2026 Make Music Day

Fairfield University is excited to join Make Music Day once again, celebrating MMD at two locations - Fairfield University Store (1499 Post Road) and Fairfield University's Arts & Minds (1720 Post Road). Visit Make Music Day for a list of all performers and all locations around town.

Musicians will perform from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, in front of the store at 1499 Post Road in downtown Fairfield. The 1499 Post Road schedule of performers for June 21 is as follows:

 

Shamrogues

Celtic Music

The Shamrogues are the performance arm of the Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society, a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to performing, supporting and encouraging Irish traditional music and musicians.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

 

John Van Dyck

Americana/Folk Music

John Van Dyck plays Americana with rock and roll swagger. He delivers songs that reflect on life’s tender moments or revel in the rough and rowdy nights with a voice that can soar with power and settle into a twang. Sparse instrumentation lets the storyteller take the spotlight and the song be the star.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

 

Julie Foldesi

Folk/Pop Music

Julie’s music has been compared to Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell, Anais Mitchell and The Chicks. Her songs were featured in the Hallmark movie “In the Key of Love,” on the webseries “Submissions Only” and in multiple musicals, including the local hit “2Motherplucers, A Musical.” www.2Motherpluckers.com. She has performed in 5 Broadway shows, and has multiple albums and singles released. For more, visit www.juliefoldesi.com.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

Parker's Tangent

Blues/Rock Music

Parker’s Tangent Parker’s Tangent is a fun group playing all original [sometimes art] rock music based on blues and roots sources. They have a wonderful female lead singer who has been compared to Grace Slick and Nora Jones, drums, percussion, lead and rhythm guitars, bass and an awesome violin player presenting virtuoso performances. They are a professional working band based out of greater New Haven CT. The music is extremely accessible and can be enjoyed by people of virtually all ages. The music can be poetic, quiet and touching, to bluesy to out and out rocking. The music is original and therefore there are no BMI/ASCAP issues. They have been together over 19 years and have performed at hundreds of bookings.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

 

Sadie Zabar

Indie/Folk Music

Honest, introspective and vulnerable. Sadie Zabar is a young Norwalk singer songwriter whose music blends indie folk influences and centers around acoustic guitar exploring themes of self-discovery, heartbreak and coming of age. Sadie has recently attended the County Music Hall of Fame songwriting program and was the 1st place winner of the Battle of the Jam music competition for CT youth musicians. Sadie has recently released her debut single Fiction.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

 

K.J. Whitton

Folk/Jazz Music

CT singer-songwriter K.J. Whitton. K.J. Whitton perform a wide variety music with influences from many decades and genres. His latest released EP can be found streaming on all platforms.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

That Flatts

Rock/Country/Folk Music

The Flatts is an 7 piece band from New Haven, CT featuring guitars, keys, trumpet, harmonica, drums and great harmonies, playing covers and original music steeped in over 40 years of rock-n-roll, country, folk and jazz.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

 

***CANCELED*** Bill Dempsey

Indie-Folk/Indie-Rock Music

Bill Dempsey is a singer/songwriter with influences spread across Motown, 70's rock and R&B, alternative, indie-folk and everything in between. He is a storyteller with a goal of connecting to audiences through heartfelt and idiosyncratic lyrics that leave even new listeners feeling as though they are spending time with an old friend.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

 

Sean O'Reilly

Indie-Folk/Folk Music

Sean O'Reilly – Indie-Folk Pop with a Baroque Twist Blending indie-folk pop melodies with the rich textures of harp and piano, Sean O'Reilly crafts a unique sound that fuses contemporary storytelling with baroque-inspired arrangements. Known for his wry, evocative lyrics and dynamic performances, O'Reilly captivates audiences both as a solo artist and alongside his three-piece band. Whether solo, or with his band, Sean is an active performer in the regional music scene, playing venues, festivals, and intimate listening rooms. His music reaches beyond live stages, with regular performances streaming on YouTube and Facebook Live. With growing audience on Spotify, O'Reilly’s original songs resonate with fans worldwide. Whether you're looking for an engaging live act for your venue or an artist to add depth to your lineup, Sean O'Reilly delivers an unforgettable performance.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM