Porchfest: A Community Concert Walk
By Redell Hendricks | October 7, 2024
Just one day after the Great Forest Park Balloon Race (September 21), the Streets of Skinker DeBaliviere came alive – despite a wet start.
“When I woke up that morning, I was like ‘Oh no,’” says Jim Fuchs, member of the Porchfest planning team. A day of showers is a threat to any outdoor event, much less one on the scale of Porchfest. With more than 40 bands scheduled to take the stage throughout the day and a host of vendors and volunteers, the uncertain weather was a concern.
“But by 1 pm [the event’s start time], the weather cleared up – it’s like the stars aligned.”
Porchfest is a unique annual music festival whose roots trace back to 2007 in Ithaca, New York. The event started as a way for local musicians to perform in casual, community-focused settings. Since then, the idea has spread nation-wide, with Skinker DeBaliviere joining the Porchfest movement in 2018, in partnership with a group of WashU students looking for ways to connect with their neighbors. Now in its sixth year, Porchfest STL continues to promote the spirit of community by transforming the porches and streets of Skinker DeBaliviere into vibrant venues of musical celebration.
A key feature of Porchfest is its emphasis on community involvement. Not only do residents volunteer their porches as stages, but many also make their way over to Greg Freeman Park, also known as the Four Corners, to provide support for the event’s organizers, the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council. While the music and community spirit of Porchfest are free, revenue from the branded Community Council merchandise, snacks, drinks, drinks, and raffle tickets sold at Greg Freeman Park supports the council’s annual series of concerts and programming.
Billed as a ‘rain or shine’ event, there’s no denial that Sunday’s switch to sunshine and mild temps helped the overall atmosphere of the day. From traveling guitarist Christopher Morse on Kingsbury, to the eclectic Peace Lords on the main stage, Porchfest attendees were treated to a variety of musical genres. Some bands even had “60 to 70 people standing on the streets and sidewalks,” says Fuchs.
For music lovers who preferred not to explore the neighborhood, or those looking for a bite to eat, Greg Freeman Park held a series of performances and family-friendly engagement. On site was a truck from City’s Fire Department, crafts, and Snarf’s sandwiches; at 3 pm, the MOObile and Beer Outside food trucks arrived for attendees looking for a late lunch or early dinner. These additional elements made Porchfest a comprehensive community event where there was truly something for everyone.
Capping off the night, event headliner St. Boogie Brass Band took the main stage, performing a medley that had everyone on their feet. Their energetic performance seamlessly blended classic jazz tunes with contemporary hits, creating an electrifying close out for an unforgettable event.
WashU is a proud sponsor of Porchfest 2024. We hope to see you all next year for Porchfest 2025!
