BRIDGEPORT, Conn., May 16, 2024 – Mark your calendars! Black Rock PorchFest is set to return for its eighth year on Aug. 24, and this year the planning and execution of the event will be led by Park City Presents, a Bridgeport-based not-for-profit organization with a mission to bring music tech education to city youth and the performing arts to all city residents.
The beloved grassroots live music festival that takes place annually on porches across the Black Rock neighborhood in Bridgeport was founded by Nicole Cassidy in 2016. Catherine Conroy was then granted the lead role in 2020 after years of steadfast involvement with the event. Park City Presents partnered with Conroy and her team of dedicated volunteers to manage Black Rock PorchFest in 2023, but the organization was tapped to fully take over leadership of the event starting this year to ensure sustainability of the event.
“The time has come to hand the reins over to an organization that will carry PorchFest into its next chapter,” said Conroy. “Through Nicole Cassidy’s vision, PorchFest has become an institution in Black Rock, and the years of success we have had with this event would not have been possible without the passion and dedication of the volunteers who have devoted so much of themselves year in and year out, as well as the neighbors who have graciously offered their porches and of course the musicians whose collective talent has brought the spirit of Black Rock PorchFest to life. I have nothing but confidence in Park City Presents to continue to carry out our mission to celebrate the love of music, people, and place in our neighborhood and the city of Bridgeport.”
“We could not be more thrilled about this opportunity,” said John Torres, Founder and Board Chair, Park City Presents. “Park City Presents is committed to keeping Black Rock PorchFest’s grassroots spirit alive and well, without changing the fundamental nature of all the things that makes PorchFest unique and so special. We believe this move will only help PorchFest thrive for years to come.”
Leading the planning for the festival on behalf of Park City Presents is Tracy Jo Recalde. A Black Rock resident and musician herself, she brings 14 years of live music event production experience to her role and has been involved with Black Rock PorchFest since 2017. Recalde is also the Talent Buyer and Box Office Manager at Park City Music Hall.
“It’s an honor to build on the legacy of all the volunteers of Black Rock PorchFest to ensure this event continues to be a free, neighborhood- and family-friendly afternoon full of live music,” said Recalde. “I would especially like to thank Catherine, who put her heart and soul into growing PorchFest to what it is today. Her continued valuable input will help to ensure a smooth transition this year, and we appreciate her generosity immensely.”
Further details about PorchFest will be released in the coming weeks, with band registration scheduled to open in early June. Those looking to stay up-to-date on details are encouraged to follow the official Black Rock PorchFest Facebook page.
