Make Music Day: Manchester
A global celebration of music & community, now including Manchester, CT!
Help us kick off Manchester’s inaugural participation in the global Make Music Day celebration with musical events throughout the Cultural District!
🎟 All events are free | Open to All Ages and Musical Abilities
African Drum Circle📍WORK_SPACE | 10 – 11:30 AM Reserve a spot in the circle
Participants will be guided through basic drumming techniques, explore traditional rhythms, and engage in collaborative percussion experiences designed to be welcoming, energizing, and fun for all ages. No musical experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to join in. This interactive program encourages teamwork, self-expression, and joyful participation while illustrating the power of music to bring people together across generations and backgrounds. All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own drums. Facilitator: Lance “Kamau” James.
Harp Discovery Workshop📍 Cheney Hall | 10 – 11:30 AM
Have you ever been curious about the harp?Join Haley Hewitt, Director of the New England Harp Center (https://www.neharp.com/), for a hands-on introduction to one of the world’s most beautiful and accessible instruments. Participants will learn the basics of harp playing, explore how the instrument creates its unique sound, and discover the many ways the harp can be used for creative expression, performance, relaxation, music therapy, and community connection. This welcoming workshop is designed for all ages and experience levels. No prior musical experience is required.Harps will be provided for participants to use during the workshop. Priority access to the instruments will be given to those who register in advance.
DJ Bootcamp📍 WORK_SPACE | 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Ready to drop some beats? Join DJ_1_Luv for a hands-on introduction to the world of DJing. Experiment with real DJ equipment, learn the basics of mixing tracks, creating playlists, reading a crowd, and building the perfect vibe. Whether you’re a music lover, aspiring DJ, or simply curious about what happens behind the turntables, this fun workshop is designed to be energizing, welcoming, and accessible to all ages and experience levels.Come make some joyful noise with us as we spin, mix and scratch!
Acoustic Blend: Music, Rhythm, & Singalong Fun📍 WORK_SPACE | 12:30 – 2 PM
Join Judy Handler & Mark Levesque of Acoustic Blend in an interactive musical experience for all ages.People of all ages and any level of musical experience are invited to join popular guitar and mandolin duo, Judy Handler and Mark Levesque, for an entertaining and interactive musical experience blending swing, Celtic, Latin, folk, pop, world music traditions and fun commentary. Participation is encouraged for audience singalongs and rhythmic play. FREE Father’s Day photo op. Join in the fun!
CT Guitar Guild Concert📍 WORK_SPACE | 3 – 5 PM
Enjoy a live performance by the Connecticut Guitar League while learning about classical & acoustic guitar traditions.The Connecticut Guitar Guild invites music lovers of all ages to enjoy a live performance filled with storytelling and musical demonstrations showcasing the rich sounds and techniques of classical and acoustic guitar traditions. Learn about their musical journeys while experiencing the diverse instruments, styles, and techniques used to create their unique sound. Save your seat.