What is Make Music Hawaiʻi?

Make Music Hawaiʻi is Hawaiʻi’s celebration of the now worldwide event called Make Music Day – a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries.

Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music Hawaiʻi is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician — young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion — on June 21st, pours onto streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with ʻohana, neighbors, and strangers. All of it is free and open to the public.

When and where will Make Music Hawaiʻi take place?

Make Music Hawaiʻi will have events all year long! Make Music Day’s main events will be on the official Make Music Day, Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Performances and venues are still being determined. If you’d like to register your space as a venue, fill out our form here where you can create a profile. For now, you can contact us for more information.

Why isn’t it always on a weekend?

Make Music Day worldwide celebrates the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, with music. The Summer Solstice, for instance, occurs on June 21st. June 21st doesn’t always land on a weekend. Think of it like Christmas or May Day. Great celebration days don't always land on a weekend!

Who can participate?

Make Music Hawaiʻi will be performed by anyone and enjoyed by everyone – all over Hawaiʻi. Students, amateurs, part-time professionals, and established artists are all welcome. All you need to do is sign up, make your match with a venue, show up, and perform.

How long will each performance last?

That is up to you and the Venue to negotiate. We don’t put any restrictions on you (or them)! Just be careful not to overbook yourself.

What if a band signs up now, and has to back out later?

Please thoroughly consider a performance opportunity before confirming it. If you sign up and cancel last minute, that means that a spot that could be utilized by another performer will go unused.

Are there restrictions on performances?

In some cases, yes. Read the details of each venue closely before proposing a performance. Not all locations have electricity or equipment. Some don’t allow amplification of any kind.

Is equipment provided?

Make Music Hawaiʻi is not a typical music festival. It is a DIY opportunity for people to be creative about putting together their own musical events. 721, LLC and other organizers set up the framework for concerts — the rest is up to you! Artists and locations collaborate to produce the events, provide electricity, if needed, and provide any necessary equipment.

Will I be paid to perform?

Make Music Hawaiʻi is a statewide celebration of summer and part of an international movement. As is the case with other cities around the world, our contribution is setting up the framework for performances, coordinating the activities via the software portal, publicizing the event statewide with local media, an interactive website, and promoting recruitment of artists and venues. Participation at any level, as a musician, host, or spectator is voluntary. This allows musicians of all skill levels the opportunity to come out and perform in public if they wish.

Can I charge admission for a Day of Music Hawaii concert?

No. All Make Music Hawaiʻi concerts are free and open to the public.