‘Porchfest’ coming next month

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, August 9, 2017

The Brewton Chamber of Commerce is looking to create a new signature event – Porchfest.

Set for Sept. 16, from 4-9 p.m. on Belleville Avenue, the concept is to offer a night of community and celebration by bringing live music to the porches of more than 12 homes. The free event will feature more than 20 live acts throughout the night and culminate with a performance of the up-and-coming group, Southern Halo.

Linda Williamson, Chamber director and committee chairwoman, said the event is modeled after similar ones in across the U.S.

“But it’s the first of its kind in Alabama, and we are so excited to be hosting it here in Brewton,” Williamson said. “The gracious homeowners of Belleville Avenue have offered up their front porches as stages where country, gospel, blues, Southern rock and much more will be performed throughout the afternoon.

“We invite the public to stroll through and enjoy the great music,” she said. “As a finale, Southern Halo will perform on the main stage. It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss.”

Williamson said the group has opened for acts like Brantley Gilbert, Randy Houser and B.B. King. They replace the originally schedule group, Sweet Tea, who was offered “the opportunity of a career and we couldn’t stand in their way,” she said.

“This is a true family-friendly event, with food trucks, children’s section and good fun,” she said. “We want to Porchfest to become a signature event. It’s unique and is a way to showcase our community and allow as many local businesses to participate as possible.”

While Georgia Pacific has already secured the event’s title sponsorship, there are other opportunities to help, Williamson said, and include:

• porch sponsors: $250; and,

• yard sign sponsor: $100.

Both options include postage signage – a large banner for porch sponsors and political sign size for yard sign sponsors.

For more information on how to become a sponsor, contact the chamber office at 251.867.3224.