Where's the 'joie de vivre'? Today at Porchfest in Rochester

A crowd enjoys the sounds of the band Aunt Pet which was set up near the Collectiques Shop on North Main Street during last year's Porchfest. (Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - There's been little joy to behold for many moons now, but if anything can bring a city and region out of the doldrums for just one afternoon, that would be Rochester's third annual Porchfest that runs from noon till around 5 p.m. all over Rochester's downtown.

PorchFest is a free outdoor music festival featuring more than 30 bands of all genres that will perform on outdoor stages throughout the downtown.

Attendees can walk around and hear a little bit of everything. There will also be food, vendors, and dancing in the Union Street parking lot.

The genres run the gamut and musicians do too, from garage band aficionados to veteran local staples of rock 'n' roll.

Some of the more well known talent includes Badtude, Dancing Madly Backwards, Texas Pete, The Toes, Wreckless Child and jazz vocalist Linda Pouliot.

Last year's Porchfest was estimated to have brought some 2,000 music fans to the city's downtown throughout the day, infusing it with an energy and exuberance that was intoxicating, eventgoers agreed.

The venues stretch from Studley's Flower Garden on Wakefield Street to Tri-City Bicycles on South Main to Stitches Alterations and Needlework on North Main to City Hall.

Participating restaurants, shops and Rochester's hometown newspaper The Rochester Voice will be offering specials and discounts to attendees wearing all-access bracelets, which cost $10 and can be purchased online or at the main booth on Union Street.

Bracelet wearers will also get free access to an after party at The Garage.
Proceeds raised will support music scholarships for under-served students at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center, which is sponsoring the event along with the Rochester Opera House.

Organizers urge eventgoers to practice standing pandemic protocols, including social distancing and mask wearing.

PorchFest was promoted by the Rochester Opera House and the Rochester Performance and Arts Center.