Bands scheduled to perform *new
Atwater-Donnelly (American and Celtic Folk/Percussive Dance) Award-winning, internationally acclaimed duo Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs and percussive dance. Elwood and Aubrey blend gorgeous harmonies and play an astonishing array of instruments, including guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, and limberjacks along with a thrilling interpretation of freestyle Appalachian clog dancing. https://www.atwater-donnelly.com/
Bay Swing (Traditional & Gypsy Jazz) is an outstanding jazz ensemble performing a mix of gypsy jazz and American swing. It features Andy Reich on jazz violin, acoustic guitars, keyboard, and upright bass. The band’s repertoire includes Parisian jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, Bossa Nova, and Blues. https://www.bayswing.com/
Beth Barron* (Folk) From the East Bay, Beth Barron is a bluesy, sultry songstress who delivers her originals with passion and honesty; a folk musician who implements a blues and gospel twist to her music. She has been active in the Providence community, creating positive spaces for others to share their music as well, which includes board member and performer of RI Folk Festival, Providence Porch Fest, and creator/ owner of Ladies of Folk Rhode Island. https://www.facebook.com/beth.barron.54
Catnip Junkies (Swing/Jazz) The Catnip Junkies bring the heart of the Big Easy right here to New England with their outrageous energy and their swinging brass rhythms! Come on out and experience their one-of-a-kind, contagiously joyful show! Join them as they lead the Second Line directly following the show to the AfterParty at Unity Park. http://catnipjunkies.com/
Donnell Best (Afro-Caribbean/Pop/Soul/R&B) is a vocalist and trained violinist from the spice island of Grenada. He is currently a music director at Brown University. Best has also worked and shared the stage with superstars such as Beres Hammond, Busy Signal, Akua Naru, and Harry Belafonte. He released his debut single To Call U, amassing 1.3 million views on YouTube in the first three months. Follow @donnellbestofficial on Insta, TikTok, and YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/donnellbestofficial/; https://www.tiktok.com/@donnellbestofficial; https://www.youtube.com/@DonnellBest
Dred Buffalo (Rock) is a rock band spawned out of the Plymouth cranberry bogs. Their mission is to spread #BogRock across the lands. With the vocal musings of Alerisa Rose, the piercing and captivating licks of guitarist Chase Cavacco, the booming presence of Nate Svogun on bass, and the technical fluttering array of Logan Underwood on the drums, Dred Buffalo is a force to be reckoned with. https://www.dredbuffalo.com/
Heidi Nirk Band* (Soul/Blues/Swing/Rock) The band is an electrifying blend of soul, blues, swing & rock featuring the eccentric voice stylings of Miss Heidi Nirk. They offer a diverse playlist of original music and special arrangements and interpretations of traditional blues and R&B classics. Heidi Nirk, Vocals; Rob Nelson, Guitar; Paul Tomasello, Bass; Charlie Huntington, Piano; Chad Souza, Drums/Percussion; and Lori Silvia and Adrienne West, Background Vocals https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086976589353
Hollow Turtle (Contemporary Bluegrass) “bucks the trends of folk rock, moving into the world of saccharine, overly commercial pop ballads. Old-school style brings new-world grief to light in their careening, tightly wound vocal harmonies. Relentless strumming and plucking from the string section lifts the harrowed singing to great heights. Even the most steadfast bluegrass disparager will find their foot tapping when Hollow Turtle gets to it.”– Motif Magazine www.hollowturtle.com @hollowturtlemusi
How We Burn (Rock/Alternative) is an American Rock/Alternative band from South Shore, MA. The band consists of singer/songwriter Tommy Brennan (Vocals/Guitar), Matthew Berg (Piano/Keys), Darrell Cellucci (Lead Guitar), and Tom Botelho (Drums). With their unique blending of styles, How We Burn offers a melodic yet hard-hitting approach to rock and alternative. Lyrically, the band’s storytelling is fueled by real-life experiences and perspectives relatable to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. https://www.howweburn.com/
The Jethros (Folk/Blues/Alt/Soul/Funk/Country) The Jethros have played original and danceable songs for decades, from Providence to Cambridge to Cape Cod. They've become a sought-after fixture for local events, and they were the founders of the New Bedford Folk Festival's SouthCoast Stage. Their rootsy, catchy, old-but-new style and unique arrangements have made them a recognized pillar of their musical community and a favorite among musicians and listeners. https://www.facebook.com/thejethros
Lady Anemoia* (Eclectic/Nostalgia Musical Storytelling) A five-piece band from Southern Worcester County, MA, their music stems from the nostalgia of an era they’ve never known, only heard of stories through musicians of the past. With each one of their members having similar yet different music tastes, this has created both a vast and uniform blend within their songs. https://ladyanemoia.com/
Liz Spencer Band with Troy Caruana* (Country/Southern Rock) A Southern Rock band with Country leanings, the band, led by Nashville recording artist Liz Spencer, leads the audience through several decades and genres with powerhouse vocals and expertly crafted tunes which are artfully tailored to their signature rock style. With over 60 years of combined experience and a growing catalog of original music to back them, the Liz Spencer Band is well on its way to securing its place among the top live bands in the New England area. https://www.lizspencerband.com/
Manel the Island Man (Portuguese) From Ponta Delgada, Acores, Manel sings both in English and his native language, Portuguese. As a writer, he says he likes to capture the essence of his soul, expressing his feelings with lyrics that increase heartfelt emotions. He has released four albums featuring songs in English and Portuguese. https://www.facebook.com/ManelTheIslandMan
Mt. Hope Music (Student Variety) One of the things we love about PorchFest is the opportunity for young performers to take the stage. Mt. Hope High School, with a strong music program, affords us this opportunity. Mt. Hope Music is a collection of talented students performing solo and duo acts with guitar or keyboard in various styles. Jazz, Broadway, rock, and pop; these gifted musicians can do it all!
Polly Bessette* (Singer/Songwriter) is a Rhode Island musician with a passion for lyricism and folky tunes. Her music captures the ears of many through her raw and thoughtful recollections of universal growing pains in the sweetest of sounds. Polly was nominated for a 2024 Motif Music Award and received multiple recognitions by the Official Grammy Awards Ballot over the course of her music writing journey. She can be found
on Instagram @pollybessette or Facebook: Polly Bessette Music where she promotes her new music and upcoming shows.
Ryan Lee Crosby* (Delta Blues/Fingerstyle Guitar/Singer-Songwriter) is a powerfully emotional performer who blends echoes of traditional music from Mississippi, Mali, and India into compelling songs that speak from—and to—the heart. His songs resonate with a sound and spirit forged from his life as a traveling musician and his studies with traditional masters Jimmy “Duck” Holmes and RL Boyce. www.ryanleecrosby.com
Six Down* (Pop/Funk/Dance) A local band specializing in Pop, Funk, and dance hits, Six Down plays tunes from the 60’s to today! They will grab your attention and get you out on the dance floor (street!) https://www.facebook.com/sixdownri
Southcoast Brass Band* (Jazz/Blues/Funk) The Southcoast Brass Band is a 7-piece brass band based in Southeastern, MA, dedicated to New Orleans-style jazz, blues, and funk. They have performed at the New Bedford Jazzfest, the Narrows Center for the Arts, the Madeira Feast, and Cisco Brewers New Bedford and are currently in a monthly residence at Nick-a-Nees in Providence. https://www.southcoastbrassband.com/
Turas* (Irish) is a local Rhode Island music ensemble playing traditional Irish music as well as modern compositions. Turas consists of Bob Drouin on banjo, bouzouki, fiddle, and guitar; Josh Kane on flute and whistle; Dean Robinson on bodhran, percussion and whistle; and Matt Cook on flute, uilleann pipes, and whistle. https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandIrishMusic/
The Whelks* (Swing, Country, Old Time, Bluegrass, Irish, Folk) Hailing from Warren and Tiverton, RI, the band includes Peri DeLorenzo on fiddle, Mark Dobbyn on guitar, and Erin Lobb Mason on upright bass. They play a mix of swing, country, old-time, bluegrass, Irish, folk, and their original songs, all dressed up in glorious three-part harmony. https://www.whelkswhelkswhelks.com/
YourFriendM00N (Singer-Songwriter) is an ethereal independent music artist whose haunting melodies and introspective lyrics delve into themes of generational trauma and personal growth. With a fairylike, grunge, and Renaissance-inspired aesthetic, Moon's music serves as healing for those navigating similar life experiences. Alongside original compositions, Moon captivates audiences with uniquely reimagined covers of current hits and old hits mixed with multiple genres, showcasing a versatile and enchanting musical style. https://hyperfollow.com/YourFriendM00N
Bay Swing (Traditional & Gypsy Jazz) is an outstanding jazz ensemble performing a mix of gypsy jazz and American swing. It features Andy Reich on jazz violin, acoustic guitars, keyboard, and upright bass. The band’s repertoire includes Parisian jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, Bossa Nova, and Blues. https://www.bayswing.com/
Beth Barron* (Folk) From the East Bay, Beth Barron is a bluesy, sultry songstress who delivers her originals with passion and honesty; a folk musician who implements a blues and gospel twist to her music. She has been active in the Providence community, creating positive spaces for others to share their music as well, which includes board member and performer of RI Folk Festival, Providence Porch Fest, and creator/ owner of Ladies of Folk Rhode Island. https://www.facebook.com/beth.barron.54
Catnip Junkies (Swing/Jazz) The Catnip Junkies bring the heart of the Big Easy right here to New England with their outrageous energy and their swinging brass rhythms! Come on out and experience their one-of-a-kind, contagiously joyful show! Join them as they lead the Second Line directly following the show to the AfterParty at Unity Park. http://catnipjunkies.com/
Donnell Best (Afro-Caribbean/Pop/Soul/R&B) is a vocalist and trained violinist from the spice island of Grenada. He is currently a music director at Brown University. Best has also worked and shared the stage with superstars such as Beres Hammond, Busy Signal, Akua Naru, and Harry Belafonte. He released his debut single To Call U, amassing 1.3 million views on YouTube in the first three months. Follow @donnellbestofficial on Insta, TikTok, and YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/donnellbestofficial/; https://www.tiktok.com/@donnellbestofficial; https://www.youtube.com/@DonnellBest
Dred Buffalo (Rock) is a rock band spawned out of the Plymouth cranberry bogs. Their mission is to spread #BogRock across the lands. With the vocal musings of Alerisa Rose, the piercing and captivating licks of guitarist Chase Cavacco, the booming presence of Nate Svogun on bass, and the technical fluttering array of Logan Underwood on the drums, Dred Buffalo is a force to be reckoned with. https://www.dredbuffalo.com/
Heidi Nirk Band* (Soul/Blues/Swing/Rock) The band is an electrifying blend of soul, blues, swing & rock featuring the eccentric voice stylings of Miss Heidi Nirk. They offer a diverse playlist of original music and special arrangements and interpretations of traditional blues and R&B classics. Heidi Nirk, Vocals; Rob Nelson, Guitar; Paul Tomasello, Bass; Charlie Huntington, Piano; Chad Souza, Drums/Percussion; and Lori Silvia and Adrienne West, Background Vocals https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086976589353
Hollow Turtle (Contemporary Bluegrass) “bucks the trends of folk rock, moving into the world of saccharine, overly commercial pop ballads. Old-school style brings new-world grief to light in their careening, tightly wound vocal harmonies. Relentless strumming and plucking from the string section lifts the harrowed singing to great heights. Even the most steadfast bluegrass disparager will find their foot tapping when Hollow Turtle gets to it.”– Motif Magazine www.hollowturtle.com @hollowturtlemusi
How We Burn (Rock/Alternative) is an American Rock/Alternative band from South Shore, MA. The band consists of singer/songwriter Tommy Brennan (Vocals/Guitar), Matthew Berg (Piano/Keys), Darrell Cellucci (Lead Guitar), and Tom Botelho (Drums). With their unique blending of styles, How We Burn offers a melodic yet hard-hitting approach to rock and alternative. Lyrically, the band’s storytelling is fueled by real-life experiences and perspectives relatable to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. https://www.howweburn.com/
The Jethros (Folk/Blues/Alt/Soul/Funk/Country) The Jethros have played original and danceable songs for decades, from Providence to Cambridge to Cape Cod. They've become a sought-after fixture for local events, and they were the founders of the New Bedford Folk Festival's SouthCoast Stage. Their rootsy, catchy, old-but-new style and unique arrangements have made them a recognized pillar of their musical community and a favorite among musicians and listeners. https://www.facebook.com/thejethros
Lady Anemoia* (Eclectic/Nostalgia Musical Storytelling) A five-piece band from Southern Worcester County, MA, their music stems from the nostalgia of an era they’ve never known, only heard of stories through musicians of the past. With each one of their members having similar yet different music tastes, this has created both a vast and uniform blend within their songs. https://ladyanemoia.com/
Liz Spencer Band with Troy Caruana* (Country/Southern Rock) A Southern Rock band with Country leanings, the band, led by Nashville recording artist Liz Spencer, leads the audience through several decades and genres with powerhouse vocals and expertly crafted tunes which are artfully tailored to their signature rock style. With over 60 years of combined experience and a growing catalog of original music to back them, the Liz Spencer Band is well on its way to securing its place among the top live bands in the New England area. https://www.lizspencerband.com/
Manel the Island Man (Portuguese) From Ponta Delgada, Acores, Manel sings both in English and his native language, Portuguese. As a writer, he says he likes to capture the essence of his soul, expressing his feelings with lyrics that increase heartfelt emotions. He has released four albums featuring songs in English and Portuguese. https://www.facebook.com/ManelTheIslandMan
Mt. Hope Music (Student Variety) One of the things we love about PorchFest is the opportunity for young performers to take the stage. Mt. Hope High School, with a strong music program, affords us this opportunity. Mt. Hope Music is a collection of talented students performing solo and duo acts with guitar or keyboard in various styles. Jazz, Broadway, rock, and pop; these gifted musicians can do it all!
Polly Bessette* (Singer/Songwriter) is a Rhode Island musician with a passion for lyricism and folky tunes. Her music captures the ears of many through her raw and thoughtful recollections of universal growing pains in the sweetest of sounds. Polly was nominated for a 2024 Motif Music Award and received multiple recognitions by the Official Grammy Awards Ballot over the course of her music writing journey. She can be found
on Instagram @pollybessette or Facebook: Polly Bessette Music where she promotes her new music and upcoming shows.
Ryan Lee Crosby* (Delta Blues/Fingerstyle Guitar/Singer-Songwriter) is a powerfully emotional performer who blends echoes of traditional music from Mississippi, Mali, and India into compelling songs that speak from—and to—the heart. His songs resonate with a sound and spirit forged from his life as a traveling musician and his studies with traditional masters Jimmy “Duck” Holmes and RL Boyce. www.ryanleecrosby.com
Six Down* (Pop/Funk/Dance) A local band specializing in Pop, Funk, and dance hits, Six Down plays tunes from the 60’s to today! They will grab your attention and get you out on the dance floor (street!) https://www.facebook.com/sixdownri
Southcoast Brass Band* (Jazz/Blues/Funk) The Southcoast Brass Band is a 7-piece brass band based in Southeastern, MA, dedicated to New Orleans-style jazz, blues, and funk. They have performed at the New Bedford Jazzfest, the Narrows Center for the Arts, the Madeira Feast, and Cisco Brewers New Bedford and are currently in a monthly residence at Nick-a-Nees in Providence. https://www.southcoastbrassband.com/
Turas* (Irish) is a local Rhode Island music ensemble playing traditional Irish music as well as modern compositions. Turas consists of Bob Drouin on banjo, bouzouki, fiddle, and guitar; Josh Kane on flute and whistle; Dean Robinson on bodhran, percussion and whistle; and Matt Cook on flute, uilleann pipes, and whistle. https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandIrishMusic/
The Whelks* (Swing, Country, Old Time, Bluegrass, Irish, Folk) Hailing from Warren and Tiverton, RI, the band includes Peri DeLorenzo on fiddle, Mark Dobbyn on guitar, and Erin Lobb Mason on upright bass. They play a mix of swing, country, old-time, bluegrass, Irish, folk, and their original songs, all dressed up in glorious three-part harmony. https://www.whelkswhelkswhelks.com/
YourFriendM00N (Singer-Songwriter) is an ethereal independent music artist whose haunting melodies and introspective lyrics delve into themes of generational trauma and personal growth. With a fairylike, grunge, and Renaissance-inspired aesthetic, Moon's music serves as healing for those navigating similar life experiences. Alongside original compositions, Moon captivates audiences with uniquely reimagined covers of current hits and old hits mixed with multiple genres, showcasing a versatile and enchanting musical style. https://hyperfollow.com/YourFriendM00N