Hootenanny Basics

Welcome!

Thanks so much for being part of this year's Play Music on the Porch Day 2026 Hootenanny. I put this guide together so I wouldn't have to answer the same dozen questions by Messenger or text. 😊 Hopefully it tells you everything you need to know, but if not, just ask!

Key Info for Performers

  • Arrival Time: Please try to arrive at least 30 minutes before your set so you have time to unload, get settled, and relax a bit. If something delays you, just let me know. If we need to keep the music moving, I'll simply swap your set with the next available performer. 

  • Performance Order: Sets are 12, 25, and 40 minutes, scheduled in 15, 30, and 45-minute time blocks respectively. The set times and order will be published in July, when the program goes out. We'll keep the music flowing throughout the day, so if you can be ready when the previous performer finishes, that helps everything run smoothly. 

  • Gear Provided: PA system and amp (for vocals/acoustic), 2–3 mics with stands, extension cords, some cables, a shaded carport performance space, and a shaded, covered guest area.

  • Please Bring: Your instrument(s), pedals/DI boxes/cables, water bottle, merch/cards, folding chair or stadium seat. If your family or friends are coming, please encourage them to bring a stadium or lawn chair. I'll have some seating available, but I don't think I'll have enough for everyone this year. 

  • Additional Gear: Let me know in advance if you need any additional gear. I'll do my best to accommodate reasonable requests, but please bring anything essential to your performance that is not already provided.

Venue Details

  • Audience: ~80+ people, all ages, plus performers.

  • Seating: Casual porch-style — guests may bring blankets, chairs, fans, hats, or sunglasses.

  • Vibe: Intimate front porch hang meets artist showcase.

  • Food: There isn't a formal meal break, so eat whenever it works best for you. A catered meal from JD’s Smokehouse will be available from about 11:30 AM–3:30 PM and will include pork, chicken, brisket, sides, and desserts. Food will be kept warm over Sternos for several hours in the kitchen in the house. This meal is for performers and invited friends & family — not the general public. Vegetarian and vegan food will be available. I’ll put up a chart from JD’s that shows what food is vegetarian, keto, etc.

  • Beverages: Water and other cold drinks will be available in coolers outside for everyone. Tea, soft drinks, and adult beverages inside are reserved for performers and invited family and friends. 

  • Shade: Musicians perform under a carport (~20' x 30'). Guests sit under a matching sun-blocking canopy in the driveway.

  • Heat: It’s August! Dress light. The house is open if you need to cool off or take a break. Tent fans will run without disrupting the music.

  • Rain Plan: We’ll play through light rain. Severe weather? I will contact performers that morning.

Artist Public Promotion & Profiles

Performer spotlights are shared on the Facebook event page, as well as on my social media and yours, if you choose to share them. If you haven't already sent your 2026 information, please send:

  • A short bio (3–5 sentences) and fun fact

  • A photo or logo

  • Optional: your website, social media, or streaming/video links

Tips and Merch

One question I get every year is whether it's okay to have a tip jar or sell merchandise. Absolutely! Play Music on the Porch Day is about making music available to everyone, so I simply ask that selling stays low-key and secondary to the performance. 

How to Help

You’re not required to help beyond performing, but if you (or a guest) are willing, it’s appreciated! We'll use shifts so no one works the entire time.

  • Set-up and breakdown

  • Informal stagehand support (mic and chair changes)

  • Guest management/bouncer (outside)

  • Kitchen monitor (every 10–15 minutes: check lids, tidy up)

  • One or more people who can record each performance by stopping and starting a camera or phone.

Items I’d Love to Borrow

  • Heavy-duty 3-prong extension cords

  • 10’ x 10’ pop-up canopies

  • Extra chairs (labeling supplies available)

  • Quiet, large oscillating fans for airflow

  • Outdoor games that can be played on the grass, like croquet, corn hole, bocce, etc.

Photographer

Maddison Rickman has generously agreed to photograph the event. I'll make sure everyone receives a basic set of photos afterward. If you wish to create any specialty photos with Maddison on the day of the event or at another time, please contact her at Maddison Rickman Photography. You can see a few of her photos of me here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XznNXbhqR/. 

Parking Information

  • Drop-off: Use the driveway for gear drop-off.

  • Parking Options: Neighbor at 514 Lenoir St (backyard), Ervin Rd., Powe Street, my front yard, farther down Lenoir St. or Avery Ave.

  • Food Matters Market: Park only on the far side/fringes to avoid towing.

  • Please do NOT park immediately around my house or on the red-marked access road.

  • Please carpool if possible.

  • A visual map is provided with zones marked in green (parking), red (no parking), yellow (drop-off), and purple (stage/guest).

Parking Visual Map

Approved parking zones are marked in green; stage and audience area in purple; drop-off area in yellow; and no-parking zones in red.

Bathrooms 

Restrooms are available inside the house for performers, crew, and their immediate friends and family. Public restrooms are available at Food Matters Market on Avery Avenue if needed.

Optional Adventure: Inner Tubing After Porch Day 

Several of us went tubing together after Porch Day in 2024 and had a blast. If enough people are interested, I'd love to do it again either Sunday 8/30 or one day over Labor Day weekend. Let me know if you'd like to do this and we’ll make it happen! 

Final Note

Thank y'all for coming. I appreciate every one of you. Let's have some fun and make some music. 

Last updated: 5 July 2026