Melrose Porchfest Returns This Saturday!
By Ellen Putnam
Photo Credit: Nancy Clover
This Saturday between 12 and 6pm, Melrose will host the annual Porchfest, with over 80 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.
The Melrose Porchfest is a combination of neighborhood block party - and some neighborhoods go all-out! - and citywide music festival.
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.
Photo Credit: Nancy Clover
Many of the performers have played in Porchfest in past years, while others are new this year. Some are local, Melrose-based bands, while others come from farther afield. Some performers write their own music, while others perform covers of popular songs, or do a mix of the two.
The Melrose Porchfest website features a map of all performers and porches signed up for Saturday afternoon.
Some events you may want to look out for:
- Hannah’s Brewing Company will host performances throughout the afternoon for those who want to sip and listen.
- 76 Vinton Street will again host the Saxyderms, an all-saxophone ensemble, and the Jazzabelles, an all-female big band.
- Former U.S. Senator Scott Brown and his band, Scott Brown and the Diplomats, will again be playing at 18 Bellevue Ave.
- While not officially part of the Melrose Porchfest lineup, the Beethoven Society of Melrose will be hosting Accents on Bernstein, a free concert at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church at 3pm.