Imagine boarding a free ferry to a small island in the East River. Away from the busyness of Manhattan and Brooklyn, but still with their iconic skyline views, the idyllic Governors Island is full of lush greenery. The volunteer-operated, ticket-less and free admission 13th Annual Porch Stomp took place in this idyllic setting on June 20.

The West Side Cowboys (photograph by David Sussman)

Hundreds of attendees boarded the ferry from downtown Manhattan with blankets, folding chairs and picnic baskets, prepared for a day-long acoustic music marathon. The annual Porch Stomp Folk Music Festival celebrated traditional and contemporary folk music, including Americana, bluegrass, blues, cajun, country, Irish music, old-time and a light touch of rock and roll. The accordions, banjos, fiddles, guitars, harmonicas, mandolins, guitars, harmonicas and upright basses were for the most part played without electricity. Some vocalists used microphones, others sang into the open air. Because of the lack of amplification, many of the stages were just a few yards apart without a bleeding of sound.

Life of Reilly's (photograph by David Sussman)

Dust Bowl Choir (photograph by Alan Rand)

Porch Stomp started in 2014 with musicians playing on the porches of the houses on the island. Before long, the participants outgrew the limited number of porches and gravitated to the grass of Nolan Park, Colonel’s Row and Liggett Terrace. Throughout the small island, attendees immerse themselves in workshops, jam sessions, and opportunities for spontaneous collaboration. There is even dedicated space for contra and square dancing. Unlike typical music festivals, Porch Stomp lets anyone take part, and all events are free and open to the public.

Christian and Cole (photograph by David Sussman)

Wooden Jelly Spoon & Peanut (photograph by Alan Rand)

Each year, the outdoor music festival grows exponentially. This year, more than 250 musicians and combos performed across 21 “stages.” Local arts organizations and music venues that support traditional music curated and produced a day-long program for their area on the fields. Cowgirl Seahorse, the Folk Music Society of New York, the Jalopy Theater, and the Peoples’ Voice Cafe were among the hosts that featured live acoustic music from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Porch Stomp is a free, volunteer-run music celebration produced in association with Make Music New York, a not-for-profit organization that connects musicians, fans, and the public spaces of New York City. Porch Stomp functions by way of a 100% volunteer-run team of artists and community builders. Porch Stomp is fiscally sponsored by Make Music New York, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; all contributions are 100% tax deductible.

Porch Stomp Folk Music Festival 2024

Porch Stomp 2023 Hosts More Than 100 Traditional Music Artists