Porchfest: Live From Wayne

Few things bring me more joy than stumbling upon live music. Regardless of the genre or familiarity of the songs played, it is still entertaining and delightful. Even the occasional voice crack or missed note adds a certain charm to the performance, because you know it is real. For many of us, tickets to our favorite bands are pricey, making concerts rare and memorable events.
Finding local artists is a way to feed the craving to experience live music during times when our budget is tight.
Porchfest, an event scheduled for Sept. 9, provides a great opportunity to enjoy live music from a diverse group of musicians in Wayne, Pa. Emerging first in Ithaca, N.Y., Porchfests have spread to many places across the United States and Canada, transforming into an annual event which draws communities together. Nine years after Ithaca’s first Porchfest, West Philadelphia took up the idea and held their own Porchfest in 2016, reviving the event this past June. This year, Wayne, Pa., plans to follow suit, hosting the first of what they are already calling annual Porchfest events.
From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, musicians will turn porch to stage on over a dozen front porches in Wayne. The featured bands are predominantly acoustic, although they cover a vast range of genres including singer-songwriter, rhythm and blues, and bluegrass. The event promises to be a unique blend of amateur and more professional bands, which I imagine will give the feel of both street music and coffee-house concerts.
Attending Porchfest is a great way to get off campus and check out the local art community. While many of us listen to music by ourselves, hearing live music turns a solitary activity into a shared experience of immeasurable value. Roy Ayers, well-beloved jazz vibraphonist and R&B bandleader, says of music, “The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” By investing in the art of a variety of individuals, the places hosting Porchfests are developing a strong and meaningful community.

Sources: westphillyporchfest.com, front-porch-ideas-and-more.com,southwayneporchfest.com, phillyvoice.com, brainyquote.com, royayers.net