With vibrant guitars and harmonious vocals soaring above the tranquil waters of Mountain Lake, the third annual Smallwood Porchfest lit a flame of musical passion in the heart of Sullivan County on June 20. Located in the charming hamlet of Smallwood, this free, day-long music festival featured local musicians performing rock, folk, pop, classical, country and jazz, as audience members freely traversed the multi-stage event. 

“We had about 200 people [attend], and they walked around the lake in Smallwood, seeing 17 musical acts,” said Smallwood Civic Association Board Member and Porchfest volunteer Anthony Baggiati. “We transformed porches and gathering spaces throughout Smallwood into informal music venues, drawing residents and visitors together for a day of live performances, neighborhood connections, and community celebration.”

The event, which is supported by the Town of Bethel and the Smallwood Civic Association, is organized by volunteers and highlighted the growing role that these grassroot arts events play in the Catskills, a place blessed with many talented artists but surprisingly few traditional music venues. 

When reflecting on the festival, creator of Smallwood Porchfest Myrna Marcarian spoke of the event’s ability to bring people together: “When I think about Smallwood Porchfest, I think about three things: the contagious creativity of the Catskills, the enthusiasm for the arts here in Sullivan County, and the unique sense of community in Smallwood. Porchfest gives us the chance to bring all of that together for the day.”

Musician Matt Werden, who performed at the festival with Matt Haden, focused on the event’s connection to the rich musical heritage of the Catskills. “I hear a lot about how Sullivan County is ‘up and coming,’ but I think what’s really happening is more of a resurgence,” said Werden. “I’m a musician and I run a comedy show, and every gig feels like you are tapping into something with deep roots. The great thing is, even if you don’t know any of the arts and entertainment history of the Catskills you can still definitely feel it. And it was clear at this year’s Smallwood Porchfest.”