WASHBURN COUNTY — The heartbeat of music will pulse through Shell Lake and Spooner on Saturday with a variety of free performances and participatory events throughout the day.
The cities’ second-annual Make Music Spooner-Shell Lake is part of a music fest held every year on June 21 in more than 2,000 towns and cities around the world. Thirty plus events are planned locally – a variety of musical genres, from young musicians to longtime performers, that will flow from parks, the beach, libraries, the farmers’ market, assisted living and nursing homes, galleries, businesses, bars and restaurants in Spooner and Shell Lake.
Intermezzo Music Club, an area group promoting local music and music education, debuted Make Music Spooner-Shell Lake last year and is again bringing together host sites, performers, and the public for another joyful day.
“We are excited to have new events, while retaining a number of events from last year,” said Mary Hemshrot of Intermezzo and team leader for the local Make Music Day. “Come for your favorite sessions or make a day and evening of it. Listen to some music, shop, have lunch or dinner. Stroll downtown. You might run into some of your neighbors, too!”
One of the new additions this year, for example, will be Little Big Band at the Shell Lake Beach Pavilion and at the Palace Theater in Spooner, at 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., respectively. A group of Shell Lake High School freshmen to juniors, they are inspired by jazz, funk, and rock from the 1950s and ‘60s. “Whether you’re ready to jump, jive, or simply sway, Little Big Band brings bold energy that keeps jazz alive and fresh,” said band leader Charlie Juza.
Jazz, acoustic, rock, blues, classical, American and gospel are among the genres that will get listeners swaying to the music. At some locales, the public themselves can become the performers.
“At the main intersection in downtown Spooner, you’ll find a Piano in the Park where anyone can sit down and play,” said Janet Medley, Make Music team member. “From ‘Chopsticks’ or ‘The Happy Farmer’ to a Mozart sonata, a Joplin rag, or some rock and roll, music will ring out across downtown.
“As a piano teacher, I see this as a great opportunity for anyone, but especially students, to play the piano in an unconventional setting,” she said. “Hearing vocalists add singing to a piano accompaniment would be icing on the cake.”
“In Shell Lake, we are delighted that Potter’s Shed can participate this year with free music from noon to 4,” said Hemshrot. “The Beach Pavilion is welcoming back Phil Warner for a great Bucket Drumming session focused especially on kids and families.
“New this year will be three more hours of music at the Pavilion from 1 to 4 from The SongSmiths, and the Sacco Group trio. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon at the beach with live music!
“Many terrific performers will be sharing their music with us on Saturday,” Hemshrot said.
The full schedule is at makemusicday.org/spooner-shelllake. Click “Listings” on the homepage to open an interactive map page for finding artists, events, and locations.
Changes to the schedule can happen right up until June 21. They will be listed on the website.
Make Music Spooner-Shell Lake thanks Shell Lake Arts Center, Palace Theater, Trillium Home, and Shell Lake and Spooner Chambers of Commerce for their support.
Last Update: Jun 18, 2025 5:31 am CDT
