Atlanta Intown A Publication 30th ANNIVERSARY MAY 2024 Vol. 30 No. 5 ■ RoughDraftAtlanta.com
Strumming Up Excitement
Virginia Highland Porchfest is back on May 18
In the heart of Atlanta's intown Virginia Highland neighborhood, Porchfest returns for its fourth year. On Saturday, May 18, John Howell Park and its surrounding streets will be flooded with residents and visitors of all ages who will be brought together by a common love for local, live music.
Despite only starting in 2021, Porchfest has already become a cherished tradition among Atlanta residents. Community members rave about the event and the energy and buzz it has brought to Virginia Highland. Resident Steve Fazenbaker expresses gratitude for Porchfest's role in fostering a sense of community and belonging in Virginia Highland. “Porchfest is such a happy day. There are so many happy people, and it's just such a great vibe for our street and our neighborhood.”
As attendees weave their way through the picturesque streets of Virginia Highland, they'll encounter an eclectic ensemble of bands and musicians serenading them from porch to porch from 12 to 6 pm, with a finale performance from 6 to 7 pm on stage in John Howell Park. With nearly 90 bands this year,
the lineup promises something for every musical taste from funk to rock and roll. While music takes center stage, Porchfest is also proud to provide a gathering spot for fun-loving families. The Kids Corner, operating from 11 am to 4 pm, provides the youngest festival attendees with an exclusive area to channel their excitement, ensuring a day of enjoyment for the whole family.
Additionally, the 1-mile Rock n Run gives the day a running start at 11 am, followed
by a unique selection of art and food vendors to explore.
Local businesses, including beloved establishments like Moe’s & Joe’s, Dad’s, and Farm Burger praise the festival for its impact on their business and the community. Moes & Joe’s employee, Harlee Adams, adds, “For our bar, it's been a magnet for locals and visitors alike, drawn by the genuine spirit of live music and camaraderie. What sets it apart is its intimate, porch-to-porch vibe, making
it a festival where everyone's a performer and neighborly connections thrive. The festival's presence has not only boosted foot traffic but has also enhanced our reputation as a hub for local culture and social gathering, enriching the overall experience for our patrons."
Generating foot traffic for local small businesses through Porchfest is a top priority for the Virginia Highland District Association (VHDA), the organizers of the event. Their goal is to showcase its unique slice of Atlanta to visitors, in hopes that they will keep coming back. Virginia Highland’s small business district proudly offers something for everyone, from books to brews to bites.
Porchfest wouldn't be possible without the generous support of sponsors like Sprinter, 14 Hands, Tanteo, White Claw Vodka, SweetWater, and Fever-Tree, whose contributions help ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees. Proceeds from the event directly support VHDA's missions and initiatives, ranging from beautification projects to small business support, reaffirming Porchfest's commitment to uplifting the Virginia Highland community.
RoughDraftAtlanta.com MAY 2024 | S2
1996 • Almost Famous • Amelia • Babosa • Big Sinclair • Black Mogul • Blind Jive • Boxcar Radio • Chaunda Nicole • come senior • Concord Grapes • Couch Cult • Crushed Velvet • DadJamn • Dawson Duncan • Doobie & The Goats • Downbeat Daddy • Dylan Kight & The Nightbirds • Eclectic Musicians’ Club • Erin Thomas • Fisheye • Grunge Harmony • Harny • HeyDreamer • HeyStax & The Tribe • HU$HMoney • J.R. Rund • Joel Keeley Trio • Just Rats • Kid Country • krän • Los Pink Cheese Green Goes • Luke Brown & The Jubilee • Malibu Cowboys • Maxwell Street • Mutant County Line • No Yonder • Northern Sons • Pasadena • PKW • Ponce De Levon • Raoul K • Rare Birds • Robin Shakedown • RockWood • Secret Band • Seed & Feed Marching Abominable • Short Shadow • SPAGHETTI JUNCTION • Stardust Sonata • Stranger Company • Sweet Young Twang • Takiya Mason & The Band Of Angels • The Bea Arthurs • The Cold Turkeys • The Dazy Chains • The Highlanders • The Illegal Zach • The Porch Band • The Regifters • The Riffcats • The Rose Colored Glasses • The Unmentionables • The Wramblers • Tidalist • Todd Hill’s Hair Band • Virtual Adrenaline Band • Weatherproof • Webster Jubilee • Wilburn • Y’all • Yes Ma’am
HURST HUSBANDWIFE CHOACHI BIRD DOG JUBILEE FUN ROOM DRIPTONES CHANDLER FLINT GURUFISH KEEFE KLUG
maxwell aden nick ray mary kate farmer EPIC FINALE BY FEATURING
BELLWETHER STATION CODY MARLOWE & FRIENDS
kobanova the thing
SECTION
SPECIAL
CO-SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Pinto Sunshine to play final notes of VaHi Porchfest
Pinto Sunshine will take the stage for the finale performance as the sun sets on Porchfest. The band draws inspiration from Atlanta's cultural richness and the abundance of local talent surrounding them.
The band adds, “There is a ton of culture here in Atlanta. The melting pot really puts you in a creative mental space, especially when there are a ton of great local acts of all genres. This inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries and spicing up our sonic palette!”
Their new album, Pinto Sunshine, Vol. 1, was released in April and the band invites their listeners to follow along on their journey on Instagram (@pinto.sunshine).
One Mile of Rock n’ Roll!
The Rock n Run sets the stage for Porchfest with an electric blend of running and rocking. Decked out in their favorite rock star costumes, participants take a lively jog around the neighborhood. Spanning just 1 mile, it's perfect for the whole family or even doubling up for some extra mileage. So, lace up those sneakers and get ready to rock!
Fun for the whole family, Kids Corner is back!
From bouncy houses to face painting, Kids Corner offers something for even the youngest Porchfest goers! The Kids Corner will be packed with both free and ticketed activities to keep the little ones entertained all day long. This year, special youth performances by Ztunes and Meta Music will add to the fun on stage in John Howell Park! Adam Carder, Meta Music Founder adds, "Meta Music is thrilled to perform at Porchfest! Our students have poured so much into preparing for this performance, and we can't wait to see all their hard work come to life."
RoughDraftAtlanta.com S3 | MAY 2024
PRESENTING
KIDS CORNER SHOUTOUT
RoughDraftAtlanta.com MAY 2024 | S4 PUT MY EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU! SALES VOLUME 2020-PRESENT $150M Thinking of Buying or Selling in 2024? All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. If you have any existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal housing opportunity. ANSLEYRE.COM | 404.480.HOME | 952 PEACHTREE STREET, SUITE 100, ATLANTA, GA 30309 Molly Carter Gaines REALTOR ® c. 404.542.3120 | o. 404.480.HOME | MOLLY@ANSLEYRE. COM OVER $500,000 DONATED JUST SOLD 696 ARCOS WAY SE offered for $499,000 JUST SOLD 1093 VIRGINA AVENUE NE offered for $2,750,000 JUST SOLD 1234 MAYFAIR DRIVE offered for $1,900,000 JUST LISTED JUST LISTED JUST LISTED JUST LISTED 300 GLENWOOD AVENUE SE offered for $599,000 1909 BROWNS MILL ROAD SE offered for $585,000 1901 BROWNS MILL ROAD SE offered for $599,000 4580 PEACHTREE DUNWOODY ROAD offered for $3,995,000
Great music and great eats
Looking for something savory to hold you over while enjoying your favorite musical acts? Head to Barnett Ave to find a medley of 30 food trucks and vendors to grab a bite to eat. Need a break from the jamming? Head to North Highland Ave and grab some grub from one of the many top quality restaurants in the Virginia Highland district.
Volunteer at Porchfest
VHDA is looking for a dedicated team of volunteers to help make Porchfest 2024 rock!
Volunteers play a crucial role in various aspects of the festival, including loading in vendors, cheering on Rock n Run joggers, and assisting with Kids Corner among other tasks. All volunteers will receive a complimentary Porchfest branded T-shirt, koozie, and a free drink ticket, redeemable at festival concessions. If you're interested in being part of this exciting community event, sign up to volunteer by May 15. Join us in making Porchfest an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
Logistics and safety
Porchfest music is viewable from the sidewalks only; please be respectful of local residences. Limited parking is available, and VHDA encourages festival goers to walk, bike, and rideshare. The event will have portable restrooms, along with a first-aid station on Barnett Ave near John Howell Park. To pair with the in-festival provisions, VHDA encourages festival-goers to check out food, drink, and shopping offerings from local small businesses along North Highland Ave.
More than musicAdair Ave becomes an artist market
Adair Ave and Todd Rd will transform into more than just a music festival destination. This year, Porchfest’s vendor market will feature 70 talented artists and makers from around the city. Attendees can explore an array of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and specialty items.
RoughDraftAtlanta.com S5 | MAY 2024
Contributors Writing Sarah Miller Morgan Sangster Design Sarah Carpenter Photography Sarah Carpenter