When Ken Hudson was enjoying a community live music festival in Ithaca, NY in the summer of 2008, he immediately thought that the idea would be received just as well in his own neighbourhood in Belleville.
Three years later, it’s clear that Hudson’s vision was bang on.
Andy Forgie was among the local artists that performed in the Third Annual Belleville Porchfest on Saturday. Photo by Aaron Bell/QuinteLive.ca
Saturday, Hudson and his wife Lucinda Pritchard hosted the third annual Porchfest community music festival in Belleville’s East Hill neighbourhood.
“It’s a celebration of music here in the East Hill neighbourhood,” Hudson said. “People walk around East Hill and listen to about 20 different bands at 20 different venues, just enjoy the neighbourhood and the sunshine and have an awesome day getting to know one another.”
Saturday’s show was opened by Andy Forgie, who played a set of kids and family-oriented songs in East Hill Park. Forgie later joined some friends on MacDonald Ave. for an afternoon of classic rock. Other artists included The Linzy McMurter Trio, Roger Dorey, Vera Dora Dohan, The Solitary Man Tim Hunt and Lee Mellor, who travelled from Toronto to participate in the event.
Long time local music teacher John McFarlane also performed with with five young stars dubbed The Pinnacle Porchfesters on Bleecker Ave.
Hudson said that they can’t wait to get things rolling again next year.
“I think we’ve got a formula down now that works,” Hudson said. “The community loves it – we get a lot of feedback. Our intention is to keep this going every year.”
