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Athens Porchfest: Event Preview Story
On Sunday, Oct. 20, Athens Porchfest is scheduled to feature more than 200 local performers in an all-day celebration of community and live music. Attendees can expect to hear music from a variety of genres, including rock, folk, jazz, pop, musical theater and country. According to a press release from Historic Athens, this year’s Porchfest will be the largest to date.
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Since 2019, Porchfest has brought local musicians together to share their musical passions with both the community and each other. This year’s event will run from noon to 8 p.m., with performers across seven neighborhoods. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
This year, Porchfest will take place in the Normaltown, Reese Hancock, Cobbham, Boulevard, Buena Vista Heights, Newtown, and Pulaski Heights neighborhoods. The Athens Trolley Tours will provide transportation across the neighborhoods from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The 2024 map and trolley route can be found here.
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Guido Hrovat, drummer of the Athens band Beast Mode, performs outside Pulaski Heights BBQ during the 2023 Athens Historic Porchfest. This year, the event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Photo/Andrea Hudson)
Prior to the main event, a kickoff will be held at Athentic Brewing Company on Oct. 18, featuring an Athens trivia contest, Athens karaoke, and more. On Oct. 19, Historic Athens will host a One Story Heritage Walk through the Normaltown, Cobbham, and Buena Vista Heights neighborhoods.SJ Ursrey, a singer, yearly Porchfest performer, and band instructor at Nuçi’s Space in Athens, said artists gain exposure from participating in Porchfest. “It gives artists the opportunity to share their art in a low-stress environment,” Ursrey said. Ursrey will perform at 419 Boulevard at 3 p.m. during the event.​​​
Porchfest has partnered with SoundCloud, a music streaming service that allows artists to promote their music and podcasts. Many Porchfest performers use SoundCloud, and there will be a SoundCloud zone at the event where attendees can pick up merchandise and learn more about the platform.​
Historic Athens will also launch a SoundCloud showcase on its website, featuring links to Porchfest performers' SoundCloud profiles. “It allows us to give them a little more exposure through this event,” said Denise Sunta, the engagement coordinator at Historic Athens.
Sunta explained that artists not only receive exposure through the event and SoundCloud, but they are also listed in the Porchfest merchandise and on the website. Each porch will have a donation bucket with links to donate to the artists performing there. Sunta said it’s important to Historic Athens that the artists gain something from Porchfest beyond just exposure and a good time.
Music and festivities will fill the streets, as will local artists and small businesses showcasing their work. Indie South, a local boutique, is partnering with Porchfest to launch a new vendor market, according to the University of Georgia’s Red & Black.​
SJ Ursrey: @sjhoneychild on Instagram
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Denise Sunta: 706-389-0662
Why did I write this?
I wrote this preview story about Athens Porchfest to emphasize its celebration of local music and community in the beloved city of Athens. The story aimed to engage its readers by showcasing the event's charm and tradition.
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