Concert series helps raise money for charity

Instead of simply setting up the stage for one big performance downtown, more than two dozen local bands brought their instruments out on the porches, lawns, and driveways of homes all over Rockville Centre for the third annual Playing on the Porch concert series.

The concept, while similar in some ways to other community music events held throughout the country, is the first and only to take place on Long Island.

Each of the performances pulled in quite a crowd as members of the community walked and biked through the residential streets of the village on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, to get a chance to listen to the different bands play.

This year’s musical showcase went on for three hours and featured more than 29 different local bands and soloists, each performing a variety of different styles and genres of music.

Presented by the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, the Playing on the Porch concert series is held every September with additional support from local businesses, who help pitch in as “porch patrons” by sponsoring the different home venues.

The event is always free to attend, with suggested donations collected at different “tip jars” at each participating home. All of the proceeds raised during this year’s event will be donated to the RVC Library Friends.