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.

 

 

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