PORTSMOUTH – The second annual Portsmouth PorchFest will take place this year on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m.- to 5 p.m. in the residential neighborhoods of downtown Portsmouth, according to a group of grassroots advocates.
 

PorchFest is a local, outdoor music festival that hosts bands in unconventional performance spaces such as porches, back yards and driveways. This free public event is designed to strengthen the Portsmouth community, build connections between neighbors, and provide exposure for local musicians from a diverse array of backgrounds. Attendees can walk tree-lined streets, hear a variety of music styles and sounds from regional artists while mingling with neighbors, and hopefully make some friends along the way.

PorchFest came to fruition by way of a group of everyday people who had a vision and said “let’s make it happen.” 

Community advocate, Leftist Marching Band member, and Portsmouth PorchFest volunteer, John Mayer, said, "Other cities and towns throughout the country host PorchFests and we thought it would be great if Portsmouth did too.” Mayer said the idea was hatched during the annual Cabot Square Day celebration, another local neighborhood community event.

The PorchFest committee who spearheaded the inaugural project includes John Mayer, Fran Bergman, Karen McCarthy, Ben Wellwood, Julia Ducett and Madeleine Nossiff – all of whom came together with a shared vision and desire to bring PorchFest to Portsmouth.

“PorchFest is a community initiative that strives to span generations and create spaces for people to gather, delight in music, and grow a deeper sense of knowing one another.” said Nossiff.

“In a time of great divide, PorchFest aims to be one of many ways to unite people from different backgrounds through the power of music, collaboration and supporting the arts and culture of our town.” 

Co-founder Doucett said, "To me, the spirit of PorchFest is all about grassroots community building. It's about proving that we can come together as neighbors and enjoy music on a hyper-local scale. I think the arts are such a good way to connect people, and so many of us could use a little more connection in our lives. It's so exciting to have found a group here who feel the same way."  

PorchFest is a rain or shine event, and encourages attendees to bring jackets and umbrellas to share in case of inclement weather. This year's team of organizers aims to double the size of the event with 30 venues and two acts scheduled for each house. 

The official band lineup schedule will be released in August.