ELM STREET PORCHFEST
PORCHFEST is a grassroots arts and music festival where front porches become stages and yards become venues.
In May 2022, we closed off the 400 block of Elm Street in Oakwood to celebrate Spring and enjoy porch performances by amazing local talent.
Such as SIDECAR SOCIAL CLUB, a phenomenal 5 piece jazz band band that ignited the street with music from ”the gritty and riotous underbelly of speakeasy jazz to the sounds of Latin American dance halls and from the big band era to soulful R&B and fifties rock.”
Raleigh’s own KATE RHUDY, who sang beautifully honest songs from her new album “Dream Rooms”,
And native Oakwood singer-songwriter BEN YOUNGBLOOD, who mesmerized us with his hypnotizing jazz guitar playing.
The music was wide-ranging, from the NCSU Woodwind Quintet, coached by NC Symphony flutist and Elm Street resident Mary Boone,
to Glenda Mackie leading neighbors in a Beatles sing-along, accompanied by Sidecar Social Club and friends.
Neighbors, kids and families all out playing, socializing and entertaining each other,
with young neighbor and baker extraordinaire Frances Fischer selling drinks and homemade treats.
