This Saturday, August 26, is Play Music on the Porch Day. The concept was initiated by Brian Mallman, a Milwaukee-born, Los Angeles-based artist who believed that this simple concept could have a profound effect. In its 9th year, the project is still uncomplicated requiring nothing more than sitting on your porch and making music.
The beautiful part of Play Music on the Porch Day is the community created online and in person. Musicians are welcome to register prior to Saturday, but registration is only necessary if you want to be listed to welcome an audience or to be recognized as an official part of the day. The site is requesting 24 hours to log requests and you can register here.
The idea began in 2014, but within a few short years, thousands of musicians all across the globe were participating in the event. A search on YouTube with the hashtag #playmusicontheporchday reveals a myriad of styles and instruments at locations worldwide. An interactive map on the website of the same name allows users to put in a location or zip code and find locally registered musicians.
Performers range from professional Mariachi bands to young children improvising on harmonicas to classical pianists, harpists, bagpipers, and everything in between. As music is a universal language, Play Music on the Porch Day provides an opportunity to bring neighbors and community members together to enjoy something simple.
The site encourages musicians simply to go outside and play, either alone or invite friends, making the day as big or as small as you feel comfortable. If you participate, upload a video and share it with the hashtag #playmusicontheporchday and maybe you’ll be featured on the site. Previous participant videos are showcased to give you an idea of the range and variety of performers. To see musicians, click the link: https://playmusicontheporchday.com/about-us/
We encourage local musicians to also include the hashtag #pensacola, so everyone can see the beautiful music our neighbors are making. Will you be playing music on your porch?
