Imagine — what if there was a magical world where the community came together in perfect harmony, celebrating life through music? (Cue Morpheus from “The Matrix”) What if I told you that world is real?
Make Music Day is a worldwide “live, free musical celebration” happening tomorrow, June 21, according to Kansas City Parks and Rec. The event celebrates the longest day of the year (aka the summer solstice) with “concerts on streets, sidewalks, venues, and parks across the city.”
🎶 Go listen
Last year (KC’s inaugural year) featured 62 musical groups across 101 events at 30 different venues. This year will top that with 40 venues + 72 groups.
This interactive map includes the locations + times of each performance — from Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs to The Legends in KCK and Old Shawnee Pizza in Lenexa. Use the tabs to search the artists, and use filters to find what fits your schedule and proximity.
KC is alive with the sound of music. | Photo via @kcmoparks and @makemusickcmo
🎶 Go play
Don’t just listen. Join the Hellacopters and sing, “I’m In The Band.” Five free musical workshops + demonstrations allow participants to join in the soundscape — no musical talent needed.
- Hohner Harmonica Experience for Beginners | 12-1 p.m. | Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO | Register to reserve your harmonica and learn the basics from local musician Russ ‘KidMan’ Schenke.
- Urban Bucket Brigade Boot Camp | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park | Register to discover cultural rhythms on recycled buckets from teaching artist Jaisson Taylor.
- Musication Station | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Union Station | Pick up a mallet and explore sound + music creation using everyday objects, perfect for Mozarts of all ages.
- Makey Makey Music Making | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | City Market | Start playing with your food — this experience turns vegetables and fruits into musical notes.
- Rhythm Band Instruments | 1-7:45 p.m. | Dunbar Park, 5501 East 36th St., KCMO | Enjoy an upcycled instruments demo + performances to cap off the evening.
