The village streets will be lined with music this summer, as two upcoming events demonstrate why the region is known for the arts.
Crystal Stinson and Mohammad Yaseen, owners of Bridge Street Bazaar at 6 Bridge St., are hosting a weekend music series at the High River patio behind the Bridge Street Bazaar. Through August, musicians will play to all who come to listen on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The series launched with a reggae dance party on July 3.
“These events are family-friendly and open during the afternoon,” Stinson said.
Stinson noted people are welcome to bring coffee, takeout, picnics or simply themselves to the lookout behind the store and enjoy the music.
The summer series has spots later in the season that are still open for booking. Acoustic musicians can sign up to perform via the Bridge Street Bazaar’s website, bridgestreetbazaar.com.
“This series livens up the town and brings visitors joy,” Stinson said. “Every time we host new events, it brings a whole collection of people who have never been to Shelburne Falls before.”
In addition to music on the High River patio, the Bridge Street Bazaar owners and others organized more music throughout the village on Sunday, July 10, as part of the Porch Festival. The third annual event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m.
Local musicians set up to perform on Victorian porches around the village.
“People come to the town because of the Bridge of Flowers and the [Glacial] Potholes, and this activity will introduce people to what else is here,” said Porch Festival organizer Ann McCormack, owner of Water Street Barn.
The event was first organized in 2020 by Dorothy Strano-Bennett, who was 13 at the time, to allow people to experience live music outdoors while abiding by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. McCormack said porch events took place across the U.S. during the pandemic. The event was so successful in its first year, the town decided to continue hosting the festivities.
McCormack thinks this event is special because it draws visitors away from just the downtown area.
“I am very eager to have music all over the town,” McCormack said.
People are welcome to see the lineup, or sign up to volunteer, at shelburnefallsporchfestival.com.
Many different genres of music will be performed, with McCormack noting there is “so much variety in this area.”
Award-winning Shelburne Falls poet Martín Espada is among the list of performers for the Porch Festival.
“We are excited he will be part of it,” McCormack said.
All performances will be free to attend, although people can donate directly to the artists during the shows on the respective porches.
“We have all been deprived of live music over the past years,” McCormack said. “It will be wonderful.”
■127 Main St. — Katie Clarke at 2 p.m. and Lui Collins at 4 p.m.
■105 Main St. — Martín Espada and Lauren Schmidt at 1 p.m.
■99 Main St. — Paul Bennett at 3 p.m. and a stand-up comedy showcase at 4 p.m.
■97 Main St. — Sara Pirtle with Maya and Jill Connolly at 2 p.m.
■94 Mechanic St. — Lynsey Grinstein at 2 p.m.
■30 High St. — Morgan Kelsey at 1 p.m.
■34 Main St. — Cyndee Fand-Art at 1 p.m., and Amy Schoch and Dan Mojallali at 4 p.m.
■22 Mechanic St. — Sheryl Stanton at 4 p.m.
■31 Water St. — David Herrera and FJ at 2 p.m., and Orlen, Gabriel and Avery at 4 p.m.
■4 High St. — Wild Thyme at 3 p.m.
■6 Bridge St. — Blackbird and Applegate at 3 p.m.
■17 Sears St. — Matt Delaney at 1 p.m. and Chelsie Field at 3 p.m.
■22 William St. — Tom Crean at 4 p.m.
Contact Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.