Porchfest Phenomenon Finally Makes it to Franklin

Above, a porchfest event in Franklin -- Franklin, Tennessee, that is...

In a pre-Internet, pre-television, and pre-air conditioning world, porches were where a lot of social activities happened -- and music.

Perhaps with that vanished world in mind, Ithaca, New York, launched the first ever 'porchest' back in 2007, showcasing dozens of musicians distributed across various parts of that city.

The formula worked, and Ithaca's event is still going strong. Since then, porchfests have popped up all across the US and Canada. And several Massachusetts communities have been running them for years, including Somerville, Jamaica Plain, Arlington, Roslindale, Belmont, Newton, Quincy, Swampscott, Melrose, Malden and Wellfleet. 

Now, thanks to a group calling itself the PorchFest Resident Committee, with financial support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural District, the Franklin Porchfest is off and running.  The event is scheduled for June 1, from noon to 6, mostly in the vicinity of the Town's Cultural District. The rain date is Sunday, June 2 from noon – 6pm.

You can sign up to host or to perform on the event website. There is no charge to attend and no compensation to venues or performers.