(The following edited press release and question and answer is from Tim Placher, Organizer.)
JOLIET, IL — An internationally touring Gospel band, a contestant from this year's The Voice and a Sinatra act are some of the highlights as "Porch & Park Music Fest" returns to Joliet's Cathedral Area for its fifth year on Saturday, August 22.
"The entire neighborhood community has embraced this event. Our porch hosts this year range from newer residents to a couple who have lived in the neighborhood for more than a half-century," proclaimed Tim Placher, event organizer. "There are very few similar events in the Chicago area, and we're unique in offering both local and touring musicians across such a huge variety of music genres."
Porch & Park Fest boasts a wide variety of music from local and touring performers, including Gospel & Soul music, Brass, Blues, Swing, Rock, Americana, Mariachi, Irish, Bluegrass, Classical, plus local and touring singer/songwriters, including artists from Tennessee, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, California and Maryland.
The "Nashville Porch" returns with talented Music City performers, including 2026 "The Voice" contestant Abigayle Oakley. The "Michigan Porch" features 2025 "Great American Song Contest" winner Katie Pederson Greene. And the "Swing & Bras" porch features Chicago duo "The Brothers Sinatra.
The evening concert at Preservation Park (710 Taylor St.) features acclaimed Toledo, OH Gospel/Blues family band Nikki "D" & The Sisters Of Thunder, plus full band performances by artists from Nashville Stacy Antonel and Sophie Gault.
All porch and park locations are in close walking proximity andmarked with a "smiley face" flag. Afternoon activities offer kids' activities, local artists, crafters and authors, and an old-fashioned lemonade stand.
Milano Bakery will travel the neighborhood in the Milano Golf Cart tossing out fresh buns and loaves of bread.
Milano Bakery will travel the neighborhood in the Milano Golf Cart tossing out fresh buns and loaves of bread.
The free event is made possible with the generous help of Joliet Park District, Cathedral Area Preservation Association, neighorhood homeowners, a cast of volunteers, and the University of St. Francis.
This year's generous local business sponsors include: Blue Ribbon Products, Turk Furniture, Joliet Hollywood Casin, D'Arcy Buick GMC, Moore Glass, Edward Jones Financial Advisors, realtor Basia Caire, Milano Bakery, Contractor Source, RME Audio & Video and ServPro (Team Kent-Melone).
What does it cost to attend?
"Porch & Park" is a free, family-friendly event.
Where is it held?
Throughout Joliet's Cathedral Area historic district (along Campbell St., Western Ave., Buell Ave., Glenwood Ave., Whitney Ave. and at Preservation Park). Look for the smiley-face flags at each porch location and Preservation Park.
What's the music lineup for Porch & Park 2026?
Nikki "D" & The Sisters Of Thunder (Ohio), Crooked Tails, Fuhrur Blues, Mariachi de Joliet, i.am.james (Michigan), Alex Hofer, Velvet 86, Tabis (Arizona), The Wood Fired Boys, Katie Pederson Greene (Michigan) Chicago Blues Angels, Righteous Hillbillies, Gavin Coyle, The Dirty Wellies, The Brothers Sinatra, Amanda & Michael Roach, Joliet Symphony Orchestra, T Bird Huck, 3rd City Brass Band, Jessica Endres, Pete Jive, Rochambeau and Nashville artists Stacy Antonel, Sophie Gault, Remi Goode, Gabe Lehrer and Abigayle Oakley. See www.porchandparkmusicfest.com for the schedule and locations.
What other porches/yards are there?
Several yards host kids' activities, a lemonade stand, plus localartists & vendor booths.
How does it work?
Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, visitors can stop at Preservation Park (710 Taylor St.) or any porch location (look for the smiley face flags) to pick up a porch map and schedule. Start at any porch and rotate at your own pace to sample music at one or all the locations. Pack your own chairs, snacks and refreshments for the day. Porch music and activities begin at 1:30 PM and end at 5 PM; music at Preservation Park begins at 5:30 PM
How do I find the porch locations?
Look for the smiley-face flags: Pick up a map at the tent at Preservation Park on Aug. 22 starting at 1 p.m., or at any porch. All porch locations will be marked with a smiley face flag out front. The corner of Western and Wilcox generally marks the center of the fest! All info, locations and schedule, plus downloadable maps/schedules, can be found at www.porchandparkmusicfest.com
What houses are included in the porch route?
Find the porch map and list of locations at www.porchandparkmusicfest.com
What kind of music is there? Porch music features Rock, Blues, Mariachi, Americana, Bluegrass, Classical, Folk, Duos, Swing, Brass, Irish, solo artists, plus Michigan and Nashville performers.
Can I walk between all the porches?
Yes, the porches are all located within a few blocks of each other as well as being within easy walking distance of Preservation Park.
What about food and refreshments? Bring your own chairs, snacks and refreshments for porch music and the park concert.
Can I buy food?
The Moe Joe's Cajun food truck will be at Preservation Park during the evening with award-winning food choices available for purchase.
Where should I park?
Street parking is abundant through the Cathedral Area, plus in parking lots adjacent to Preservation Park and University of St. Francis.
Is the event family-friendly?
Yes, there are kids' activities in the neighborhood and a playground at Preservation Park.
What about the weather? Porch & Park is a rain or shine event with no reschedule date possible. In the event of poor weather conditions, we'll do everything we can to hold the event. Severe weather may result in schedule changes or the possibility of cancellation.
Where can I find information, maps, FAQ and schedule?? All the info is available at www.porchandparkmusicfest.com
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