Fenway Porchfest will bring live music to around 30 outdoor stages throughout the neighborhood on Saturday, June 16, from noon to 4 p.m.
Made possible through an unprecedented partnership between three nonprofits – Fenway Civic Association, the Fenway Alliance and the Fenway CDC (Community Development Corporation) – the event will showcase performers from the Berklee School of Music and the New England Conservatory, along with other neighborhood musicians. And since porches are few and far between in the area, the Fenway Porchfest motto is: “Music everywhere, porches optional.”
“We hope to be able to capture the gamut of folks from the neighborhood,” said Leah Camhi, executive director of the Fenway CDC. “We want something to get people out of their homes to engage with each other. The abiding goal is a terrific afternoon of music.”
As far as prospective musicians go, anyone can apply, but the event organizers request that their performances are “family friendly” and pro-human.” They must also keep in regular contact with the organizers and be able to provide and set up all their own gear.
Event organizers are also seeking volunteers including individuals to manage particular stage sites, checking in performers, handling scheduling and crowd control, and providing spectators with event information. They also need Porchfest Ambassadors who will be stationed throughout the neighborhood to provide spectators with information.
Maps and materials will be available at each performance site, as well as on the event website at Fenwayporchfest.org. Musicians will also be able to register for event online, too.
Porchfest started in Ithaca, N.Y., in 2007. The first Boston-area event took place in Somerville, followed by Jamaica Plain three years later and Brookline and Arlington in 2016.
For more information on Fenway Porchfest, contact [email protected] via e-mail.