Free citywide Porchfest event returns Sunday to Capitol Avenue

(Photo by Gerry Tritz/News Tribune) Brandon Province shows his abstract/expressive style of painting during the first Porchfest event last year on Capitol Avenue.
(Photo by Gerry Tritz/News Tribune) Brandon Province shows his abstract/expressive style of painting during the first Porchfest event last year on Capitol Avenue.

Eleven porches, more than 30 artists, food, games, crafts and family-friendly fun - Porchfest JCMO returns 1-4 p.m. Sunday to the 500-700 blocks of Capitol Avenue.

Porchfests are annual music events held across the United States and in Canada on front porches, said Lean Porrello, cultural arts specialist for Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

"Started in Ithaca, New York, in 2007, Porchfest events bring local musicians and neighborhoods together to celebrate and create a sense of community," Porrello said. "In Jefferson City, we not only wanted to highlight musicians but we wanted to make sure that we represented all different cultural arts opportunities so we have visual artists, literary artists, balloon art, chalk art and much more."

About 1,200 people attended the inaugural Porchfest JCMO last spring in the same historic district of Jefferson City. Organizers tried to have an event last fall, but it was canceled due to weather.

A variety of music and art will be featured at this year's Porchfest JCMO, each available on the 11 porches and street locations. Musicians, performers and visual artists include Phil Jones, Zak Skinner, Paige Dow, Yvonne Gelder, Brandon Providence, Joyful Noise, Rose Ridge, Bobby Showers, Paul Laemmli, The Sweet Charlottes, Masterson Sound, Prairie Moon Band, Dennis Layne and Abigail Rose, Howard and Smyth, Chuck Renn, Lit'l Miss Country, Sweet Adelines International, Lina Forrester, Sleepy Bull Toads, Embra, Abigail Rose, Mike Davis, Whiskey Straight, Cody Pursifull, Mobile Funk Unit, Steppin' Out Dance Studio, John Nichols, Mistaken Creek Revival, Jon Hensley, Erin Lammers, Ben Green and Noren Access.

Blue Skillet, Bootheel Boil Company, Ready Popped Kettle Corn, La Chica Loca, Old Thyme Funnel Cakes, Paulie B's Mobile Kitchen and Love My Gelato will have food on site for guests. Families can enjoy activities including a chalk art area, hula hoop weaving, tie-dye, finger print canvas, coloring station, face painting and balloon art.

The event is free and open to the public. Jefferson City Parks and Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission present Porchfest JCMO, along with local sponsors. For more information, visit Porchfest JCMO's Facebook page, @porchfestjcmo.