PORCH FEST IX IN PORT AUSTIN - BE THERE!

Hello, Everyone!

This is Dennis Hafeli, chairman of the annual Port Austin Porch Fest, here to remind you that this great summer event up at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb will be here before you know it. It is hard to believe that this will be Porch Fest NUMBER NINE, and its popularity grows every year. Falling annually on the fourth Saturday in June, this year’s event, highlighting thirty-five musical acts, is scheduled on June 22. 

As is the case every year, the day opens with the fabulous Port Austin Farmers Market, starting at 9:00 AM. Every summer weekend, the Market welcomes thousands of visitors from throughout the state to experience the wonderful offerings of the countless vendors. However, Porch Fest Weekend provides much more than market purchases. 

The closing of the Market at 1:00 p.m. signals musicians placed on designated porches and locations throughout the streets of the city to begin what is a wonderful celebration and enjoyment of numerous musical styles. The first wave of musicians entertains from 1-3; then, from 3-5, a second grouping takes center stage and plays from 3-5. Each musical act performs at porches or sites provided by generous Port Austin residents who open their homes not just to a musician but to any individual or group of spectators who opts to set down their chairs or blankets and listen in. Helpful six-page programs are provided for spectators informing them about who is playing where and when and also the styles of music each entertainer embodies and can be found at the Farmers Market the day of the event and around town.

However, the music does not necessarily end at 5:00. Many of the entertainers are engaged by local restaurants and bars and even private homes to entertain during the evening hours. Also, the Port Austin Community Playhouse will be hosting two Neil Diamond Tribute performances by nationally-known entertainer Denny Diamond, one at 7:30 on June 22 and another on Sunday, June 23, at 2:00. More information on these shows will be forthcoming.

Make sure you check out the website portaustinmusic.com for information about each musician and for other pertinent Porch Fest weekend information. Port Austin looks forward to hosting all of you on Saturday, June 22. Thank you so much!