Playing on the Porch to showcase local artists in Rockville Centre

The sound of live music will echo through the village next month as Playing on the Porch returns to Rockville Centre, when many local artists will perform a musical showcase on their porches, driveways and front lawns.

The free event is sponsored by the village’s Chamber of Commerce and scheduled for Sept. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m., with a rain date the next day at the same time. Playing on the Porch is a village-wide, family-friendly event in which residents turn their homes into intimate performing stages.

The event launched in 2019 with two-dozen participants performing mini-concerts, giving residents and visitors the chance to enjoy home-grown talent and connect with neighbors. Though it was canceled in 2020 amid the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, the event returns this year to help provide entertainment to residents.

Aside from showcasing local talent, one major part of the event is helping to support local businesses. Attendees are encouraged to visit one or more of the many local coffee shops, restaurants and bars along the route in between performances. Many establishments will offer special discounts tied to the event.

The deadline to register to participate in a performance in Sept. 1. In order to perform, participants must live in Rockville Centre and perform at a village location. All musical genres and instruments are welcome and solo artists are also eligible. Performers don’t get paid to participate and streets will remain open to cars, bikers and pedestrians.

Those who perform at their homes are encouraged to inform their neighbors beforehand, and to provide a few seats for those who need it while playing at a respectable sound level. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and walk or bike along the route from home to home.

Maps of participating homes will be available in September at local businesses and online at the chamber’s website.  Musicians and singers are encouraged to participate. For more information, including registration details, visit rvcchamber.com.