Front Porch Fest 16 is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, running Thursday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 31, at Spirithaven Farm in Stuart.
The festival, sponsored by One Family Productions, began 16 years ago when a group of friends hosted a going-away party for organizer Chris Prutting.
“Then we decided that we would want to do this as a kind of reunion every year that we all got back together at the time. Then we kind of turned it into a situation where it was to give back to the community,” Prutting said.
In its early years, admission was a donation of canned or dried food for the Patrick County Food Bank. Today, ticket sales fund the festival, but Prutting said donations continue. Proceeds support the food bank and the Caring Hearts Free Clinic after expenses are paid.
Because it is completely volunteer-run, he said more than $50,000 has been donated back into the community over the past 15 years.
This year’s lineup includes 29 groups performing over four days.
“Every year we have what we like to basically call our Front Porch Fest House Bands. They are bands that have been with us for many consecutive years—like Big Daddy Love, Slick Junior and the Reactors, Oh, Christopher, and Borrowed Earth,” Prutting said.
Other performers include Passafire, Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Flow Tribe, Big Fat Gap, The Judy Chops, Father Sun, Fluidity Performance Troupe, and the Front Porch Fest All Star Band.
Prutting estimates attendance will range from 1,200 to 1,500 people.
“This year alone we’re seeing people that are coming from Utah, New York, and several other areas throughout the United States that are coming to this year’s festival,” he said.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate. Day passes are available, with Thursday being the least expensive, and weekend passes cover all four days. VIP passes cost about $350 and include meals and other amenities.
Like previous years, volunteers are needed.
“If you don’t have the money, which is understandable, we’re always looking for volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of any type of festival like this, they help us put this thing on, and we’re always looking for extra hands to help us and join the family,” Prutting said.
The schedule includes:
Thursday — Gates open at 1 p.m.; music runs from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Friday and Saturday — Music runs from noon to 2 a.m.
Sunday — Music begins at 11 a.m. with a traditional gospel set by Scenic Radio.
For ticket information, visit www.frontporchfest16.eventbrite.com. For additional details, go to www.frontporchfest.com.
