Music on the Porch: Joining a Global Celebration
Did you know there’s a day each year when people all around the world step outside with their instruments and play a little music? It’s called World Play Music on the Porch Day – a grassroots celebration that began in 2013 as a simple reminder that music isn’t just for stages or studios. It belongs on porches, backyards, sidewalks, and front steps too – anywhere neighbors and friends can enjoy a tune drifting through the air.
This year, Rick and I made our participation “official” by registering on the World Play Music on the Porch Day website. It felt pretty special to be part of something global – musicians everywhere, from tiny towns to big cities, all picking up instruments and playing at the very same time. Here in Ashland, we added our little corner of the world, and it felt so grounding and uplifting to connect to a wider world and experience the joy of this simple, shared moment.
Rick brought out our 3/4 guitar, and I alternated between my tenor uke and autoharp. Together we sang a mix of old-timey favorites, a few Irish standards, and some beloved classics – Eagles, Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, John Prine, Kate Wolf, Jim Croce. We even played one of our own songs. After a year of working on the house and having very little time to play music, we were frighteningly rusty and the calluses on our fingers have softened far too much, but once we started playing, none of that mattered. Music has a way of lifting you up, softening the rough edges of the day, and reminding you why it feels so good to share it.
So here’s your heads-up: World Play Music on the Porch Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, August 29. We’ll be out on the porch again, strumming, singing, and soaking up the joy of it all. If you’re anywhere near Ashland, Oregon, we’d love for you to come celebrate with us– bring an instrument, your voice, or just a good pair of listening ears. Porch music is always better with company.
Mark your calendars now, and maybe next year we’ll get to make a little music together.
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