It was a night with plenty to hear — and plentiful opportunities for play.
Art on the Town returned to Downtown Appleton on Friday evening with an aural focus in celebration of Make Music Day.
But the activities went far beyond listening. It was hands-on. Percussionists from the Fox Valley Symphony orchestra brought out the steel drums, but also buckets, pans and shakers for youngsters to get in the rhythm.
Heather Oetzel of the Richeson School of Art and Gallery helped young visitors make music-related prints they could take home.
“It’s always great to get out here to the kids rather than having to have the kids come to us,” she said.
Appleton Public Library had a make-and-take harmonica booth. The Trout Museum of Art helped young ones make bottle cap castanets.
Musicians were spread out and offered performances up and down College Avenue. Shear Chaos Salon provided an outlet for those who arrived without instruments, but with a little bravery and a song in their hearts. They did a karaoke booth.
Appleton was from alone in their Friday celebration.
Downtown Appleton featured music and activities throughout the day as part of the international Fête de la Musique, which took place in 800 cities across 120 countries.
Downtown Appleton celebrates the creative on the third Fridays of the summer months.
Art on the Town will return on July 19 with Chalk on the Town, in which artists will turn the sidewalks into art piece.
Paint on the Town will take place on Aug. 16. The 2019 Art on the Town season will close on Sept. 20 with Park(ing) Day.
