The Palmyra Porch Walk, taking place this September, is not only new to the community but expected to bring both new and familiar faces to Palmyra’s main artery.
Palmyra is gearing up to bring some tunes to town. The Palmyra Porch Walk, taking place this September, is not only new to the community but expected to bring both new and familiar faces to Palmyra’s main artery.
As a community music festival sponsored by the Palmyra Improvement Association, the Palmyra Porch Walk Festival will host musicians from all backgrounds in an intimate and unexpected setting — on residents’ porches.
“The biggest thing they will gain from the Porch Walk is the connection with neighbors and a feeling of inclusiveness,’’ music coordinator Renee Cappetta said.
Cappetta, a musician, expressed her excitement for the festival and the importance to have musicians donate their time to a worthy cause. For the first time, Palmyra can open its doors to a plethora of talent, both local and across the region.
“What we urgently need is for musicians to participate,” Cappetta said.
Musicians are encouraged to volunteer their time from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on community members’ porches September 15, all within blocks from Broad Street. All genres of music are welcome, including classical, jazz, contemporary, electric and acoustic, according to Cappetta.
Cappetta said a lot of music today is heard through headphones or speakers; however, this festival will enlighten younger demographics to how much better music sounds live and reignite live music for an older demographic.
John Casparro, founder of the Palmyra Improvement Association, weighed in on how the idea for the Porch Walk originated. Molding his idea after a similar event in Collingswood, Casparro believed that Palmyra’s “historic housing stock,” would be a great platform for the walk and work well in the community.
“We (the PIA) want to put Palmyra in a positive light across South Jersey and Philly,” Casparro said. “Having events that highlight our community and residents is just great, and I think this event will be a perfect showcase of #palmyraproud.”
Casparro said it will encourage people to visit Palmyra and bring the community closer together through music and fun. The festival will hopefully bring more business to the town, as well as create new bonds between neighbors, while highlighting the history, community and culture within Palmyra.
“We want to highlight how amazing our community is and entice residents and friends to come together over some tunes and enjoy our little town,” Casparro said. “I want people to come visit, come walk Palmyra, enjoy the town from all angles.”
According to Casparro, what makes this festival unique is the emphasis on community and music. His hope is the festival becomes an annual tradition in Palmyra, and eventually becomes a tool for community development fundraising.
“As it gets bigger, there will be a philanthropic aspect to it, creating grants for historic preservation (and) education in Palmyra,” Casparro said. “It will only get better every year.”
For musicians to volunteer, contact guitarguildpalmyra@gmail.com or contact Cappetta at (856) 786–1234.
