Storefronts across Edgartown became live performance stages under a dazzlingly bright blue sky where talented Island musicians showcased their lyrical and instrumental craft.
Downtown Edgartown spotlighted musicians who call the Island home at the third annual Porchfest on Saturday, who drew attention from many visitors in town from the passerby in front of Rosewater Market to the crowd that grew to spill onto the road in front of Eisenhauer Gallery. Some performance locations were farther away from the town’s main hub and the festivities began with DJ Smooth B at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club at 11 am.
Porchfests occur across the country as a way to celebrate local musicians while forging a sense of community. The first porchfest took place in Ithaca, N.Y. in 2007 and was the inspiration for the Edgartown Board of Trade to bring the event to the Vineyard.
In Edgartown, 24 acts played a variety of genres throughout Saturday, such as relaxing bossa nova from the Ostinato Duo and Rose Guerin’s energetic guitar strumming. The Times also had musical talents from its team who delighted listeners, like awesome vocals by Island Writer Sarah Shaw Dawson & Friends and the folksy tunes of Blue Yonder, which includes Jessica Leaman, one of our copy editors and singers and guitarists in the band.
While setting up for their own show at Rainy Day, Seán McMahon and the Agreeable Men (Ted MacInnes and Chris Knott) expressed how excited they were to spread joy and play music under the pink flowers that bloomed on the tree branches.
MacInnes said he sees the potential to grow Porchfest even more on the Vineyard.
“It could be one of the biggest things the Island does,” MacInnes said of the music festival.
McMahon highlighted how many musicians performed on Saturday. The lineup shows 24 acts across the town.
“When you look at the lineup, you realize just how many bands and musicians there are active on the Island,” McMahon said. “So I think it’s a good one-stop for people to realize just how creative and musical this Island is.”
As live music played in various parts of downtown Edgartown, curious visitors attracted to the music also wandered into the stores where musicians performed. There was a symbiotic harmony between musicians gaining visibility, some of whom had buckets for tips and their websites taped on the side, while driving foot traffic to partner businesses.
Liz Hynes, owner of the home lifestyle shop Salte and a member of the Edgartown Board of Trade, said she’s been a part of the Island’s Porchfest every year so far. Hynes said beyond the foot traffic, the festivities brought “good energy” just before the busy season really kicks off.
“I think it’s been a huge success so far,” Hynes said. “Obviously, it’s still in its infancy, but it’s growing every year and the musicians seem to enjoy it as much as the business owners appreciate it.”
The day ended at the Memorial Wharf with Dock Dance Band, whose guitar riffs spurred dancers to sway with the breeze.