Outdoor music event to debut in city

TORRINGTON — Make Music NWCT, a series free outdoor musical events, will make its debut on Thursday, June 21 in Connecticut. Make Music NWCT is part of Make Music Connecticut and Make Music Day, a global music celebration that takes place on the summer solstice of each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music. This year, more than 70 U.S. cities and the entire state of Connecticut will host thousands of Make Music performances across the country as part of the world’s largest annual music event, according to a release.

Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, and has spread to more than 800 cities across 120 countries. Unlike a typical musical festival, Make Music concerts are performed by anyone who wants to take part and enjoyed by everyone who wants to attend. 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, according to the release.

“2018 is the first year that our region and state is participating, and, as we join hundreds of other cities around the world, we hope to start off strong, with people of all ages singing from rooftops and joining jam sessions in parks, along with other larger events in every town,” said Amy Wynn, executive director of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, in a statement.

Council program coordinator Alexis Crowley said. “This less about good or bad, and more about sharing the experience and community. We anticipate a lot of great music in the Northwest Hills on June 21.”

“Investing in a day that celebrates the diversity of our music and musicians across the State reaffirms the role that music plays to connect us across languages, borders, and backgrounds,” said Kristina Newman Scott, Director of Culture for Connecticut. “This day truly honors the musician within us all.”

Any musician, amateur or professional, young or old, is invited to take part within Northwest Connecticut by signing up at MakeMusicDay.org/NWCT or throughout the state at MakeMusicCT.org where you can find your nearest Make Music Day city/region. Businesses, buildings, schools, places of worship, and other institutions can visit the website to offer their outdoor spaces as concert locations on the site as well. Registration closes on May 21, 2018.

A full schedule of events will be posted at MakeMusicDay.org/NWCT and at MakeMusicCT.org on June 1, 2018. Make Music NWCT is sponsored in part by The Law Firm of Conti and Levy.

Make Music NWCT is being administered by the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council in partnership with The Connecticut Office of the Arts and Make Music Day.

Highlights of Make Music Connecticut will include:

Community Jam Session in State House Square: The Greater Hartford Arts Council’s Art on the Streets House Band welcomes downtown residents and workers to join them for a jam session in State House Square between 11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. on June 21st. Bring your instrument and sit in with the band on your lunch break or just stop by to enjoy music made by the community.

Northwest Connecticut Art’s Council presents Thomasina Levy, former CT State Troubadour and an internationally recognized mountain dulcimer player, singer, and song writer, performing the best of traditional and contemporary folk music.

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven introduces Trap Yoga with Thema Graves, Vinyasa style yoga coupled with a live DJ with Trap Music beats at several outdoor locations.

Join Middletown Commission on The Arts in “Clara’s Journey: Why our Piano goes to the Woods.” Learn how the piano at The Russell Library named after Clara Schumann, has a summer adventure in the woods. Come enjoy her music and story with Mara Bennett, Noyes dancer, and Carolyn Halstead.

Artreach, Inc. is working with the Town of Sprague, First Selectman Catherine Osten and the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition to host a day of performances at Sprague River Park with alternating concerts and audience participation events, including a drumming circle and songwriter showcases.

The Bridgeport Art Trail is bringing an eclectic mix of free-opportunities to make and enjoy music, including lunch-time music in public spaces like the Broad St steps, an open-mic evening at McLevy Green and live performances and interviews broadcasted from WPKN radio, 89.5 FM.

Fairfield Theatre Company will host a day-long battle of the bands-style music festival in The Warehouse and the FTC parking lot. Live music all day including food trucks and local vendors!

Musicians of every kind will fill the parks and sidewalk cafés throughout Stamford Downtown for a day of music celebration

Join Windham Arts in their music and community celebration, happening in Downtown Willimantic on the Solstice. The Third Thursday Street Fests started in 2002 and they have grown into a major regional event from May to September every year. This year they will take part in CT Make Music Day.

Waterbury is planning a fun-filled day with musicians showcasing their creative talents on street corners, sidewalks and plazas throughout its historic downtown.

Any musician, amateur or professional, young or old, is invited to take part by signing up at MakeMusicCT.org where you can find your nearest Make Music Day City. Registration closes on May 21, 2018. Likewise, businesses, buildings, schools, churches, and other institutions can visit the website to offer their outdoor spaces as concert locations.

Held annually on June 21, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in 800 cities across 120 countries. The daylong, musical freefor-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. This year, 70+ U.S. cities are organizing Make Music celebrations, encompassing thousands of music making opportunities nationwide. Make Music Day is presented by the NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. For information, visit www.makemusicday.org.