The fourth annual Porchfest is set to take place on July 9, featuring over 30 artists who will perform throughout the day.

The event is held in Shelburne Falls, where residents open up their porches to musicians, poets, and stand-up comedians for visitors to enjoy. Crystal Stinson, one of the organizers and the owner of Bridge Street Bazaar, said the festival provides a unique opportunity to showcase the entire village, including its residential areas and Victorian porches.

The event was initially organized during the pandemic by Dorothy Strano-Bennett, who was 14 years old at the time. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, and this year, her father, Paul Bennett, as well as Stinson and Brad Walker, the owner of The Mill at Shelburne Falls, have taken the reins to make the event even bigger.

In the past, organizers faced difficulties filling the schedule with performers, but due to the community's familiarity with the annual event, they were able to secure a diverse range of performers this year, including both local artists and some from as far away as Boston.

Porchfest will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with most of the music performances taking place in the early afternoon. A shuttle service will be available from 1 to 4 p.m., stopping at various locations around the village and at The Mill.

The event is free and family-friendly, although some musicians will have tip jars at their porch venues.

“You can be here all day for this free event,” Bennett said.

The Mill will serve as a hub for the performers, offering a green room and a stage with acts scheduled throughout the day. The organizers have also partnered with the Shelburne Falls Arts Walk this year, opening art galleries to complement the live music throughout the village. The Arts Walk takes place monthly during the warm season on every second Sunday of the month.

Headlining act Shanti Starr and her band, The Afro-Reggae All Stars, will return for the second year to perform in the patio located behind Bridge Street Bazaar at 6 p.m. Village resident Martín Espada, a recipient of the National Book Award, will host three hours of his curated poetry readings throughout the day.

The porch at 99 Main St. will host two comedy shows during the event. A family show will take place at 11 a.m., and a clean adult show will happen at 5 p.m.

A wide range of musical performances will take place throughout the day. Robin Lane, formerly of the 1980s band Robin Lane & The Chartbusters (whose music video for the song “When Things Go Wrong” was the 11th video shown on MTV’s first broadcast day, August 1, 1981), will perform at Floodwater Brewery. The party punk band Suicide Squirrel will perform at The Mill. The superintendent of Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional Schools will also take the stage at the Porch Festival, singing folk music.

Bennett explained that growing up in the suburbs of New York City left him feeling isolated with a lack of community. He has been inspired by the interconnectedness seen in the rural towns of Franklin County. Organizing an event that showcases the artistic community in town brings him happiness.

“It has been fun to watch artists and other people be inspired by the Porch Festival performances,” Bennett said. “Seeing the music can change lives.”

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com

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