Unify a Community with Music

A 5-Star Celebration: Play Music on the Porch Day

On August 31st, Berea, Kentucky, played host to a vibrant celebration of music, community, and outdoor fun as part of the global "Play Music on the Porch Day" event. Hosted by Get Outside KY (GOKY) at 204 Estill Street, this event brought together musicians, vendors, and community members for a day filled with live performances, delicious food, local crafts, and plenty of laughter—despite a few challenges from Mother Nature herself.

Jam session Berea Locals. (Photo. Facebook)

A Day of Community and Music

"No matter what you like to do when you Get Outside, GOKY has an event for you," is the motto that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this event. The day was about more than just music; it was about bringing people together, sharing talents, and enjoying the simple pleasures of being outdoors in Berea’s picturesque setting.

The event kicked off in the morning with an open mic session, where local talents took to the stage to share their music with an enthusiastic crowd. From the soulful tunes of Brother Moon to the captivating performance by Sophia Nakomis, the open mic portion set the tone for a day that would be all about community participation and celebration.

The participants included Sophia Nakomis Shepherd, Brandon Lee Thompson, Thomas Ahrens, Michael Parks, Elmer Burchett, Willy James, Tyler Conn, Jeff Richey, Ryan Stacy, Brandon Clifton, Gary Warf, and Jacob Neal.

3 Men and a Banjo (Photo. Facebook)

Highlights of the Day: Performances and Atmosphere

Throughout the day, a variety of acts took to the stage, showcasing the rich musical talent that Berea has to offer. The headliners included 3 Men & A Banjo and Dirty Low Down Band—each bringing their unique sound and energy to the event.

3 Men & A Banjo, featuring Tyler Conn and Jeff Richey, delivered an outstanding set of Appalachian swing, bringing the traditional sounds of the region to life. They later expressed their gratitude for being part of the event, thanking their friends Alex Sipple of GOKY and Camryn Shaffer of Living Sound Delusions Studios for making the magic happen. The group’s performance was a highlight of the day, adding a touch of Berea’s musical heritage to the modern-day celebration.

Dirty Low Down Band brought a dynamic mix of rock, country, blues, and grunge to the stage, energizing the crowd with their powerful set. Their music resonated with the diverse audience, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and inclusive.

Dirty Low Down Band (Photo. Facebook)

A Community Effort: Volunteers, Vendors, and Local Support

The success of Play Music on the Porch Day in Berea was due in large part to the dedication and hard work of the volunteers and organizers. One volunteer summed up the day perfectly, saying, "Within a few hours, I went from working, to teaching, to performing, to fighting the elements 🌧️." The weather may have posed some challenges, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of those involved. As the volunteer noted, the event was a blast, even as they competed with Mother Nature’s show in the background.

Camryn Shaffer of Living Sound Delusions Studios, one of the key organizers, also shared his thoughts on the day, saying, "We are a little wet, but Play Music on the Porch Day (Berea, Kentucky) was a blast!" Shaffer’s enthusiasm and dedication were instrumental in making the event a success, despite the unpredictable weather.

The event wasn’t just about music; it was also a celebration of local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. Vendors set up booths offering a variety of products and services, adding to the festive atmosphere. Among them were Chuckwagon Old Fashioned Sodas, T&N Custom Baits, Rocks For Socks Landscaping, and Peacecraft, each contributing their unique offerings to the event. The presence of these local businesses underscored the community’s commitment to supporting one another and highlighted the diverse talents and products available in Berea.

A Unique Open House and Block Party Atmosphere

The informal Summertime finale hosted by GOKY was more than just an Open House; it was a true block party, bringing together people from all over the area to enjoy a day of music, food, and fun. The event was a testament to GOKY’s commitment to community engagement and its ongoing efforts to make outdoor activities accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Jeff Richey, another key participant, echoed the sentiments of many when he said, "I’m going to be playing music on the porch of the Log House Craft Gallery in Berea, Kentucky at 4 pm today with 3 Men & A Banjo in celebration of Play Music on the Porch Day! Come early to catch the open mic acts and stick around to hear Dirty Low Down Band and The New Developments perform!" His invitation captured the inclusive and welcoming spirit of the event, encouraging everyone to come out and enjoy the day.

GOKY and the Unify Cooperative: A Vision for the Future

As the event wrapped up, it was clear that Play Music on the Porch Day had not only been a success but had also set the stage for even bigger things to come. Beginning on September 1, the newly formed Unify Cooperative (UNIFY CO-OP) took over the property in front of the Berea College Forestry Center, marking the start of a new chapter in GOKY’s mission to integrate community engagement and tourism services into the fabric of Berea.

With the creation of the Unify Cooperative, GOKY is taking its commitment to the community to the next level, offering more structured and inclusive opportunities for everyone to connect with nature, music, and each other. The cooperative will serve as a hub for outdoor activities, cultural preservation, and community events, building on the success of events like Play Music on the Porch Day to create a lasting impact on Berea.

Sophia Nakomis (Photo. Facebook)

A 5-Star Review: Community, Music, and Connection

Play Music on the Porch Day in Berea was a resounding success, earning a well-deserved 5-star review. The event brought together musicians, volunteers, vendors, and community members in a celebration that was as much about connection as it was about music. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose.

GOKY, Living Sound Delusions Studios, and all the participants and volunteers deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts not only made the event a success but also set the stage for future community celebrations that will continue to enrich the lives of those in Berea.

As the final notes of the day’s performances faded into the evening, it was clear that Play Music on the Porch Day had left a lasting impression on all who attended. The event was a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to celebrate its talents, its heritage, and its love for the outdoors. Here’s to many more events like this in Berea’s future, and to the continued success of GOKY and the Unify Cooperative in making those dreams a reality.