Performer Recruitment Tips
Putting together your own lineup is one of the most fun and rewarding parts of hosting Porchfest. It's a chance to shape the vibe at your location and bring music you love right to your doorstep.
Just ask — you might make someone's day
If you see a musician or band you like — even casually — don't overthink it.
A simple: “Hey, would you want to play Porchfest at my house?” goes a long way.
A lot of performers love opportunities to play, especially local events like Porchfest. Even if it feels a little random, it's absolutely worth a shot.
A simple: “Hey, would you want to play Porchfest at my house?” goes a long way.
A lot of performers love opportunities to play, especially local events like Porchfest. Even if it feels a little random, it's absolutely worth a shot.
Go see local live music
If you're not sure where to start, go check out live music around town. Restaurants, bars, and small venues are full of local performers — and if you find someone you like, you already know they're a great fit.
Bonus: you get a fun night out, and you might discover your Porchfest lineup at the same time.
Bonus: you get a fun night out, and you might discover your Porchfest lineup at the same time.
Ask around (it works more than you think)
Let friends, neighbors, and coworkers know you're hosting.
You might be surprised how often someone says:
“Oh — I know someone who plays!”
This is one of the easiest ways to both find performers and spread the word about Porchfest.
You might be surprised how often someone says:
“Oh — I know someone who plays!”
This is one of the easiest ways to both find performers and spread the word about Porchfest.
Use local community groups
Posting in local social media groups or community pages can be a great way to connect with performers.
It might feel a little out of your comfort zone, but it works — and there are plenty of musicians looking for opportunities to play.
It might feel a little out of your comfort zone, but it works — and there are plenty of musicians looking for opportunities to play.
Join the Porchfest Connection group
We've started a group specifically for matching hosts and performers:
Porchfest Connection
It's still growing, but the goal is to create a space where:
Porchfest Connection
It's still growing, but the goal is to create a space where:
- hosts can find performers
- performers can find hosts
- and Porchfests across the area can connect
Check the Available Performers list
We'll have a page where performers who are looking for a host can be discovered.
This list may change over time, so it's worth checking back occasionally as new performers join.
(We're still refining this — more to come!)
This list may change over time, so it's worth checking back occasionally as new performers join.
(We're still refining this — more to come!)
Final thought
There's no single “right way” to build your lineup.
Some hosts plan everything in advance, some make one or two connections and let the rest come together naturally.
However you approach it, you are helping bring more music into the community — and that's what Porchfest is all about.
Some hosts plan everything in advance, some make one or two connections and let the rest come together naturally.
However you approach it, you are helping bring more music into the community — and that's what Porchfest is all about.
Email: info@wakefieldporchfest.com - Website: webmaster@wakefieldporchfest.com
