The charm and quaintness of lower High Street and vicinity served as the perfect backdrop for the second annual PorchFest on Sunday afternoon.

Gorgeous late-summer weather greeted countless strollers through this historic portion of town as area musicians gave it their Sunday best in a wide variety of musical offerings.

Advertised as “bringing live music and neighbors together on neighborhood porches,” this 2019 PorchFest edition was as popular as ever. There was music to whet everyone’s appetite, from Dixieland Jazz to Pop, Bluegrass, Rhythm and Blues, and more. Nine porches and 18 local bands were on hand to provide the entertainment.

Performing groups included Marcella-Raphelle, The Guidos, Tyler and Ryan, Los Duderinos, RWU Jazz Trio, Small Talk, Trinity, Rendition, Paula Clare Band, StrangeBrew, Sakonnet Music, Dukes of Dixie, Joao Silva, Julio Amaro, Four Bridges, Sinner’s Pie, Andre Arsenault, Fay Bullard, and Slack Tide.

As some people pointed out, this PorchFest is becoming a major late summer attraction here in town.

“It’s just wonderful,” beamed Ginette Amaral, a member of Bristol’s Fourth of July Committee, who saw some similarities with the town’s greatest celebration. “I didn’t come to this event last year, but you can get bet I’ll be here again next year. It’s amazing. Seeing all of these people walking in the street reminds me of the Fourth of July.”

Although everyone who participated musically certainly deserve a loud round of applause, a good majority of those in attendance seemed to congregate in front of the homes which featured the musical talents of Trinity, Rendition, Tyler and Ryan, and StrangeBrew, to name a few.

As most people agreed, the PorchFest event, in partnership with Roger Williams University and support from Pawtucket Credit Union, was even bigger and better than last year. Everyone seemed to be in rare form throughout the course of the afternoon … going from house to house listening to some fabulous music, and even doing a little dancing along the way.

“It was a beautiful day and a lot of fun,” said Tony Carlone, whose High Street home was one of the porch settings. “I see it as a great opportunity to showcase a diverse cross section of talent this community has to offer.  Playing on the porches is such a cool intimate setting. I’m looking forward to it again next year.”