PLAYING PORCHES: Princeton Porchfest will return on Saturday, April 27 from 12 to 6 p.m. During this free, all-ages event, more than 80 musicians will perform live sets on 15 porches throughout town.  Musician Gabby Toledo, shown above, will be back this year. (Photo by Sameer A. Khan)

By Wendy Greenberg

One musical group’s experience performing in last year’s Porchfest was so enjoyable that the band, Cherry Blossom, is thrilled to be back this year.

A porch host who was a fan before the first notes sounded in 2022 is looking forward to his third year of lending his space.

The Arts Council of Princeton’s Porchfest, now in its third year, seems to be a win-win for both the community and the performers, as audiences walk or bike from porch to porch across local neighborhoods listening to musical sets.

Last year, a dreary rain did not deter audiences. This year, as Porchfest gets underway at noon on Saturday, April 27 — rain or shine — 15 porches will serve as music venues with an average of five performers on each, featuring more than 80 sets, each lasting about 45 minutes. The first year saw 60 bands and 11 porches.

Porch locations vary from downtown homes and businesses to porches in the Witherspoon-Jackson and Riverside neighborhoods, as well as the “tree streets.” The music spans a wide variety of genres, according to Melissa Kuscin, the Arts Council’s Porchfest coordinator.

“The people of Princeton continue to impress me with their willingness to embrace new ideas,” said Kuscin. “As a creative and cultural organization, it’s the Arts Council’s job to innovate on what we bring to the table, reworking and playing with the event model to find the sweet spot of exciting, accessible, and homegrown.”

“Porchfest is only in its third year,” she continued, “but residents step up to make it possible, musicians volunteer their time, and local business get involved in a myriad of ways. That level of investment speaks to the potential of Porchfest and all that we can do as a community when we work together.”

An interactive Porchfest map, with scheduled performances and refreshment options, can be found at artscouncilofprinceton.org/porchfest. Live music will continue at each location until 5 p.m. The evening will conclude at the Arts Council’s 102 Witherspoon Street porch with a concert by the rock band The Prisms.

This year, the band Cherry Blossoms is back. “We played Porchfest last year and absolutely loved it,” said band member Jedd Lopez, who plays drums. “Our host Kate was incredible and it was such a great experience. Even with the rain, we drew a crowd of over 40 people. I can’t wait to see how this year’s turnout goes.”

The three-piece alt-rock band, based in Princeton, also features Lopez’s brother Chris singing and playing the guitar and their friend Mike on bass. They will be playing at 45 Linden Lane at 4 p.m. What Lopez particularly likes about Porchfest is that “each porch/stage has completely different genres playing, so one band can play folk and the next might be rock. You’re really able to discover and hear new music that way. I also love the idea of walking around town and hearing live music everywhere you go. There really isn’t anything like it.”

Lopez said he is looking forward to “walking around and discovering new bands/artists that make up our local music scene. We play later in the day, so it’ll be great to spend the early afternoon checking out different porches.”

The porch host experience is different, but no less memorable. Ted Nadeau, a three-time Porchfest host, said he had a great time at a Porchfest in Somerville, Mass., where his brother lives, had discussed with Princeton friends bringing one to Princeton. When the Arts Council approved one, “we were happy to volunteer and support it,” he said. “In our experience, each porch is different and great, and everyone there thinks they’re at the best porch. The combination of live music, different musicians, and neighborhood-ness makes it great.”

“We believe in porches,” added Nadeau, “and try to use ours, not just for Porchfest, but anything that encourages porch use is good. It gives people a reason to walk or bike around and see the spring beauty of Princeton.”

Kuscin said that local businesses have remarked they are busy on Porchfest day, and the Arts Council encourages attendees to shop, eat, and drink at nearby businesses. But Porchfest is also about community.

“Porchfest is good for Princeton because it encapsulates all that is so wonderful about this town,” said Kuscin. “We have the most hospitable folks opening up their homes, small businesses showing off what they do best, and just walking or biking around our beautiful neighborhoods — no matter the weather — is a treat for residents and visitors alike. Local talent abounds around these parts and these performers get a really unique chance to show off their skills.”

Limited edition Porchfest T-shirts are available online for presale. Day-of purchases will be on a first-come, first-served basis at the Arts Council’s porch. All proceeds benefit Arts Council community programs.

Princeton Porchfest is supported by lead sponsor Princeton University, as well as CentralJersey.com, Glenmede, Graduate Hotels, Herring Properties, Lynne and Joe Kossow, Patrick de Maynadier, Lydia and Johan Pfeiffer, Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction, NJM, Pedego Electric Bikes, Visit Princeton.org, Princeton Tree Care, My Orthodontist, Maman, Small World Coffee, Jammin’ Crepes, The Bent Spoon, and the Whole Earth Center.

For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org/porchfest or call the Arts Council at (609) 924-8777.