Party on the Porches

Small groups of neighbors and community members gathered in front of homes on Hanna Street Sept. 20, as bands of all types played from the front porches in one Gilroyshistoric neighborhoods.

Organizers Carol DeSantis, Barbara Bottini and Eileen Cuevas said they hope the event, known as Porchfest Gilroy, will become an annual tradition to bring the community together and provide bands and singers with opportunities to showcase their talents. This years festivities, inspired by similar events around the country, included 20 acts performing on 12 porcheson the block.

The trio didnt have a specific number of attendees they hoped to see at the event, Bottini said, nor were they keeping track Saturday. In fact, they were hoping the event would stay relatively small during the first year. Bottini added, however, So far I am very pleased with the turnout.

I really like it, 15-year-old Colette Howard said. It is really hard to find things like this Gilroy.

Howard was seated alongside her sister, Shea, in front of their house as local band, the Usuals, played from their porch. The sisters were selling bottled water and cookies to raise money to send Shea to a girls leadership camp in New York City. Both girls said they admiredthe performers.

I think it is a good opportunity for aspiring musicians, Shea said. I wouldnt mind (participatingin the future).

Moriah Silva, a member of The Usuals, was performing alongside Brian Freimurth and said she was excited to have the opportunity to entertain a local audience. Some familiar faces in the crowd included her singing coach, Kris Ellis.

I like how we all get to come out as a community, Silva, a junior at Sobrato High School, said. I cant wait for this to become a popular thing.

Freimurth agreed.

Its a lot of fun. I think an idea like this has a lot of potential,he said.

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Party on the Porches