MONTAGUE — Good music makes good neighbors.
It’s a valid statement, and also the title of an annual Montague event that will celebrate its fourth year of bringing the community together in the name of music May 19.
Sixteen bands and 36 musicians will rock the community at six houses in Montague from noon to 5 p.m. next Saturday. Organizers Nicole Nemec and Matthew Duncan describe the event as “Franklin County’s answer to Boston’s Porchfest.” At Porchfest, various houses throughout different neighborhood host bands on their porches and patios.
The local event is also described as a “musical house tour of the porches and patios of Montague Center.” Sometimes bands also play in barns or living rooms.
Each venue hosts two to four different musical groups, which play for 40 minutes. There will be a 15 minute break between groups.
While the event is technically free, there is a suggested $10 donation with all proceeds going to the local musicians. There will be local food trucks and snacks nearby.
“Trust us, no one is getting rich,” says the website. “Last year each musician made $20.”
Attendees who give $10 or more will receive a purple sticker which serves as a “merit badge” to show one’s support for local musicians. Once expenses for the event are covered, the donations are divided among the performers equally.
There’s a little bit of something for everyone. Among the genres participating are jazz, funk, classical, rock, country-folk, and fingerpicking guitar. Artists include Orkestar Banitsa with Addie Rose, Ray Mason, Stephen Katz, One-Part Luck, Amanda and Gary Bernard.
The lineup with links, schedule and a map can be found at www.montaguemusic.org.
Reach Christie
Wisniewski at:
cwisniewski@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 280