What is Make Music Day PDX?
Make Music Day PDX is “Music by the People, For the People.” It is a way for all Portlanders to celebrate music and our community, free of charge. It is a city-wide celebration dedicated to musical expression. It is open to musicians playing all kinds of music in places all over town. And it is part of a large mobilization of people around the world to celebrate the joys of music during the summer solstice season.
When and where will Make Music Day PDX take place?
The next Make Music Day PDX will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Performances will occur from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm in various performance spaces throughout Portland.
Where can I go to hear the music?
Several venues are set in Portland Public Parks and others are indoors. We will post on this website all our venues and which musicians will perform at each and when once we get closer to June 25, 2023.
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
You can volunteer by filling out the form on the Volunteer or Donate page of this website. We will give you one of our Make Music Day PDX t-shirts then Sunday, June 25, you will come to one of the venues – generally for a two-hour or four-hour stint – to take photos, answer questions and help to facilitate the smooth running of events.
Can I donate money to Make Music Day PDX?
We’re glad you asked! Contributions can be made by clicking on the Volunteer or Donate button on the Volunteer or Donate page of this website and making a payment through PayPal. You can also make out a check to Make Music Day PDX and mail it c/o David Bledsoe at 3126 N.E. Brazee Street, Portland OR 97212. Make Music Day PDX has 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the IRS and contributions are eligible to be tax deductible.
Who can participate as musicians?
Professionals, part-time musicians and skilled amateurs are all welcome. All you need to do is request to perform is fill out the form on the Register of this website, practice up, and then show up and perform. Surprise PDX with your creativity!
How do I sign up?
Just fill out the form on the Register page of this website. Tell a bit about your musical group and attach a video link or two. Please let us know what style of music you play, how long you’d like to perform – typical times are 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes – and if you have some venues and times of day that you would prefer. Note that by signing up to perform, you are agreeing to let Make Music Day PDX use photos and videos of your performance in our promotional materials. Remember to show basic courtesy: set up your equipment quietly while others perform; avoid profanity in your performance; and close your performance on time so others have time to make music, too.
Who will provide what I need for my concert?
You will need to bring your own instruments and microphones. Most venues will have a sound technician and a sound system. Some venues (TBD) will have an acoustic piano, but you will need to bring your own electronic piano to other venues.
Will I be paid to perform?
No, we neither pay our talented musicians nor charge admission to our audience. What we do offer our musicians is an opportunity to expand your followers by performing a public gig before a new audience.
What if we need to cancel?
First, we ask that once you sign up, you build your June 30 schedule around this performance because we – and our audiences – are counting on you. But if an unexpected event arises, please let us know promptly so we can modify our lineup of musicians.
What happens if it rains?
This is Oregon! The show will go forward, come rain or come shine. Many of the outdoor venues have cover.
How will Make Music Day PDX promote this event?
The Oregonian and Willamette Week will be publicizing the event. We will list all venues and concerts on the Make Music Day PDX website, which is makemusicdaypdx.org. We also ask you to promote Make Music Day PDX through your social media contacts.