Music filled Morganton porches last weekend

Morganton’s fifth annual Play Music on the Porch celebration is in the books.

Music began Saturday, Aug. 29, at 9 a.m. to entertain shoppers at the Morganton Farmers Market. Tunes continued throughout the day at businesses, homes, and sidewalks until the last concert began at 6:45 p.m. in front of West Union Arts Studios.

Artist Brian Mallman founded Play Music on the Porch Day in 2013 and introduced it as a global event the following year. Mallman initially used social media to connect with musicians and learn about instruments and musical traditions from around the world. By 2018, thousands of performers were participating. The event now reaches more than 1,000 cities annually.

The event’s mission is to use music as a universal language that can bring people together across differences and promote peace and connection. Participation is open to everyone, regardless of age, experience, musical style or instrument.

Play Music on the Porch Day is held on the last Saturday in August. Musicians perform alone or invite others to join them, and performances can be as simple or elaborate as participants choose. Despite the event’s name, a porch is not required — any outdoor setting will do.

Want to see more from this year’s event? Use the hashtags #PlayMusicOnThePorchDay and #morgantonplaymusicontheporchday on social media to see people in Morganton and around the world enjoying the performances.

— AKC