By John Custodio
The sixth Oswego Porchfest happened on Sept. 19, featuring 64 local bands and musicians playing on the porches of houses in the historic Franklin Square park and Montcalm park neighborhoods.
Sponsored by local businesses like Pathfinder Bank, DuFore’s Diamonds and GJP Italian Eatery, Porchfest is a free event lasting from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with multiple performances at the same time around the west side of the city. Musicians range from smooth jazz and blues to classic rock and pop covers, with at least eight acts performing at the same time.
The Oswego Renaissance Association supported the creation of the event after Gerri Millar attended Ithaca’s Porchfest and wanted the same event in Oswego. Oswego Renaissance Association executive director Paul Stewart and his partner Steven Phillips supported the endeavor and offered $1,500 in seed money in 2015.
“We’re leveraging about $4 million for the event today,” Phillips said at a concert at 53 W Seneca St., with donations coming from local businesses and sponsors.
According to Phillips, this year’s fest drew an estimated 4,000 attendees with more attending every year. Local food trucks were the only vendors, besides an official PorchFest booth selling t-shirts and handing out brochures. Buc Boosters, an Oswego school district nonprofit, sold drinks and food from two booths, with one outside of Montcalm park and another in Franklin Square park. Cam’s Pizzeria had a booth outside of Montcalm park, and Roberts Family Mobile BBQ had one in Franklin Square park.
Many performers had played in previous years, and others like SUNY Oswego alumnae Angela Russell were trying out a new style.
“I performed a few years ago but with the Oswego Opera Company,” said Russell. “It’s my first time doing a full set.”
Russell performed solo with a guitar, playing covers of Sam Smith and Ella Fitzgerald along with songs that will be released on her upcoming EP.
Many SUNY Oswego students and faculty alike were in attendance, with some, like professor Suzanne Beason having hosted performers on her porch and performed in previous years.
“It’s just an amazing event and I look forward to it every year,” Beason said.
With Beason, Dawn Reidlinger pointed out the diversity of attendees, ranging from young kids to college students to older Oswego residents.
“I love that it’s a multi-generational thing,” Reidlinger said.
Reidlinger also supported the lack of commercialization, saying she liked how it was just a nice event with no cramped vendors or cheap products.
Porchfest should continue next year with no official date yet besides an end of September target time. Interested musicians can apply on the Oswego Porchfest website or contact the Oswego Renaissance Association.
John Custodio | The Oswegonian
