PLEASE NOTE: If performers are not currently listed on timeoutnewyork.com/makemusic, or working with one of our neighborhood partners, it is no longer possible to include their performance in our listings or secure any sound permits.
But don't let that stop you!
Although we are unable to formally include additional performers, you can assist them in making their own arrangements to perform as part of Make Music New York. Click here for more details.
You are encouraged to sign our mailing list so that we can keep you informed about the festival this Thursday and future festivals.
MAKE MUSIC IN THE STREETS
So far, eighty-seven block associations, churches, senior centers, Business Improvement Districts, and other community groups have signed on to organize "Make Music New York" concerts this June 21st. All over the city, these groups will put on events that showcase the cultural richness of their neighborhoods, creating a sort of citywide musical block party.
If your group wants to close a street for June 21st, you'll have to apply for a permit. It's not very hard -- here's what to do:
1. Begin by filling out this form from the City's Street Activity Permit Office. For "Applicant's Name," write your name. For "Sponsoring Organization," you must give the name of a local, community based organization (such as a block association, church, or other nonprofit) who will take responsibility for the event. Under "Type of event," check the box marked "Other," and write in "Make Music New York."
If you follow these steps carefully, your Make Music concerts will not interfere with your other permits from the City. For example, if you close your street for an annual block party every July, you can still get a permit for that, and a permit to close the street for a concert on June 21st.
2. Submit this form to your local Community Board as soon as you can. Once they approve your application, you'll need to send it along to the Street Activity Permit Office by May 1st, with a certified check or money order for $15. If your event requires amplified sound, you'll also need a sound permit ($45) from the local police precinct by June 14th.
3. If you're looking for musicians to take part in your event, email makemusicny@gmail.com with a description of the type of music you're looking for. We will put you in touch with appropriate local artists who need a place to perform.
4. Let us know all of the details of your event by May 1st -- where and when it will take place, and who will be playing -- and we will help you promote it on our website, through our media sponsors, and with free posters. Of course, we're also counting on you to promote your own event locally: through fliers, email lists, newsletters, etc.
Note: if you've already submitted a form to Make Music New York, you'll still have to go through the steps above for any street closure events.
MAKE MUSIC ON SIDEWALKS
If your group only needs sidewalk space for your event, you won't need to file any permit applications at all.
All you need to do is to fill out this form as soon as possible, and speak to one of our organizers to confirm the details of your event. (Be sure to include your phone number so we can call you back.)
Your sidewalk location should have a clear connection to your organization (in front of your group's building, for instance). Be careful not to block the sidewalk to pedestrian traffic, a special concern in midtown Manhattan. Finally, although musicians can pass out fliers and promote themselves, our permits will not allow musicians to ask for money from the public.
If you use amplification, we will need to submit your information to the nearest police precinct for a sound permit. This takes time, so please have everything confirmed with us as soon as possible.
PARKS AND GREENSTREETS
NOTE: the deadline has passed for amplified music in parks; for completely acoustic performance, you can still sign up here. [5/21/07]
A lot of concerts on June 21st will take place in the city's parks and Greenstreets. Here's how to reserve a park space:
1. Fill out this form (pdf) from the Parks Department website.
2. Do not send it to the Parks Department; instead, mail it directly to us at Make Music New York, c/o Citizens for NYC, 305 Seventh Ave, 15th floor, New York NY, 10001. We will confirm receipt by email. You do not need to enclose a fee. Your letter to us should be postmarked by May 1, 2007.
3. Be aware that finding a source of electricity in a park can be tricky. If you have electric instruments, make sure your proposed location can handle them before sending us your application.
4. Concerts in Central Park or Prospect Park are difficult to permit. If you submit an application for these spaces, please submit a backup location as well, in a completely different park, in case the space is unavailable.