Brookline Porchfest Connects Community Through Music

In a spirit of community and solidarity, Brookline Porchfest transformed the town into a lively hub of activity on Saturday, Sept. 27. Street closures, yard sales, and potlucks fostered neighborly interactions as more than 100 artists and bands performed on 63 driveways, lawns, and porches. 

Performances showcased a diverse range of genres, from a cappella and jazz to punk rock. Performers included local bands like Tusken & The Raiders, who played original songs, while bringing charm and authenticity to the music scene. Attendees danced and connected with the performers in between their sets.

Barbara Stein has been hosting artists on her porch at Lawrence Road for close to a decade. Her husband, Jin Suk, a member of Brookline Music School's board of directors, directed the organization of Porchfest.

“I love having the crowd at the house,” Stein said in a statement shared with Brookline.News. “I love being able to have artists get exposed to all the people wandering by and in Brookline.” 

This year, Stein hosted rock and soul band Tio Rojo and friends, as well as acoustic indie singer Kiara Nothhaft.

Brian Sandor of Tusken & The Raiders commented on the response from Porchfest attendees, noting that he hoped people could “find the freedom to let go and dance” while listening to the music.