2023 performer registration has closed.
PERFORMER GUIDELINES
Binghamton Porchfest strives to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for performers of all genres, ages, and skill levels. For one afternoon each August, the West Side comes alive with the sounds of folk and funk, classical and country, bluegrass and hip-hop, rock and roll. Grade-school ensembles and old-time fiddles. Community choirs and bar bands. Dance troupes and blues jams. The majority of Porchfest performers are homegrown in Binghamton, but bands have travelled from as far as Boston and DC to participate. Registration is open to all.
All performances will be limited to 30 minute or 1 hour time slots. Bands will not be assigned multiple sets.
No more than four performances will be scheduled at any one address.
Performer registration opens in June and will remain open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. Absolutely no late sign-ups will be accepted.
It was previously announced that as of 2023 we would no longer be accepting hosts on Riverside Drive and points south. We've been asked to reconsider this plan by neighborhood residents and city officials and will provide an update as soon as possible.
Points to Know
Porchfest is a low volume event. Another band will likely be performing a few doors down at the same time as you and this only works if we all share the neighborhood. We don’t care if you’re a Tuvan throat singing trio or a thrash metal band, music is music. We do care that you’re not audible more than two houses away from where you’re performing, so put some pillows in your drums, play with brushes, turn the amps down, play acoustic, do whatever you’ve got to do to be respectful to your fellow musicians.
We can find you a place to play! You do not need to live in the neighborhood or know somebody who does in order to perform - we will happily match you with the right host.
Porchfest is a volunteer event. Performers are not paid for their time. Tip jars and merch sales are encouraged.
Porchfest is family-friendly. Your music needs to be, too.
This isn’t the day to DJ for the neighborhood. Unless it is. This is a sticky one. There’s a difference between playing music and playing music, you know? This isn’t the day to dust off the decks and share your record collection with the neighborhood. DJing can mean alot of things, though. If you’re making live original music with your setup, we welcome it as much as any other live music, just keep the volume down!
Set times and locations are not final until the schedule is released to the public on August 14 - even if you plan on playing on your own porch at a particular time.
Performers are expected to take care of their own sound/equipment needs. Many find it beneficial to collaborate on backline setups.
Before you Sign Up
Talk to your band members to find out if any of them plan on performing with other acts. We need to know this in order to avoid double-bookings in the schedule.
Have your promo materials prepped. When you sign up, we’ll give you the option to upload a brief bio, and web/music links. This will help us promote your performance leading up to the festival, but don’t sweat it if you don’t have anything.
Know your availability. If you get off work mid-day, please make sure you let us know.
If you’re planning on performing at a particular address, let us know when registering. Even if you are performing on your own porch, a host form must be submitted separately. Signing up with a particular particular porch in mind does not guarantee your desired set time.