
It was standing room only for Marie-Eve Vézina’s performance on Derby Street. Photo: Reid Masson
Music and happy people filled the streets – and lawns – of Vankleek Hill last Saturday (July 16), as Porchfest returned to perfect weather and huge crowds.
“This year’s Porchfest was amazing!” enthused Porchfest 2022 Chairman Martin Lacelle after the event. “The crowds were ecstatic to see live music on our streets once again and the event is such a great draw for locals and visitors alike.”
The grounds of the Arbor Gallery were packed at Noon on Saturday, when Lacelle made his opening speech, followed by an enthusiastic performance by local rock band 50 PROOF. Spectators then made their way over to Higginson, Mill, Main and Hamil streets for the remainder of the day, as three acts played each hour. Higginson Street in particular hosted throngs of people all day, as performances took place on various porches and front lawns on the residential street lined with historic homes.
The event would not have been possible without the work of a small group of volunteers, the dedicated porch hosts, sponsors, and the musicians who donated their time for Porchfest, Lacelle noted.
“I’d like to personally our Porchfest committee – Reid Masson, Adele A. Robert and Louise Sproule – for their unwavering support and help to make this event a success,” Lacelle said. “The committee would like to thank our artists, our participating porch owners and of course our main sponsors Low’s Realty, The Review and Foodland VKH, without whom this event would not be as successful as it was today.”
The fun didn’t stop when Porchfest was over, as many musicians headed to the Windsor Tavern for the after party, jamming together for patrons at the hotel’s outdoor patio until darkness fell.
“It was everything you hope for in a jam,” said Reid Masson, of 50 PROOF, who organized the after party. “No one had ever played together, so there were moments of disorganization and others of absolute brilliance.”

An after-party jam at the Windsor Tavern saw musicians from various bands playing together. Photo: Reid Masson
“It was pretty special for everyone who was there and all the musicians had an absolute blast playing with each other.”
The Porchfest Facebook page was filled with positive comments after the event and Lacelle said organizers are already planning for 2023.
“We are really thrilled with how Porchfest went this year and we hope to make it even bigger and better next year,” Lacelle said.
Photo Gallery: Click on the photos to view them in full size.
- Dancing at the Arbor Gallery during the opening performance by 50 PROOF. Photo: James Morgan
- The Gus Lowe Band performed on Mill Street during Vankleek Hill Porchfest, Saturday, July 16, 2022. Photo: Reid Masson
- Mike Lemieux plays at the Vankleek Hill Tulip Fields on Main Street. Photo: James Morgan
- The Steve Gravel Band on Mill Street. Photo: James Morgan
- Norm Campbell on Main Street. Photo: James Morgan
- Victor Courte at Vankleek Cottage on Main Street. Photo: James Morgan
- 50 PROOF plays at the Arbor Gallery. Photo: James Morgan
- Celtic Flare performs on Higginson Street. Photo: James Morgan
- The Vankleek Hill Fiddlers at the Creating Centre. Photo: James Morgan
- Foreman rocks it up on Hamil Street. Photo: James Morgan
- Highway 34 filled Canada Post Park with music. Photo: James Morgan
- JR & The Gator perform on Higginson Street. Photo: James Morgan
- Crowds on Higginson Street were heavy all day. Photo: James Morgan
- A large crowd turned out at the Arbor Gallery for opening remarks by Porchfest chairman Martin Lacelle followed by music from 50 PROOF. Photo: James Morgan
- Paul Lawrence and Jeff Holtby dropped their acoustic guitars to play the blues at the after party. Holtby even played bass! Photo: Reid Masson