Porchfest 2013

     When coming to Porchfest I never would have guessed not only the outstanding musicianship but the wide berth of musical styles that lay in the community. For being there all four hours I was able to see New Orleans Jazz to Bluegrass, Rock to Folk. Every time I walked around a street corner there was another band, another style. I also enjoyed the fact that the name Porchfest was taken quite literally. The setup of the festival was really well done, as it brought about a sense of community within the musicians and within the town. I didn't know what to expect at Porchfest when I got there but I am sure it will remain a tradition during my time here in Ithaca. 

     There were a couple of acts that stood out to me. Not only because of there exceptional musicianship but because of there passion to what they were doing. My first stop during Porchfest was a 17 minute walk to 100 franklin street where the Jazz Happens Now band was playing. I arrived a few minutes late and the band was already in full swing. They were playing one of my favorite styles of music, New Orleans Jazz, in the style of King Oliver and Louis Armstrong Hot Seven. The ensemble consisted of trombone, tuba, trumpet, clarinet, drums, and banjo. The drums were equipped with granite blocks which gave the music a nice upbeat sound additional to the cymbals. The banjo serves as a primary instrument in this style of music and it wouldn't sound as authentic if it were replaced by a guitar. The tuba provided those bass movements and the band joked that the Tuba player only knew two notes. I think the mixture of the brass instruments was perfect. The trumpet reminding me of that early Louis armstrong, the clarinet of the master Sidney Bechet, the trombone of Kid Ory. What I really liked about these tunes is at the end of the sections they would all come back to the beginning to the turnaround in there own unique way. This band really put me into the mood for music. 

     As for the others, the were just as exceptional, I heard one band who played such exceptional Bluegrass music. The band sat in a closely knit circle and played so beautifully together. At one point they incorporated members of the audience to dance along. They brought forth such energy into the crowd, it was really a sight. Then there was a amazing guitar and drum duo called the Red Sled Choir. They had a really good connection and feel, they grew quite a big crowd. Then there was a Brass Quintet that played everything form the family guy theme to whistling march most notably recognizable from "The Breakfast Club." 

     In conclusion, what a day! This festival was more to me than listening to people play music. It was about seeing a community come together, it was about seeing the special bond between musicians and that connection that creates inspiration and unlocks imagination. It showed me once again as a guitar player, why I pick up the instrument. It showed to me the vast importance and joy that can be found in music. I am certainly grateful I went and am only sorry it didn't go on longer. I'm sorry I couldn't see everyone, I really did try. There were a lot of acts, some drew large crowds, others dwarfed in comparison but I don't think that mattered in the end. It was really about of collection of musicians coming together on a day to celebrate their town, their love, their life though and with music. And that was pretty special to me.