PorchFest JCMO is still on for this weekend, but the event has gone virtual to help ensure everyone's safety.
Originally planned to take place Sunday on Capitol Avenue, PorchFest features live music, arts and entertainment, with different acts on participating front porches in the selected historical area.
Leann Porrello, cultural arts specialist with Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, said it wasn't an easy decision to cancel the physical event, but it was also important to take precautions given the spread of coronavirus. Moving online still allows for some exposure for local artists, something Porrello said is even more important during the pandemic.
"We feel it's still important for artists to have exposure, a platform and the opportunities to share their passions to our community," Porrello said. "The arts are helping many of us through these strange times."
So instead of setting up on porches on Jefferson City's east side, participating artists have been asked to make a video of themselves performing on their own front porch or backyard. The videos will be uploaded to a private YouTube account, and organizers will post different videos of local artists on the event's Facebook page throughout Sunday. Porrello said a set schedule (or what organizers are referring to as a "virtual map") will be posted around 9 a.m. Sunday, with performances starting to be posted around 11 a.m. and going through the afternoon. She said the goal is to have at least 15 videos so a couple can be posted every hour. Whenever possible, Porrello said, posts will also include biography information for artists and links to artist pages.
According to information Porrello sent to local artists, videos are expected to be about 15 minutes long or include up to three songs. The content is supposed to be new and family friendly. Because some groups involve multiple people who will try to abide by social distancing guidelines, it's likely that some will use a Zoom format or mashup of different people. She said participating artists will include musicians, poets, spoken word artists and visual artists.
Porrello said organizers are handling submissions this way, instead of simply linking to live video performances, to ensure all content is safe and appropriate.
Artists expected to participate include Rose Ridge, Paige Dow, Cody Pursifull, Jon Hensley, Zak Skinner, Lina Forrester, Joyful Noise, Sarah & Mark, Kyle Conley, Richie Paulo and Bobby Showers.
Moving digital means audiences won't be able to drop tips for performers as at previous PorchFests. Porrello said they will not be using any type of digital tip jar, but the links to artist pages may have ways fans can donate.
Porrello said local residents miss live music and providing a virtual PorchFest will allow people to see favorite bands, learn new art techniques and enjoy poetry. For the artists themselves, Porrello said, the event is a great way to stay relevant and engage with audiences, while using a creative outlet in a scary time.
"We hope this event, as it always has, brings a sense of community and love for all arts," Porrello said. "Art heals and brings us all together."
After the event, all PorchFest videos will be able to be accessed on YouTube and Facebook. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/873390396509347.