Performers

Do you play an instrument or sing? Are you a member of a band? Applications to perform will open April 1. The deadline to sign up is Friday, May 15. Notifications of assignments will be sent on Friday, May 22.

Do you have questions about how this works? See our FAQ below or contact us at medfordporchfest@gmail.com.

Frequently asked questions about Porchfest

What is Porchfest?

Porchfest is an afternoon of free music performed outside of people's homes — on porches, patios, driveways, and lawns.

Where in Medford is Porchfest happening?

Medford Porchfest will take place throughout the city.

What kind of groups can perform?

Any and all are welcome! You can perform solo or with a group; with instruments or a capella. Any type of music is welcome. We also welcome other types of performances, such as dance or spoken word; use the "other" genre category when signing up for those.

Do I need to be from Medford to perform?

Nope!

Will I be paid?

Porchfest is free! Musicians donate their time. Porch owners donate their porch, lawn, driveway, or patio as a performance space.

How long can I play for?

You can sign up for between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Please be sure to include your setup time in your request!

How loud can I play?

Performances should be acoustic or near acoustic and not excessively amplified. The goal is to be heard on the sidewalk, but not down the street. Other bands may be performing nearby, and not all neighbors may want to hear loud music, so please be respectful.

How will I know where I'm performing?

If you'd like to perform on a specific porch (your own or a friend's), please list that on the sign-up form. The host will need to sign up as well and specify that they want to host your performance. Any remaining bands will be assigned to a porch on Friday, May 22, if porch space is still available.

Should I bring my own equipment?

Yes. Organizers and porch owners will not provide equipment. Porch owners will provide electrical outlets. You'll need to talk logistics with porch owners before the performance date. We will email you the contact information for your porch owner (and give them yours) after the porch assignment process is complete on Friday, May 22.

Should I bring my own water or other refreshments?

Yes. We'll ask porch owners to provide water, but it won't be required. See the porch owner page for what is and isn't required of porch owners.

What about parking?

Parking may be difficult, depending on the porch location. Arrive early and be prepared to walk. You can drop equipment at the porch where you are performing, but you may need to park elsewhere depending on where the porch is located.

What if it rains?

We're hoping for perfect weather. There will not be a rain date. If we need to cancel, notifications will be sent by email to bands and porches and posted on all social media channels on Friday, June 5.

How will people know about my performance?

The Medford Porchfest committee will be getting the word out through social media and our website. We'll ask porch owners to promote performances on their porch to neighbors, friends, and coworkers (tag Medford Porchfest so we can help amplify your event!). Anything you can do to promote your performance is recommended!

What's the fine print?

We hope you have a great time at Porchfest. By agreeing to perform, host, volunteer and/or attend Porchfest you also agree to participate at your own risk (not that we are anticipating any issues). You agree to hold performers, hosts, volunteers, and/or organizers free of any claim for damages in the event of accident, injury, or disappointment.

Whom should I contact with other questions?

Please email the Medford Porchfest committee at medfordporchfest@gmail.com.

Thanks to Newton Porchfest for their awesome FAQ for musicians, which we have modeled this page on.