June 21 – Make Music Day
June 21 – June 22
Free
The leadership team behind Make Music Detroit—the local chapter of the global Make Music Day celebration—included
Larry King and Mike Woo, along with several other key contributors to the city’s music and nonprofit scene.
In addition to the core team and partners involved in establishing and running the initiative, include:
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Darryl “D-Nice” Millender: A prominent figure in the Detroit music scene, often involved in the festival’s organization and curation of talent.
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JuWan Williams: Known for his work in community engagement and coordinating venues for the city-wide performances.
- The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA): A primary venue partner that has hosted a significant portion of the festival’s flagship performances and “mass appeal” events (like group harmonica or ukulele lessons).
- Detroit Public Library: Various branches, such as the Wilder Branch, serve as essential community hubs for workshops and jam sessions during the event.
- Wayne State University, particularly the Department of Music, has provided both performers and educational resources, such as the “synthesizer petting zoo.”
The event is modeled after France’s Fête de la Musique and is designed as a DIY, “for the people, by the people” festival. The team’s primary role is to provide the platform—the Make Music Detroit website—which allows local musicians to match with venues (parks, porches, and sidewalks) for free public performances every June 21.