Porch Stomp 2023 Hosts More Than 100 Traditional Music Artists

Porch Stomp 2023 hosted over 100 traditional music artists on 18 stages spread out on porches on Governors Island on June 17. Folk bands, artists, and performing arts organizations used the greenery of Nolan Park and Colonel’s Row as a space for performance and educational opportunities. Attendees enjoyed free performances, workshops and jams in traditional folk, old-time, blues, Cajun, Irish, bluegrass and Americana. Participatory activities included a contradance workshop.

Unlike typical music festivals, anyone can take part in Porch Stomp, and all events are free and open to the public. Each “stage” or porch was curated and produced by an arts organization or local venue that supports traditional arts, and represented a specific folk community in New York City. This year’s partners included the Irish Arts Center, Big City Folk, Cowgirl Seahorse, Sunny’s Bar, Brooklyn Contra, and more. Cowgirl Seahorse also provided food and beverage.

Now in its 10th year. Porch Stomp is a free, volunteer-run music celebration produced in association with Make Music New York. Make Music New York is a not-for-profit organization that connects music makers, fans and the public spaces of New York City. Porch Stomp was founded in 2014 as a part of that year’s Make Music New York Festival.

All photographs by Sunni Fuller.

Damn Tall Buildings

Dante & Friends

Kitty Twitty & Smoking Joe Haynes

Seth Goldart

Bluegrass Collusion

Sam & Seth

Steven Czajkowski & Matthew Christian

Mel and the Tall Boys

Apollo Flowerchild & Ginger Squirrel

Phil Gammage & Friends

Wyndham & Emmarose

Val Kinzler (left)

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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise.

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