a free-for-all where anyone with an instrument, a voice or just a love of live music is encouraged to perform publicly, attend shows or simply show up. Rock bands, songwriters, ukulele groups, community choirs and school ensembles are already registered across Australia.
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“Make Music Day is a massive celebration in other countries, but it’s just starting to get traction here in Australia. This year we want to change the message and ask people to think a little more about the role music plays in our society,” says Emma Bienvenu, Project Officer for the Australian Music Association and organiser of Make Music Day in Australia. “We are all very familiar with the community, cultural, social and mental health benefits of being involved in playing sports. We want people to remember that making music and enjoying the music of others brings many of the same benefits and can often be more inclusive and accessible.”
The City of Adelaide has put together a full Make Music Day takeover with over 360 performers across 40 venues, running from 11am to midnight. In Queensland, the City of Moreton Bay is taking a broader approach with a month-long music trail across galleries, museums and libraries, with 38 events planned in the lead-up to and on the day itself.
Retailers, venues, schools and community groups are all invited to get involved, whether that’s hosting a street performance, opening up a space for a community jam or supporting local artists with gear and resources.
Make Music Day is presented in Australia by the Australian Music Association, with support from the NAMM Foundation and Music Australia.
To register an event or find what’s on near you, head here.
