Colorado Bob plays on Monument Street. || Monica Sager John Coleman Bennet sings during Porchfest || Monica Sager The King Serpent Variety Troupe performed at Town Hall || Monica Sager The Mayflys took stage at Duncan Terrace. || Monica Sager Digging for Shovels played some original songs || Monica Sager One and Friends performed at First Congregational Church || Monica Sager Ms Alex sang as children played || Monica Sager The Red Rock Ramblers performed at the Swampscott Public Library. || Monica Sager
Swampscott residents traded surf for sound on Saturday, as the town’s three-mile stretch of seaside streets turned into one big jam session.
With 35 acts perched on porches, patios, and front stoops, the town rocked into the weekend with Porchfest. From toe-tapping covers to fresh-off-the-notebook originals – and with performers ranging from soulful duos to poetic soloists, family bands to a full-blown violin ensemble – Porchfest struck a chord with everyone.
Originally launched by ReachArts, a local nonprofit community arts organization, Porchfest has lived on thanks to volunteers after ReachArts closed in 2025. The Swampscott Summer Concert Series, along with the town’s Recreation and Public Works Departments, also pitched in to keep the tradition alive.
The day kicked off at Linscott Park with the Blue Big/Little Band performing in the gazebo.
Soon after, B-Side Hustle took over behind the park at 106 Elmwood Road.
“This was sort of part dare, part see-what-we-can-do, and then we played our first show,” Sacha Bodner told the crowd. Since the band started just a year ago, he said, they’ve seen growth not only in audience size but in their own musical chops.
Over on Humphrey Street, the Tin Box Poets hosted their first-ever Porchfest open mic. The local poetry group, known for its regular open mic nights, invited residents to share original or favorite poems, stories, music, comedy, or any other talent. One participant took the mic to speak on freedom of speech and current government affairs.
Music across town shifted from house to house, with acts like Music with Ms. Alex singing children’s tunes like “Baby Beluga” at Town Hall, Colorado Bob belting country classics on Monument Avenue, and the Moretti Family Band covering “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” on Banks Road.
