We’re sad to say that we’re not going to move forward with planning Porchfest for this year.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on City of Ithaca staffing, and city and state regulations about public gatherings continue to change. The result has been extensive delays to the permitting process and a host of new requirements that have left us feeling unable to organize Porchfest in the time we have left.
If we had three months or more to get through the new hurdles, it might be possible. But in 40 days, with approval still not certain and all other facets of organizing the festival still to be completed, it’s insurmountable.
We’ll miss Porchfest this year as much as you will, believe us. We’ll be taking some time to meet with the city and figure out whether we can come back next year — and what that’ll look like if we do. It’ll certainly require some extra hands, so if you’re interested in joining the Porchfest organizing team, please drop us a line!
In the meantime, please find other ways to embrace and support Ithaca’s wonderful music and performance community. Go to a show — there are plenty of outdoor concerts happening this summer (and indoor, if you feel safe attending). Buy a local band’s album, via CD or download. Spread the word about local music you love. Or just pick a pleasant afternoon and play some music on your porch, for whomever happens by — that’s how Porchfest started!
Lesley & Andy