Dorchfest returned to the Ashmont-Adams section of the neighborhood for a fourth season last Saturday (May 31) with more than 50 bands and performers of diverse musical genres taking “the stage” on porches, sidewalks, and yards at more than two dozen locations.
The weather was a mixed bag throughout the afternoon, with spotty rain showers interspersed with sunny breakthroughs throughout the day. But, a strong turnout persisted across the side streets between Adams Street and Ashmont station. And at times the precipitation added a “rain dance” element to the performances. Such was the case outside 30 Beaumont when the band and dance troupe Samba Viva led more than 100 people in a raucous street party that lasted 15 minutes in steady rain.
This year’s event, managed by the Greater Ashmont Main Street (GAMS) organization and the Ashmont Adams Neighborhood Association, was made possible by major sponsorships from Santander Bank, Amazon, Boston Main Streets Foundation, Eastern Bank, Martin Richard Foundation, Scobie’s,Trinity Financial. The Dorchester Reporter served as media sponsor.
Unlike other free festivals, Dorchfest compensates musicians for their time, payments that would not be made without the generous donations of sponsors, a group that includes MacKinnon and Co./Compass, the Local Hand, Ronan 953, Revamp; and small business collaborators the Bowery, Lucy’s, Chubbs, and Afternoon Creative.
Seth Daniel photos
Tomohiro Mori and Devin Thai carry their gear through the streets of Ashmont-Adams headed for Barrington Road.
Natasha Wilson and Courtney Elliott enjoyed music at every stop on Saturday.
Louis Frank and Harish Frank moved through the music on a bicycle – here getting ready for one of the acts on the main stage.
Ray Liriano was one of the featured performers at 30 Beaumont St.
Rachel Felix and Josiane Martinez.
Spectators were treated to melodic and sonic rock sounds with the Nate Coben Group at All Saints Church.
