The Ashmont-Adams section of Dorchester will host the first-ever Dorchfest music festival on Dot Day Eve, Sat., June 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, which is being co-hosted by the Ashmont-Adams Neighborhood Association and Greater Ashmont Main Street, will feature 45 bands performing on 25 porches in a variety of genres, including rock, oldies, acoustic, funk, jazz, hip hop, Haitian, Cape Verdean, folk, Indian, Caribbean, reggae, Latin, electronic, and more. 

The artists will be paid for their time, thanks to generous donations from the community, as well as sponsorships from local organizations and grant funding. The lead sponsor is Mass General Brigham.

“Performers and supporters provide a massive benefit by making it possible for communities to enjoy free events like Dorchfest,” said Erin Caldwell, Dorchfest chair. “After more than two years of Covid-19 uncertainty and stress, we felt it was critical that the performers be compensated for their time and talent.”

Many of the artists are returning to the Ashmont-Adams neighborhood where they grew up, including Tim MacMaster, whose bagpipes at his family home of 7 Fossdale Rd. will kick off the event at 11:30 a.m., and Richie Parsons, who will be performing at 1:30 p.m. at his childhood home, 4 Westmoreland St. 

“It is a thrill and an honor to return to 4 Westmoreland for Dorchfest 2022,” said the singer. “The house was in the Parsons family for 100 years, 1916 - 2016. I am looking forward to hanging out with the current owners, our hosts Amanda and Nate. The neighborhood and the home hold many fond memories for me,” said Parsons.

Other performers are current residents of the area, or have ties to the community. Kids from the Boston City Singers will perform at 30 Beaumont St. at noon. Students from the Mather Elementary School — who will also march and play in the Dot Day Parade— will perform at 1:30 p.m. at All Saints Church on Ashmont Street.

The Industry bar and grille in Adams Village will host three performances throughout the day: Boy Grapes at 12:30 p.m., Tvaels with Brindle at 2p.m. and Tim from School Night at 3:30 p.m. The Adams Street branch of the BPL will also host a trio of acts starting with TA3 at noon, followed by Tjovi Green at 1:30p.m. and Wildcat Slim at 3 p.m.

A full roster of performers along with set times and performance locations is available at dorchfest.com/bands.

Dorchfest is free and open to the public. Festival-goers who wish to take public transportation should ride buses or Red Line transit to Ashmont Station or Adams Village. Performances will be held on private porches within the boundaries of Adams Street, Ashmont Street, Gallivan Boulevard, and Dorchester Avenue. 

Dorchfest is still seeking volunteers to help with day-of logistics; visit dorchfest.com/volunteer to sign up.

Primary event sponsors include The City of Boston Opportunity Fund, Mass Cultural Council, Ashmont-Adams Neighborhood Association, The Pat O’Neill Memorial Fund, and The Martin Richard Foundation, as well as private donations from individuals. The Dorchester Reporter is a media sponsor. Donations are tax deductible and can be made at dorchfest.com.

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