Melrose Porchfest Returns on Saturday
On Saturday afternoon, Melrose will host the annual Porchfest, with over 90 performers playing on porches, driveways, and yards across the city.
The first porchfest took place in Ithaca, New York in 2007 as a way to highlight local musicians and provide free music to residents. The idea has since spread across the country, and many cities and towns in Massachusetts now host one. Melrose hosted its first Porchfest in 2018, and it has since become an annual favorite.
Some listeners may go to a porch near them, set up lawn chairs, and listen all afternoon, since most porches are hosting two or more performers. Others may choose specific acts they’d like to see, or try to catch as many performances as they can.
The Melrose Porchfest website features a map of all performers and porches signed up for Saturday afternoon. Some performers are singer-songwriters, while others perform covers of popular songs, and some may be a mix of the two.
Some events you may want to look out for:
- 47 Porter Street will offer traditional Irish music all afternoon, while 33 Boardman Ave will be DJ Arson’s Reggae Yard.
- 58 Bancroft Rd is hosting the Bancroft Boogie Down Block Party, which will feature food trucks as well as a number of performers.
- Hannah’s Brewing Company will host an eclectic mix of performers, including Boston Irish Pipes and Drums and the alternative band GrungeBob SquareJams. They will also have their usual beers, a new hard seltzer, and a new pumpkin beer on offer.
- 76 Vinton Street will host the Peanut Gallery as well as the Saxyderms, an all-saxophone ensemble, and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra, which plays vintage ragtime music.
- Trinity Episcopal Church, First Congregational Church, and the Residence at Melrose Station will all be hosting performances. Trinity Episcopal will host the Garage Poets and the King Serpent Variety Troupe, an outlaw- and pirate-themed performance group.
- A number of Melrose Farmers’ Market favorites and Melrose-based performers will be playing at porches across the city.
- While not officially part of the Melrose Porchfest lineup, the Beethoven Society of Melrose will be hosting a free concert of Bach, Brahms, Piazzolla, and Schumann at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church at 3pm.
Check out the Porchfest website to see who’s playing, and enjoy a free afternoon of music in your own neighborhood!
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