FAQ

Vera Dora Dohan rocks the porch 2011

Frequently Asked Questions for Belleville Porchfesters

General Public Information

What is Porchfest Belleville?

Porchfest Belleville is a neighborhood celebration of music, where residents in East Hill perform on front porches to an audience that moves from house to house. Since 2009, this free family-oriented event is held annually on the Saturday closest to the Fall Equinox. Porchfest Belleville is inspired by a similar event held each year in Ithaca, New York. There are several community Porchfest events across North America, including Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, Napa Porchfest in California, and Somerville Porchfest outside of Boston.

When is Porchfest Belleville?

• The next Porchfest Belleville is on Saturday, September 22, 2012.  Rain or Shine!
• Kid’s Porchfest and BYOPicnic is from 12:00-12:45 in East Hill Park (Bleecker and Bridge)
• Official Kick-off is at 12:45 in East Hill Park
• All musicians at all venues will play from 1-4 pm

Are there washrooms available in the neighbourhood?

• Yes!   At East Hill Park and The Quinte Tennis Club (Queen and Dufferin)

How will I know where the venues are?

• Maps will be available for printing on the website a few days before the event so you can plan your own Porchfest route!
• Maps will also be available at each venue.

How can I be updated on all the latest Porchfest news?

• Like our Facebook page
• Follow us on Twitter

As an audience member, do you have any tips on how to make Porchfest fun?

• Pack a lunch and enjoy your picnic at the Kid’s Porchfest in the Park
• Bring your own folding chair,snacks, drinks etc.
• Bring your friends!
• Leave your car at home!  Walk, skate or bike to really enjoy the neighbourhood vibe!

I love Porchfest!  Is there anything I can do to ensure this event keeps going strong?

I am interested in performing at Porchfest?  What do I do?

• Sign-up early on the website – please ensure all information is complete.
• You will receive an email immediately following your sign-up.  This is confirmation of your participation in the event.
• The sign-up deadline is Sunday, September 16^th.

I don’t have a porch.  Can I still perform?

• Yes!  We can match you with a porch.
• We will contact you a few days after the Sept. 16th deadline to let you know your porch address.

What do I need to consider when performing on a porch?

• Music should be appropriate for all ages.
• Noise level should be appropriate for the neighbourhood.
• Be prepared for rain or shine.
• Arrive at your venue 30 minutes prior to start time.
• Be respectful of the Porch-Host and their home.

I don’t have enough material to play for the allocated 3 hours.  Is that ok?

• Feel free to repeat your material during the 3 hour time slot.
• If you want to pair up with another act and play an hour+ set, please let us know.

I live in East Hill and am interested in hosting an act on my porch.  What do I do?

• Sign-up early on the website.
• Please indicate if you will find your own musicians, or if you need to be matched.
• Please let us know if there are any preferences or restrictions with regards to matching an act to your venue.
• Please let us know if electricity is NOT available for the musicians – most of the musicians will have amplifiers
• You will receive an email immediately following your sign-up.  This is confirmation of your participation in the event.
• The sign-up deadline is Sunday, September 16th.

I have a porch, but no musicians, can I still host an act?

• Yes!  We can match you with an act.
• We will contact you a few days after the Sept. 16th deadline to let you know the muscial act who will perform on your porch.

I live in East Hill, but I don’t have a porch.  I would still like to host an act.  Is that possible?

• We strive to ensure that all acts have adequate coverage in case of rain.  If you can provide a tent, tarp etc. then you can host an act.

I live in the West End.  Any chance we can have Porchfest in other neighbourhoods?

• Porchfest Belleville is considered a walking music festival.  For that reason, we want to keep it in East Hill.
• East Hill is roughly defined at John to MacDonald and Dundas to Pine.

What do I need to do to prepare for hosting my porch?

• Be available  a half hour prior to 1pm, to assist the musicians in setting up.
• Organizers will drop off signs and maps the night before, or morning of the event
• Set up your venue as you wish – some hosts set up chairs, decorate etc
• Be prepared for rain or shine.
• It is suggested that a Porch Host remain at your venue at all times during the event in case of any issues
• It is suggested that you inform your neighbours of your participation in Porchfest