Heather Koontz
MONTPELIER — This Sunday, the streets, yards, and porches of Montpelier will come alive with the sound of music. In what is anticipated to become an annual event, the capital city’s first Porchfest is on Sept. 20 from noon to 5 p.m.
Porchfest is a free festival that invites community members to visit neighborhoods for an afternoon of music and connection. A giant moving block party, the first Porchfest was held in Ithaca, New York nearly 20 years ago and has since spread across the United States and Canada.
Strong Response from Musicians And Hosts
Montpelier’s inaugural event is the product of a partnership between Monteverdi Music School and Vermont Community Foundation.
“It’s about musicians of all backgrounds sharing music with their community and people coming out to enjoy it together,” Jolynda Burton, executive director of Monteverdi Music School, said. “It’s all free and open to the public.”
More than 23 acts signed up to play the event in Montpelier — including bands, solo artists, and hobby musicians.
“As a musician myself, I’m so proud to help bring Montpelier its first Porchfest and am moved by the support and love for this event from the community,” Burton said.
Musicians will be stationed at host sites around downtown Montpelier, as well as College Hill, Lower Liberty, North Street, the Meadows, Terrace Street, and Berlin Street. To help attendees navigate the event, Burton said there will be an interactive map with coordinated music points.
“Pick a neighborhood and stay put, or bebop around town to get your steps in,” Burton said. “Expect a different flavor at each house, bring a chair or blanket, snacks, and a friendly attitude!”
Kick-off party on Barre Street
In addition to the larger Porchfest event, Barre Street Arts Revival (BSAR) will host a kick-off party at noon in the adjoining parking lots of 79-89 Barre Street. The organization, which produced last year’s “Barre Street Porch Mosey,” is an initiative that supports local businesses, the arts, and community.
“We are a group of workers, entrepreneurs, organizers, and artists,” said BSAR member Jan Lloyd (also a former staff member of The Bridge). “We aim to uplift and enliven those who live and access services here … while also increasing traffic to our fledgling or floundering businesses.”
With support from Downstreet Housing and Community Development, Guy’s Farm and Yard, Capitol Spa, and Montpelier Alive, the kickoff event will feature a street brass band, puppetry, belly dancing, and more. FreeRide will be on hand to help decorate bikes for those taking to the streets in style, and the Montpelier Historical Society will have information about the history of Barre Street.
At the kickoff event, the Montpelier Community Market (formerly Just Bacics, Inc, the local food pantry) will also be celebrating the opening of its Barre Street location with a by-donation hot dog lunch.
The kick-off party will run until 2 p.m., with the larger Porchfest event continuing until 5 p.m. Attendees can expect musical acts across numerous genres, as well as a unique opportunity for community connection.
“It’s my hope that Montpelier’s first Porchfest will remind residents and visitors what really matters in life — connecting with each other, expressing ourselves artistically, and remembering we’re all in this together,” Burton said.
Visit montpelierporchfest.org for more information.
