Good morning, Medford, Thursday, June 4
Happy Thursday, everyone. We've got a PorchFest sneak-preview for you.
I'm keeping fingers crossed that the weather holds out this weekend, because on Saturday, porches, yards, driveways and parks across Medford will host performances during the 4th annual PorchFest. There will be indie rock, folk, pop, punk, country, instrumental, acoustic, classic rock, jazz, neo-soul, Americana improvisation, R&B, blues, Irish, pop flamenco, Chinese, grunge, progressive Balkan funk, and all sorts of combinations of genres. There will be bands from Medford, neighboring towns, and other states.
To get a sense of the breadth of creativity and talent, take a moment to scroll through the list of performers on the PorchFest website. Here are just a few to give you a sneak preview:
- Carried by Deer – "2 neighbors who thought it would be fun to play PorchFest."
- Cherry Venom – "a vocal cover duo formed after Carter and Tree survived coworker life and decided emotional damage sounded better with harmonies. Bonded by anime, video games, and an irrational fear of bees and sinkholes, the two specialize in turning familiar songs into fun experiences for all."
- Carter Dome – "All trans, post-punk, shoegaze, math rock band from Medford! We're named after a the 4,826 ft peak in the White mountains of NH."
- Chain Rings – "2 Gentleman. 1 Laptop. Several possible outcomes!"
- Chinchillas on Fire – "We’re an all girls’ band of sophomores from MHS. We began in 8th grade and have been growing ever since, playing cover songs by various artists. We hope you can come and see us jam!"
- Flingamo – "All the woodwinds, some of the beats, mostly standing on one leg."
- Emperor Norton's Stationary Marching Band – "Some whisper in hushed tones that ENSMB is the ultimate herald of mirthful discord, while others have gone mad at the mere mention of the name. It’s music shrouded in mystery and wicked intrigue. But there’s one thing we know for sure: Horns will wail. Shoulders will shimmy. Faces will melt."
- Sing About that Elephant in the Room – covers Chinese songs that are special — traditional styles, or talking about social issues. "We believe music can reach our souls despite language barriers, cultural differences, and personal experiences. We hope to redefine Chinese music to the western."
This year, PorchFest has added an official after-party. It will start at 5 p.m. at Clippership PopUp Park and will include brews, food, and more music.
Happening today in Medford
If you have an event happening in Medford in the coming days, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com so we can add you to our calendar.
Senior Center Activities: whist at 10:30 a.m.; Core and Balance at 10:30 a.m.; conversational English at 11 a.m.; Lifecare Tabling at 11:30 a.m.; monthly book club at 1 p.m. – "The Women." Call Paula at 781-396-6012 to reserve your seat; Art for Everyone with Tom at 1:30 p.m.
We Heart MFN Spirit Week – Friends of the Medford Family Network is sponsoring a week-long celebration to honor Marie Cassidy and Medford Family Network. Follow the link to learn about all the events.
Playgroups at the Park from 9 to 11 a.m. at McNally Park. Hosted by Medford Family Network. Arts, games, music, movement and storytelling.
Drop-in Playtime from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center.
Toddler Time at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 2-3 to read books, sing songs and learn gentle movement activities.
Drop-in Grandparents Group - Lunch from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center. Register for lunch.
Senior Knitting Club at 1 p.m. at West Medford Community Center. Beginners can learn from experienced crafters.
Farmers Market 20th Season Opening Celebration from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Condon Shell. Festivities include ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., food, neighboring beer garden, and kids' activity area with Medford Family Network.
Opening reception of "Flying Home," an exhibition by Matt Hassan, from 5 to 8 p.m. at EventThem studios.
Family Maker Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 8-12 with an adult to test out something new or work on a project of their own. Registration required.
Supporting First Responders from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy's. Fundraiser for Medford Professional Firefighters Association includes a T-shirt giveaway and raffle prizes, and 10% of all food sales will be donated to support first responders.
Ultimate Frisbee pick-up from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tufts Park, hosted by Boston Frisbee.
Peg Doll Book Reviews from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 4+ to decorate peg doll avatars and help create reviews of books they have read.
It’s Your Money, Your Estate. Are You In Control? from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Workshop to learn about the different kinds of trusts, how to protect your assets, financial plans in retirement and how they should tie in with your estate plan, and how a power of attorney, healthcare proxy and a will work. Registration required.
Fairy Tale Ball Teen Volunteer Info Session at Medford Public Library. To attend, you must already be approved to volunteer. Fill out the volunteer application, and the library will contact you. The info session begins at 6:30 p.m.
World Poetry Salon from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. Hosted by poet Gary Roberts, this casual event welcomes everyone, whether you’re well-versed in poetry or simply curious.
Melodies on Tap open mic from 7 to 10 p.m. at Medford Brewing, hosted by Zion Rodman and Christian Colegrove.
Zip-Tie Handcuffs / The Snares / Donny Toronto beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Cosmic Rush Band from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall.
In case you missed it
Special to Gotta Know Medford
