Musicians (or other types of performers) welcome! Solo or ensemble. The more genres the better. So long as you've got a little hustle and can perform acoustically or at a considerate, compatible volume suited to your host location, the stage is yours.
All you need to do is:
-
Clear your schedule on October 14 (why?);
-
Find a neighbor within the event area to host you (see below for tips);
-
Your host will register both of you together; you do not have to register yourself;
-
Get assigned to perform during just one (why?) of our hour-long slots, leaving you plenty of hours to wander, mingle, celebrate music, or hustle off to your next gig.
WHAT? HOW DO I FIND A HOST?
This new process is a break from what we've done in the past and presents a bit of a learning curve for performers who haven't previously made their own arrangements but it's important to our grassroots vision for the event, and to empowering people to be co-creators of whatever it is Porchfest turns out to be. Here's some tips for getting it figured out:
IT'S WHO YOU KNOW
Many of you have friends or contacts in the neighborhood so start there. Or use social media to dig into your friends-of-friends-of-friends networks to see if someone in your orbit can help make a connection.
APPEAL DIRECTLY TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Join the Oakhurst Neighborhood Facebook group, then share endearing details about your act, post a vid, beg for a host, tell a sob story, whatever. And stick with it as people become more familiar with this new approach. You'll likely get more traction as registration proceeds.
I DON'T KNOW ANYONE AND CAN'T FIND ANYONE
Some potential hosts have the same problem. Let them know you're out there and looking for a porch by getting on our list of bands and other performers who need to find a host. Hosts seeking bands will be checking there for leads. If they reach out to you, you'll be good to go.
PERFORMER REQUIREMENTS
-Generosity and good will in the form of a freely given, one-hour performance.
-Coordinate with your porch host about the logistics of your performance (i.e. space needed, electricity needs, etc.).
-Bring whatever gear you need for the performance you want to put on. No PA, sound, or other equipment is provided by the event.
-Perform only during your assigned time (including soundcheck).
- Offer a family-friendly/PG-max performance. Seriously, if you can't recognize what's appropriate when you're being hosted in someone's home and there's likely kids running around, this isn't your kinda gig.
-Play at a sound level respectful to the neighbors and/or other performers nearby. Acoustic levels always work but common sense consideration ultimately truimphs. Think of your venue as the space between the house and the curb and adjust for that.
-Get the word out to everyone you know to drop on by.