The summer solstice on June 21st is the longest day of the year, which means two things: more sunlight and (in Chicago, at least) more music. Every year, on the longest day of the year, Make Music Chicago invites anyone and everyone to play various venues around the city. Yup, that’s right, anyone. Whether you’re a piano-playing prodigy or the best in-shower vocalist, all you need to do is sign up. It’s free to participate as a performer and free to attend as a fan.
Make Music Chicago finds unique venues for the performers to play all across Chicago, ranging from restaurants and recreation centers to parks and concert halls. The organization “hopes to foster neighborhood connections and transform unexpected spaces into awesome venues for live music.” They then pair up artists with venues to curate a cohesive schedule. Although each performance is added to Make Music Chicago’s website, the artists are encouraged to promote their individual performances just like they would with any other show.
This year, the festival lineup is already at capacity and the schedule is finalized. However, if you didn’t get a chance to sign up as a musician, you can still come out and support those that did. Every performance is free, and each one unique. Take the day to explore the city and discover new acts. There will be over 150 performances at over sixty different venues. Genres include classical, jazz, rock, metal, folk, electronic, hip-hop, and more. If you really had your heart set on playing music instead of just listening, feel free to join one of the many “play-alongs.” These jam sessions encourage the audience to sing along or grab an instrument and play!
Check out the full Make Music Chicago schedule here.
Go out tonight, and any night. Jukely is a concert subscription that gives members guestlist access to hundreds of music events – for one price. Whenever you want to go out, you’ll always have something to do. Learn more and sign up at jukely.com.
