Imagine jamming out with friends and family to live jazz, folk, soul and rock performances in your favorite spots across the city on a warm summer day. June 21 is that day — thanks to Make Music Day! Make Music Day is a global music festival held on the summer solstice (June 21) every year since 1982. With roots in France, the festival has spread to more than 750 cities across the globe, and now Worcester’s very own version returns for a second year! Make Music Worcester is a day for all members of the Worcester community to celebrate live music — rain or shine — for free.

“I think that it’s great to have the opportunity to be a part of something that places Worcester on an international map of cities that demonstrate a love and respect for music, musicians and culture overall,” said Meaghan Hardy-Lavoie, the vice chairman of the Worcester Arts Council.

Organized by The Worcester Arts Council, Make Music Worcester brings people of all ages and skill levels together, and anyone can sign up to be a performer. Make Music Day is all about diversity and accessibility. No matter if you’re a skilled musician, an amateur or just someone looking to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, Make Music Worcester is for you.

“For us, the organizers, it isn’t about vetting out the best bands or the coolest music — it is a chance to create an opportunity for everyone to see what their friends, neighbors and fellow citizens can offer our wider, cultural community,” said Hardy-Lavoie. “If you’re a part of a high school band, college group, church chorus — literally anyone and everyone is welcome to collaborate.”

The events will take place in popular areas across the city, including Elm Park, University Park and the Worcester Common. Events aren’t restricted to parks and common spaces, though. Establishments like ArtsWorcester and WooBerry will also take part and offer their spaces up for performances. Street Studios, one of the larger Make Music Day events, will be featured in Worcester for the first time this year. During Street Studios, a DJ table is set up in an area with high foot traffic, and passersby are encouraged to contribute anything musically, whether it be singing, talking or rapping. The goal is to create a massive musical track that will be stored in the Make Music Alliance’s archive. This way, the community is creating a unique record together. There will also be ukulele lessons and a guitar jam session in Elm Park.

“Everyone can expect some surprises leading up to the event,” Hardy-Lavoie said.

Queen Mother Francesca Abbey will perform, playing a Djembe drum and a fusion of African, Caribbean and world beat music. Barbershop Harmony, an ensemble consisting of four a cappella groups singing hits from the 1800s to present day, will also perform. Make Music Worcester will offer an outlet for every genre of music, ranging from hip hop to jazz to choral — there will be something for everyone.

After a music-filled day, Make Music Worcester will end with a finale concert on the Worcester Common at 6 p.m.

“Our diversity is a large part of what makes Worcester so extraordinary, so getting people to come out and see a performance that they might not have otherwise sought out themselves is pretty special,” said Hardy-Lavoie. “If you ask me, this sounds like a great way to spend the first official summer night.”

If you’re interested in performing or volunteering for the event, check out makemusicday.org/worcester for more information. Volunteers get free Make Music Worcester T-shirts!

Kaiomi Inniss