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NVLife_JulyAug_2012

2012FEST Porch by EVYWARSHAWSKI If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then we have Somerville,mass., Louisahufstader and Facebook to praise fornapa’s very own adaptation of Porchfest—the grassroots free music festival taking place Sunday, July 29, from 2 pm–5 pm. “Farts tour—a way for the city’s wonderful musicians toor years in Napa,” Hufstader said, “I have wished therecould be a musical equivalent to the Open Studios visual have their day in the sun.” In 2010, Hufstader, editor of Napa Patch, former East Coast broadcaster and producer of compilation CDs for Rounder Records, ran across an article and photo about Somerville’s Porchfest. She posted the link on her Facebook page, where friends Juliana Inman, architect and Napa City Council member, and Thea Witsil, owner of Wildcat Vintage Clothing, had what Inman describes as a “triptych epiphany.” With recipe in hand, the volunteer triumvirate began the formidable task of creating an inaugural 2011 Porchfest for Napa, with Witsil designated as music coordinator, Inman as porch wrangler and Hufstader as publicity maven. And hearing one band—quite possibly on a First they approached Napa County Landmarks for sponsorship porch in a neighborhood never before explored— and found a symbiotic partner, an organization whose mission inspired many in the estimated crowd of over 1,000 to reads “. . . to protect a living record of the past.” Think hundreds follow the route to new bands, view remarkable historic architecture of notable homes in historic neighborhoods snaking in and around and deepen appreciation for their own community. downtown Napa. Daniel Dawson, owner of Back Room Wines, and wife Holly Next into the mix came selecting a date—a warm, sunny, Sunday Krassner are making plans to bring young daughter Talia in a space and staff time from the Goodman Library; utilizing event that brought the community together so quickly and so successfully. N E Istroller—not bikes—this summer. “I can’t think of another event afternoon at the end of July; securing a contribution of free office insurance under Landmarks’ umbrella; and solidifying a cadre of volunteers. spectators and good vibes. It was especially fun how bike-friendly gWe ran into friends at every stop, and every porch was packed with Total event cost: the grand sum of $264 (for printing)! opportunity to work with two friends she lauds as “women who H B O R H O O D M U S IAn added plus for Hufstader is theCompleting last minute details, Hufstader, Inman and Witsilthe event was last year. We can’t wait for this year’s Porchfest!”promise a repeat of this winning formula for Porchfest 2012: family,music, porches and neighborhoods. At press time, 52 bands (167musicians) and 22 porches were being finalized for the July 29,second annual free celebration. Finally, key ingredients were folded in: 26 homes booked— with distinctive porches large and small; 42 local bands scheduled (comprised of over 120 musicians)—playing jazz, blues, Americana, rock, country and more; a maze of logistics finalized—matching porches with bands; plus strategizing, marketing and map distribution via printed media and social networks. They came like bees to honey. The music that was heard wafting do things with cool ideas—and so they did, and did they ever! I down a block or around the corner enticed friends, neighbors and just came along for the ride and to bask in the rare glow of seeing a the casual Sunday stroller to see what the “buzz” was all about! dream come true.” “It was incredible,” said Jim Gunther, co-owner and chef of For information and a map: visit the Porchfest booth at the Chefs The Inn on First. “People came on bicycles, drove around in cars, Market, located in front of the Goodman Library (1219 First Street, skateboards, roller skates, and some, like us, just walked around Napa), www.napaporchfest.org or Facebook (Napa Porchfest). with canine friends.” c J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 2 63


NVLife_JulyAug_2012
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