1st Annual Ridgewood Porchfest

Porchfest

The 1st Annual Ridgewood Porchfest showcases music made by the talented musicians of Ridgewood, NJ, and performed on the porches of their friends and neighbors.  Join us for a full day of free live music, community, and family fun!  

On September 20. the Ridgewood Porchfest committee, in cooperation with West Side Presbyterian Church, proudly presents Ridgewood’s 1st Annual Porchfest, featuring performances by Ridgewood’s most talented musicians.

Starting with a 1:00pm kickoff performance by the Ridgewood High School Marching Band on Brookside Avenue, the festival continues with a musical stroll through the neighborhood toward an incredible lineup of musicians, from solos to quartets, performing a variety of music on the front porches of some of Ridgewood’s most stately homes. The musical momentum flows into the evening with a dynamic mix of bands performing soft rock, blues, and jazz in an intimate, community setting on the South Lawn of the West Side Presbyterian Church campus near The Barn. Purchase delicious bites and beverages both day and night from food trucks on site, with beer and wine available for purchase during evening performances only.

Event Details:

  • Event Date: September 20, 2025 from 1:00pm to 9:30pm (No rain date)

Locations & Band Schedule: 

1:00 pm on Brookside Avenue, Ridgewood High School Marching Band kickoff at RHS

The Ridgewood High School Marching Band, under the direction of John Luckenbill, is one of the largest co-curricular activities at RHS and one of the tri-state area’s premier marching ensembles. Combining precision, creativity, and musical excellence, the band offers students opportunities to build musicianship, leadership, and teamwork through rehearsals, performances, and competitions. The RHSMB has performed at MetLife Stadium, Barclays Center, J. Birney Crum Stadium, Rutgers SHI Stadium, and the University of Delaware Stadium. And after earning the titles of 2024 USBands Group 4A New Jersey State Champions and National Champions, the RHSMB will be performing in the "Salute to Independence: 250th Birthday of the USA" parade in Philadelphia, PA, on July 3, 2026!

1:30 - 2pm: Acoustic Dudes at 102 Brookside

2:00 - 2:30pm: Marc Cantor at 4 Brookside

2:30 - 3:00pm: Swingcasters at 114 Brookside

The Swingcasters are a 5 piece swing jazz band that plays all kinds of swing jazz music, from traditional to modern-pop-turned-swing. They are a fun upbeat-band that gets-you-on-your-feet-dancing! With vocals, keys, saxophone, upright bass and drums, they lend the perfect mix. 

The Swingcasters started in the middle of 2020 when we all had a little more time on our hands. A group of friends who were also avid musicians sparked the project in one of the bandmate's garage. They picked up steam quickly and played all over Northern New Jersey and in New York City. But life got in the way and they took a 2 1/2 year hiatus. Now they are excited to be back with a few new band members, a few new songs, and a lot of energy!  Featuring Denise DeAngelis (vocals), Alex Saunders (keys),  Joe Solway (saxophone), Ben Weiss (upright bass) and Reggie Gamble (drums).

3:00 - 3:30pm: Joe Oriente & Declan Power at 18 Brookside

Joe and Declan have played in various local bands together and separate including Agent Korsakoff, D.P.B., and Ridgewood Irish Ramblers. For the Porchfest they put together a set of their own original tunes and covers of their favorite folk and pop tunes. Featuring Joe Oriente (Guitars and Vocals) and Declan Power (Vocals and Guitar)

3:30 - 4:00pm: 5 at 114 Brookside

2:30 pm - 7:15 pm on the South Lawn of the West Side Presbyterian Church campus near The Barn, 6 S. Monroe Street, Ridgewood, NJ 

  • Food trucks on site will have food and beverages available for purchase. Beer and wine available for purchase during evening performances only.
  • Grocery store gift card donations for Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity are welcome in support of the fight to end food insecurity.

2:30 - 3:15pm: Pay Dirt Drifters

Pay Dirt Drifters play a mix of traditional and old-timey music, with re-imagined takes on “sort of recent” country, Irish, Americana, blues, and rock tunes. Featuring Nick Ivory (mandolin, banjo, guitar, keys, vocals), Chris Ivory (banjo, keys, resonator, guitar, vocals), Jay Friedman (fiddle, accordion, vocals), Johnny Stanton (percussion, vocals) and Tom Wise (bass, harmonica, vocals).

3:15 - 3:30pm: Soloist - Apron

3:30 - 4:15pm: Tokyo Night

Tokyo Night are a classic and progressive rock cover band from US, UK, and Japan.  Formed in 2023 from a collection of musician friends, who just couldn’t get enough of live rock music, fun, and continuing the legacy of these great musical giants! Featuring John Harrold (Bass, Vocals), Mariko Alexander (Vocals, Keyboard), Pete Sambalis (Guitar), Rich Leonarz (Guitar), Dave Miller (Drums).

4:15 - 4:30pm: Soloist - Apron

4:30 - 5:15pm: West Side Band

The West Side Band—affectionately known as the West Side BBQ Band—brings together musicians from across our community who simply love making music. Blending folk, rock, classical, and more, the band plays with joy and a spirit of connection that welcomes everyone in.

5:15 - 5:30pm: Soloist - Apron

5:30 - 6:15pm: Thursday Eve Collective

Based in Ridgewood, New Jersey, TEC (Thursday Eve Collective) play an eclectic mix of soul, country, R&B, pop, blues, reggae and jazz. This eclectic mix reflects the diversity of the band, with members from England, Jamaica, New York and New Jersey. Featuring: Janet Shorter (vocals),Melissa Doe (Keys, vocals), Juan Urbaez (bass), Pete Doe (guitar, vocals) and Chris Biggio (drums).

6:15 - 6:30pm: Soloist - Apron

6:30pm - 7:15pm: Amped