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Ash Hop Porchfest returns, looks to build on success

The Big RanDom play a set for the crowd during last year’s Ash Hop Porchfest. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Ash Hop Porchfest returns to backyards in Hopkinton and Ashland this September.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, homes in both towns will host an array of local musicians across genres. Porchfest hopes to feature over 30 artists, according to Allison Burba Horgan, the event’s organizing committee chair.

“So far we have 17 bands signed up,” said Horgan. The artists will be split amongst 12 locations in both Ashland and Hopkinton.

Both professional and amateur musicians are encouraged to sign up. Horgan noted that this year’s lineup includes everything from high schoolers to professionals who gig around Boston and MetroWest.

“It’s nice because each of the different musicians brings something to the table,” said Horgan. “There’s really something for everybody.”

She also noted that while musicians are asked to volunteer their time for the event, they are welcome to solicit donations from the crowds during their performances.

Now in its third year, Porchfest looks to build upon the lessons and successes of the past. While organizers still are workshopping some features of the event, Horgan said a big focus this year is managing crowd distribution.

Unlike other municipalities, suburbs like Hopkinton and Ashland have lower population density, according to Horgan. This, in part, is what inspired joining the two towns together in this event. This year, Horgan said organizers hope to reduce how far out Porchfest is spread out so that the musicians “feel like they have the love and they’ve got good audiences.”

Porchfest is supported by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council through both the Hopkinton and Ashland chapters, along with corporate sponsorship by Foemmel Fine Homes. Other local businesses, such as Iron Hog BBQ and Clover Road Brewing Company plan to participate in the event’s finale at the Corner Spot in Ashland.

Ash Hop Porchfest is set for Sept. 13 from 1-8 p.m. A full list of locations and artists will be released a week prior to the event. Those interested in performing or volunteering can learn more information on the Ash Hop Porchfest website.

Latest News

A Hopkinton man was sentenced in federal court on Monday to a year and one day in prison for defrauding his company’s insurance carriers, the Small Business Administration and a mortgage lender.

The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club are hosting their monthly trail volunteer workday on Saturday to complete the second of three planned bridge projects in the Berry Acres property.

Town meetings tonight include the Transportation Workgroup of the Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

An individual dribbles a basketball at the court inside Faith Community Church of Hopkinton.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE