WMPG Live Performances
By Cammie Breuer/ Arts and Culture Editor
On Sunday September 10th the Deering Center Neighborhood Association hosted their 9th Porchfest, an event where community members can walk around the neighborhood and catch local live performances all day long. The day was kicked off at 12:15 with a parade from the Deering Center Community Church down Brentwood St to Best St. It was there they held their commencement ceremony that offered an opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated committee members, talented musicians, and the gracious hosts who let the performers use their front lawns.
Cloudy skies and light rain couldn’t put a damper on all the fun, starting at 1 o’clock different acts hit the stage in round the clock music and fun. Walking around with a coffee listening to music was the best way one can spend a Sunday in my opinion. Friends, families and community members were able to wander around from porch to porch and take it all in. There was music for everyone with Arcadia band and their folky sound to Bondeko who’s sound is inspired by all the different cultures of the band members. Though it cannot be pinned into a single genre it certainly had everyone dancing around to the rhythm; it just goes to show how music transcends language barriers. There was even a ‘kidsfest’ porch just for the little ones.
Beloved radio station 90.9 WMPG was there with acts Myles Bullen and The Gualla Boys. It was important for them to find acts that would draw in a younger crowd so that kids could enjoy live original music as well. This was Myles 5th year performing at Porchfest. Their music has a fun rap sound with deep and meaningful lyrics; they had the crowd sing along with them to their song Iamnotforeveryone. I talked with Myles after his show about what makes Porchfest special. They explained to me how it was great to be able to play free shows that are outside and accessible to people of all ages. Being outside also means that people have the opportunity to bring their dogs which Myles very much looks forward to. Next up on the WMPG set was the Gualla boys. Unfortunately they were down a man but Cam the Weatherman brought on fellow rapper Asumi to temporarily fill his space. They educated the crowd a bit on the history of rap and hip hop in between their killer beats that had everyone singing and dancing along. It was great to see how many kids and young teens gathered around to watch these awesome and energetic performances. You can listen to both Myles Bullen and the Gualla Boys anytime on Spotify and Apple Music.
It was a great opportunity for people in the Portland community of all ages to get outside and enjoy live music from local musicians. If this sounds like fun to you I highly recommend attending the next annual Porchfest which will be held next year on September 8, 2024. For more information you can check out the Deering Center Neighborhood Website.