The triumphant organizers of last year's breakout PorchFest have been calling it Bristol's newest holiday, and if you were there, you know that's not hyperbole. Bolstered by great weather and a great lineup of musicians, last year's inaugural PorchFest was such a success, before the sun set on the 2018 event, people were already making plans for 2019.
It's already here — Bristol PorchFest 2019 will be hosting local bands and offering an afternoon of music free to the community, This Sunday, Sept. 15 from 3 to 6 p.m. All participating porches are located on High St. between Walley and Constitution Streets.

The event is sponsored by Arts In Common, in partnership with Roger Williams University and community friends and neighbors who love music. “We have beautiful porches and great local musicians — combining the two are the perfect way to bring together friends and neighbors for an afternoon in Bristol,” said MaryKae Wright, PorchFest co-chair and member of Arts In Common, a local organization that promotes local arts and culture in Bristol.

Bristol PorchFest 2019 is significantly expanded over the 2018 iteration, and will feature 9 porches and 18 bands — solo, duos, trios and small groups — who will be performing acoustically or minimally amplified to entertain porch hosts and strolling spectators.

“PorchFest is another exciting opportunity for Roger Williams University to give back to the Bristol community and continue to support the arts locally. We’re thrilled to have RWU’s talented student musicians participate in this great community event,” said Dr. John J. King, Vice President for Student Life at Roger Williams University.

Last year's event, originally organized around four porches and bands, saw two “pop-up” porches, and drew hundreds of people of all ages strolling, listening, and even dancing. “This year we have 9 porches and 18 local bands scheduled… Classical Portuguese guitar to Dixieland jazz, folk to rock, opera to acapella, it’s so exciting!” said PorchFest Co-chair Nancy Kellner.

  “One of the most amazing things last year was meeting friends and neighbors coming together as a community to enjoy a Sunday afternoon of great local music on our historic porches,” said Bradley Wester, Arts in Common and Bristol PorchFest founder.

Several local restaurants, including Judge Roy Bean's The Lobster Pot, Quito's, Le Central, and the Portside Tavern, will be offering food and drink specials in conjunction with this event — just mention PorchFest to access specials.

Also new this year for the expanded 3-hour event will be closed streets. “After last year’s event drew 600 people, this year the Bristol Police suggested closing the street. We have approval from the Town Council, and a working plan to minimize any inconvenience.” said Doug Popovich, volunteer organizer and member of Arts In Common.

Police will stop traffic and patrol intersections Sunday afternoon starting around 2:45 until 6:15 p.m. Cars can remain parked on the street during the entire event, but it’s suggest that vehicles should be parked on a side street for those who may want to access and use them during the event, Popovich added.

As this is a small, grass-roots happening, organizers are asking audiences to be respectful of private property and, like at most parks and beaches, take trash home with them.

About the Bands

• Julio Amaro — With his Buscarino Classical Starlight acoustic guitar, Julio plays an eclectic repertoire of Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova, Light Flamenco, Latin, Caribbean, World, Pop, Rock and more.

• Andre Arsenault — Andre is a captivating acoustic performer of everyone’s favorite classic rock, pop, folk, blues and country music spanning over six decades.

• Dukes of Dixie is Band Leader Al DeAndrade on trumpet/flugelhorn, Carl Hosband on clarinet/saxophone, Lee Bernardo on drums, Al Marano on accordion, and Jan Marquez vocals. Audiences have been enjoying their Dixieland jazz music for more than 20 years.

• Four Bridges is Ben Marshall, Greg Ferreira, Nelson Hiller and Jeremy Place, playing traditional and contemporary bluegrass and folk with a hard-driving acoustic style and four-part harmonies.

• Los Duderinos is Ben Coerper, David Passafiume, Jr., Craig Cameron, Greg Ferreira, and Atticus Allen. They play eclectic/improv/covers/originals (bluegrass, jazz, folk, funk, jams).

• Marcella-Raphelle is the stage name of Marcella-Raphelle (Guido) Deininger a performer singer songwriter who now lives in Bristol.

• Paula Clare Band is Paula Clare, Mike Tanaka, John Debossu, and Bro Dunn. They perform in the classic tradition of Chicago-style blues along with a mix of Texas shuffle, R&B, funk, soul and danceable grooves.

• Rendition offers an acoustic journey through hit music. A little band with a big sound, it features Dean DePalma on Vocals/Guitar, Eric Komiega on Vocals/Percussion and Eric Leffingwell on Vocals/Bass.

• RWU Jazz Trio + Special Guests — a range of RWU student musicians will take center stage on a “Roger Williams” porch. Look to hear instrumental and vocal groups cover Jazz, A Capella and more.

• Sakonnet Music is the wife and husband team of Allison Messier, mezzo-soprano & Jonathan Babbitt, piano. Trained classically, Allison performs operatic works, French art song and contemporary folk. Jonathan, a conductor, recitalist, and composer, also performs worldwide a repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to the contemporary.

• João Silva performs international music, both traditional and contemporary, on Portuguese guitar.

• Sinner’s Pie is Nelson Hiller, Ellen Breen, and a special guest. The Sinner’s Pie trio plays old-time Americana with Folk and Bluegrass stylings. Their vocal arrangements sate the appetite with edgy, soulful melodies and rich and mournful harmonies; their instrumentation is spirited and true to the soul.

• Slack Tide is a blues rock band from Mt. Hope High, with Jackson Harney on drums, Henry Scott on bass guitar and Josh Beaton on guitar.

• StrangeBrew is Mick D'Agostino, Allen Sylvia, Jim Castellano, Chris  Staton, Jim Padilla and Steve Mascena. Formerly Dagwood, StrangeBrew plays an eclectic mix of mid to late 20th century rock n' roll and blues.

• The Guidos are a family combo featuring Bristol local Marcella-Raphelle on lead vocals and guitar. Brother C.A. plays lead guitar and other brother Umberto plays rhythm guitar and adds vocals. The siblings play everything from classic rock to folk-rock to New Wave to originals.

• Trinity is Joe Caron, Fred Komiega, Eric Komiega, Mike Crabtree and Eric Leffingwell. Specializing in performing as tribute to the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.  They will transport you back to a time when musical harmonies and lyrics mattered, back to the golden age of classic rock.

• Tyler and Ryan are the Falcoa brothers, You Tube sensations since publishing their 2015 video with scenes of Bristol, performing originals and covers. They have appeared across New England venues and on television shows such as “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent.”

• Fay Bullard is a 15-year-old musician and songwriter. She, along with her acoustic guitar, will be playing a mix of originals and covers, ranging from Joni Mitchell to Adele.

Bristol PorchFest 2019 is scheduled to be held rain or shine. For more information, email porchfestbristol@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/BristolPorchFest.