Kalamazoo will once again participate in the worldwide celebration of Fete de la Musique - now called Make Music Kalamazoo (MMK) — observing the start of summer on Tuesday, June 21st. Local musicians of all backgrounds and genres will take to the streets of downtown and share their talents with free public performances from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Beginning in France in 1982, Fete de la Musique takes place annually on June 21st — the first official day of summer. Now in its 29th year, the summer solstice is celebrated in over 300 locations in more than 100 countries. Along with Make Music New York, Make Music Chicago, Make Music Miami and many others, Make Music Kalamazoo will be among many U.S. cities participating in the international festivities. This event will fill the cityscape with the sounds of an incredible array of musical diversity.

In previous years, Make Music Kalamazoo has offered up to 150 free performances from over 100 musical groups throughout the downtown Kalamazoo area. The music — performed by students, and amateur and professional artists — ranged from classical to alternative rock and blues, with everything from jazz, bluegrass, folk music and even interactive rap and drum circles. This year we will also offer a venue for DJ.s to spin their magic.

Charlie Tomlinson, Coordinator of Make Music Kalamazoo says, “What makes this event so perfect for musicians is that Downtown Kalamazoo offers so many diverse performance spaces — traditional and nontraditional. It allows us to accommodate all musicians, regardless of genre.”

Registration for musical groups/soloists has begun already, but there is still plenty of time to take part in this year’s Make Music Kalamazoo. Volunteers are also needed to hand out guides the day of the event as well as to check in on the various venues throughout the day.

» Click Here to Download the Make Music Kalamazoo 2011 Schedule «