MAKE MUSIC NEW CANAAN DEBUTS ON JUNE 21

Free Public Music Making Events as Part of a Global Celebration

The first annual Make Music New Canaan, a wonderful mix of free, public musical events, will make its debut on Wednesday, June 21.  Presented by the Carriage Barn Arts Center, the event is part of Make Music Day, a global music celebration that takes place on the summer solstice each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music.  Make Music New Canaan features local and regional musicians performing original music and covers in a range of genres. 

11am New Canaan Museum & Historical Society lawn – pre-school singalong led by Meghan Murphy Gould.  Campers from Toddlertime will participate and all families and children are welcome to join it.   

12-4pm – At the intersection of Elm Street & South Avenue (pop-up park) live music showcase featuring performances by School of Rock, Barbara’s Serenade Acoustic Jazz Duet and other performers.  New Canaan guitarist and bandleader Michael Louis-Smith will MC the showcase as well as perform his original music. 

Performances continue into the evening at venues including:
6-7pm: Michael-Lewis Smith & Friends at New Canaan Museum & Historical Society
5-6:45pm: Barbara’s Serenade at The Back End
6-7:30pm: Charlie Happylife at South End 
6-8pm: Exit 5 at The White Buffalo
6-8pm: John Cloonan and Dawn Ricciardi at Gates Forest Street Park (next to the New Canaan Diner).  

Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, and has spread to over 1,000 cities across 120 countries.  From classical to folk, hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock, live music of all kinds resounds on streets, sidewalks, porches, plazas, parks, gardens, store fronts and other public spaces on the longest day of the year.

“The Carriage Barn Arts Center is excited to bring Make Music Day to New Canaan,” says Hilary Wittmann, Executive Director of the Carriage Barn. “Artistic talent can be found throughout our community and we hope New Canaan comes out to celebrate and enjoy or participate in the diverse performances at their favorite venues around town.”  

All musicians, amateur or professional, young or old, are invited to take part and may contact Janet Dinger, Events & Programs Manager at [email protected].  

How Can You Perform?

Anyone and everyone are welcomed and encouraged to create a Performer profile. Creating your profile is quick and easy! Within minutes, you should have access to the Make Music New Canaan match-making database. While creating your Performer profile remember to give us the full scoop, by including a headshot, bio, music samples, and social media tags, you make it easier for interested host venues to learn all about your specific talents. This may encourage them to send you an invitation to play a concert from their venue or approve of your request to perform at their venue! After your profile has been set up, you can search for participating venues and send them requests to play. All additional needs and details can be worked out via direct message on the registration platform.If you are registering for the first time, we are pleased to have you join us! Live streaming opportunities are available.

Click here to register as a performer

Who can participate as a host venue?

Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to host musicians from their outdoor space, sidewalks, backyards, storefronts, small shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, cultural institutions; community gardens; even your own porch, driveway, or lawn.

The only rule, ALL Make Music Day events must be free! Please do not, however, create a Venue profile for a public park or plaza on your own initiative, as such spaces require special permits that must be secured directly by us. When you do see a public park or plaza Venue profile on the database, it was created by us and is available as stipulated. If you do not see your preferred park or public space, please contact us at [email protected]

Click here to register an event or venue

How can I volunteer?

Make Music New Canaan seeks curious and passionate volunteers. Send us an email, identifying who you are, where you are, your background, and what you are passionate about! Using your location and unique assets and abilities, we will find the perfect role for you! No experience necessary!

Contact [email protected]