Make Music Old Lyme Returns June 21 with Stroll, Pickin’ Party and More

OLD LYME, CT – Make Music Old Lyme, the popular live music stroll along Lyme Street, returns Sunday, June 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.

An international celebration of free music for all, the Old Lyme Arts District produces the town’s event in conjunction with the MusicNow Foundation.

With over a dozen performers, the annual celebration takes place on Lyme Street, stretching from the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, where the Old Lyme Town Band will play, to Nightingale’s Acoustic Cafe, where Chris Gregor will perform a modern mix.

Between these two locations, talented musicians from across the Northeast will give live acoustic performances on front lawns and sidewalks.

New this year, the evening will feature a Pickin’ Party led by Rodney Brown on the lawn of the Village Shoppes. Participants are invited to bring a seat and either a string instrument or their singing voice to join an informal, rotating circle-style jam modeled after the Tuesday night Pickin’ Parties at Nightingale’s Acoustic Café.

Players of all levels will take turns suggesting tunes, sharing chords and leading songs. The party is open to all ages and musical backgrounds.

Children’s hands-on musical activities will also be offered on the lawn of the Old Lyme Historical Society at 55 Lyme St., giving younger participants an interactive way to engage with music throughout the day.

The Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club will have the grill going at Center School as they serve up hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages to benefit the service organization. Nightingale’s Acoustic Café will also be open with refreshments available for purchase.

A 4 p.m. Sunny Train concert will take place before the stroll behind the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau.

Launched in France in 1982, Make Music Day is an international musical festival open to all who would like to participate, and takes place in over 1,000 cities in 120 countries on June 21, the summer solstice.

The State of Connecticut Office of the Arts joined the musical movement in 2018 with 528 free musical performances at 224 locations across the state, including Old Lyme. 

For a complete lineup of activities closer to the event (including weather updates), visit the event’s website.  

The Old Lyme Arts District is a partnership of a dozen organizations and businesses promoting arts and culture on Lyme Street.