Porchfest returns with free live music in a charming historic neighborhood
What local event has 51 bands, 47 homes, six food trucks and “a whole lot shakin goin on”? It’s the return of the annual Dayton Porchfest, set for Saturday in the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District.
Started in 2017 by The Collaboratory, 51 solo artists and bands make this year’s Porchfest the largest ever. The free music festival includes 13 first-time acts and 50 percent new acts from 2021.
“Porchfest is unique for its diversity of genres, including blues, jazz, soul, hip hop, country, folk, Americana, indie rock, Irish, pop, klezmer, salsa — even an accordion sing-along,” said Collaboratory Founder Peter Benkendorf. “Visitors are likely to find something to suit just about every musical taste.”
Festivities begin around 1 p.m. “To get everyone cranked up, we start, as they do every year, with the TRSS Drum Corps beginning 15 minutes earlier than in the past because people wanted more drum corps!” Benkendorf said.
The first music block kicks off at 2 p.m. with sets ranging from 45-50 minutes. Additional music blocks start at 3, 4, 5 and 6 p.m.
Recommended parking locations include large lots along Keowee and Fourth streets on the western edge of the neighborhood. Because performances take place at homes north and south of Fifth Street, guests are advised to exercise caution when crossing Fifth Street. No streets are closed to traffic; visitors are encouraged to enjoy the music from the yards and sidewalks. Bring a lawn chair for seating and cash for food trucks, or check out the local St. Anne’s businesses, Fifth Street Brewpub, Gem City Catfe (a dual cafe and cat adoption center) and Hue House art supply store.
Benkendorf said all the effort to book artists and recruit neighborhood porches is worthwhile when toes tap and shoulders sway. “The heart of the work of The Collaboratory is bringing people together to build a better Dayton,” he said. “Whether it is through sewing together, dining together, skateboarding together or listening to music together, our success is the result of our togetherness. Porchfest celebrates the depth and diversity of the Dayton music scene and allows us to all celebrate the commonality of our love for music.”
For more information and to see the complete line-up and schedule, please visit daytonporchfest.org.
