ESCANABA — Escanaba is joining more than 150 cities across the United States and 120 countries worldwide who participate in offering free, public musical events on the first day of summer.

A website has been set up to give musicians the opportunity to register for the event. It also gives venues in the community a chance to offer their location for special music on that day.

“It is for musicians of any age or experience level to be able to perform on the longest day of the year and celebrate the first day of summer,” said Craig Woerpel, executive director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. “We are hoping to be able to hear music at local bars and restaurants, in city parks, on downtown sidewalks, anywhere that people might want to play their music.”

The link for musicians and venues to sign up for the event can be found at makemusicday.org/escanaba.

Make Music Day began in France in 1982 and has spread to more than 2,000 communities around the globe. Make Music concerts are performed by anyone who wants to take part and enjoyed by everyone who wants to attend. Escanaba is one of three communities in Michigan to hold an event this year.

The event is sponsored by the Escanaba DDA. It was suggested by Escanaba music teacher Lorne Watson who participated in a Make Music New York event when he lived in that city.

“It doesn’t have to be a band. It can be a group of people asking others to bring their ukuleles to play some songs. It can be someone who likes to play the guitar or an accordion. Even choirs can participate. The possibilities are endless,” Woerpel said.

This year’s spring recital at Jim’s Music happens to fall on June 21. It is the first event to be registered with Make Music Escanaba. Music students who work with teachers at Jim’s Music or who work with other private teachers in the area will be performing on the stage at the Escanaba Marketplace from 12 to 2 p.m.

Jim’s Music Manager Parker Bruce says playing for an audience helps to improve their confidence.

“It helps the students to get up on the stage and be out of their comfort zone. If they make a mistake, they find out it doesn’t matter. It’s a confidence builder,” Bruce said.

bout 15 to 20 music students and their teachers are expected to perform at the Escanaba Marketplace for the first Make Music Escanaba event.

Registrations are required for musicians and venues to participate. Woerpel said the DDA can help to connect musicians with places to play.