After a week of uncertain forecasting, mother nature dialed up a glorious September afternoon on Sunday for Bristol’s annual event, PorchFest.

Twenty bands on 10 porches during two sessions (more on the shared Mt. Hope High School music porch) brought three hours of a variety of musical acts and genres, from Byfield Street to Walley Street.

According to Bradley Wester, PorchFest co-chair, the committee curates the event for diversity in musical styles, while seeking to present 50% new bands each year. New acts for 2023 included Cardboard Ox (folk duo); Turas (Irish); and Bay Swing (traditional & gypsy jazz). Returning performers include Catnip Junkies (swing/NOLA jazz); Los Duderinos (eclectic/bluegrass /improv); and Manel the Island Man (Portuguese).

Additional acts enjoyed up and down High Street included Donnell Best (Afro-Caribbean/R&B); Dred Buffalo (rock); Dylan Jack & Ryan Kowal (improv jazz); Hollow Turtle (contemporary bluegrass); Mt. Hope High Music (student bands & performers); Patty Perry (blues/rock band); Paula Clare Band (classic rock); The Digg It Band (rock); The Honk (jazz/blues/folk); The Jethros (folk/blues/alt/soul/funk/country/mariachi); and YourFriendM00N (singer/songwriter).

After the music, the Catnip Junkies led a Second Line parade up High Street and across the Town Common to Unity Park, where the party continued at Pivotal Brewing and other Unity Park establishments.