There’s a song inside each of us. And on Make Music Day, cities around the world will host collaborative music-making events—the perfect opportunity to let your heart, voice, and any instrument you might play sing. Here’s what’s happening in Missouri.

In Kansas City, you can try your hand at bucket drumming under the guidance of Jaisson Taylor, a Blues Music Award nominee.

By Natalie-Elizabeth Tan

Make Music Day, the world’s largest music event, takes place on June 21, bringing the joyous sound of music to more than 150 U.S. cities. Of course Missouri is joining in on the fun.

“In 2024, Make Music Day will bring musicians out into the streets of almost every major city in Missouri,” says Aaron Friedman, Executive Director of the national Make Music Alliance. In Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Columbia, Rolla, Springfield, Neosho, and St. Louis, there will be a smorgasbord of music events at a variety of venues. There will even be opportunities for you to step out of your comfort zone and try a new instrument or perform.

Make Music Day is more than a celebration of music. It’s a celebration of place and community, inviting anyone and everyone to perform anywhere and everywhere. Your local mall? That’s a stage. Your local community garden? That’s a stage. Your front porch? That’s also a stage! (If you’re a bathroom singer, is it really that much of a stretch to think your porch could be a stage, too?)

The event is also a step away from the formality and (occasional) elitism in the world of music. “Being a musician who is always gigging, Make Music Day gives advanced musicians an opportunity to get together and play each other’s music in a non-jam session,” says Patrick Recob, a Kansas City-based string and electric bassist. “For beginner musicians, Make Music Day is an opportunity to play in front of an audience, and even connect with seasoned performers.”

In Kansas City, you‘re in for a treat. In the state’s largest celebration, more than 90 artists are putting on 130 performances at 58 venues around the city. Pop by any of these events to listen and you might be surprised by what you hear—it could be jazz, Afrobeat, rock, Gospel, or even opera. There’s a way to get in on the action, too—learn the basics of the harmonica from musician Russ “KidMan” Schenke, or try your hand at bucket drumming under the guidance of Jaisson Taylor, a Blues Music Award nominee. You even get to take a set of sticks home! More information about Kansas City events here.

Liberty’s historic downtown will come to life like never before, with eight venues holding events. There will be lots of folk and bluegrass, plus two acapella groups, KC Music Girls Jam, and Heart of America Men’s Barbershop Chorus. The full list of events is here.

In Columbia, popular cafe and hangout spot Cafe Berlin will be hosting an open mic, and all are welcome. The Blufftop at Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport will be hosting two acts from afternoon to late evening. For the full list of events in Columbia and its surrounding cities, click here.

Rolla features Pat Kay, a storyteller and traditional Ozark music one-man band, and Syrhea Conaway, who will teach students to make an instrument out of recycled materials. See all of Rolla’s events here.

In Springfield, join The Acoustic Shoppe at their all-day jam session in its parking lot. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro, join them and revel in the festive atmosphere. In Neosho, two community concerts and a performance for summer school students will be held.

In St. Louis, there will be a clarinet concert, performances from junior guitar ensemble Viva Musica, talented teen musicians 6 String Players and more.

Photos courtesy of Make Music Day Kansas City.

For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.