Joliet's Free Porch and Park Music Fest Set For Cathedral Area

JOLIET, IL — Joliet's second annual “Porch and Park Music Fest” is quickly approaching. The growing community event is Saturday, August 19. Porch music begins at 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., while the concert at Preservation Park runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Porch and the Park Music Fest, organized by talented Joliet musician Tim Placher, is a free, family-friendly community music event held in Joliet’s Cathedral Area, featuring afternoon live music on a half-dozen historic home front porches, followed by an evening concert at Preservation Park, 710 Taylor St., at the center of the historic area.

According to Placher's press release:

It’s a celebration of Joliet’s vibrant music scene in one of our most beautiful and architecturally rich neighborhoods, featuring some of our best local performers, along with several touring musician friends of our community.

“I think we feel a debt to this neighborhood and institutions like the Joliet Park District, St. Francis, the Cathedral parish, and CAPA that helped make it a great place to grow up and still work so hard to keep the area strong and vibrant," Placher said. "It’s very gratifying to be able to create such a nice community event in our 'home base.' And the Cathedral Area homeowners have been so kind and willing to lend a porch, lend a hand, lend their support in so many ways! We hope to turn this into an annual “must-attend” showcase of the Cathedral Area and entire Joliet community.”

Placher said the free event is made possible with the generous help of Joliet Park District, the Cathedral Area Preservation Association, neighborhood homeowners, the University of St. Francis, The Voyager Group and other generous local patrons.

What’s the music line-up? The Selectones, Crooked Tails, national touring artist Phoebe Hunt, John Condron and The Old Gang Orchestra, Andrew Hibbard, Chicago Blues Angels, JRoss Green, Wonky Tonk, Anne Hatfield-Martin, Max Dunne, Pete Jive, Dan Dougherty, Michael & Amanda Roach, Nashville musicians Bonner Black, Tristan Bushman, Katie Pederson and Jefferson Rinck, teen band Valhalla and “The 815” music program.

How does it work? – Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, visitors can stop at Preservation Park or any of the porch locations to pick up a porch map and schedule. People can start at any porch and rotate among porches at their own pace to sample music at one or all the locations. Pack your own chairs, snacks and refreshments for the day.

How do I find the porch locations? You can pick up a map at the tent at Preservation Park on Aug. 19 starting at 1 p.m., or at any porch. All info is at http://www.porchandparkmusicfest.com

What houses are included in the porch route?

• 613 Buell Ave.
• 506 Buell Ave.
• 602 Western Ave.
• 623 Western Ave.
• 708 Western Ave.
• 903 Western Ave.
• 617 Campbell St.

What kind of music is there? This year, we’ve got a “Nashville Porch,” featuring four singer/songwriters coming up from Music City; area singer/songwriters, Irish music, Indie acts, Blues, Reggae/Ska, and a “Teen Rocker” porch.

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 the porch music and the park concert.

Can I buy food? The Moe Joe’s Cajun and Carribean food truck will be at Preservation Park with a large menu of award-winning food choices available for purchase.

Where should I park? Street parking is abundant through the Cathedral Area, plus parking lots adjacent to Preservation Park and University of St. Francis.

Is the event family-friendly? Yes, Preservation Park has a large playground right near the stage are for the kids, and our talented hooper/flow-artist friend Emily Bandera is bringing a bunch of hula hoops for the kids (and young-at-heart) to enjoy.

Where can I find information, maps, FAQ and schedule?? All the info is available at http://www.porchandparkmusicfest.com