Porchfest 2026
By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photo credits: Rob Fencik
Porchfest has become an annual tradition in Rutherford that brings together musicians of all genres, ages, and backgrounds on porches throughout the Borough. Families gathered to listen to music by talented artists who were chosen after they had submitted audition videos to the Rutherford Arts Committee. This is Rutherford interviewed the chair of the Porchfest Committee, Matt Ackermann, to learn more about this year's Porchfest.
TIR: Porchfest took place on October 17th this year. How many Porchfests have you been involved in? When did they begin?
Matt Ackermann: This is our fourth Porchfest and my fourth chairing the event. I keep showing up and Rutherford keeps putting me to work :)
TIR: There were two routes during Porchfest this year. Each porch had a different act; sometimes a band, sometimes a solo performer, and sometimes even a dancer or two. How have you seen Porchfest grow and change over the years?
MA: I am so proud of how the event evolves and adapts. This year we had eight porches and 30 different acts across town. I loved how we started at Felician University this year and continue to find new houses and new neighborhoods! This year we only had three locations from previous years. That indicates so many amazing homeowners continue to get involved with this great musical and community event!
TIR: What was the most exciting part of this year's Porchfest?
MA: For me, it was the eclectic array of acts. I loved hearing pop, rock, punk, metal and folk at different places all day. We had a great acoustic porch and then I saw folk music and the incredible Loretta Hagen. It was amazing.
TIR: Porchfest is truly a community event; an opportunity for people to gather in so many different neighborhoods. What do you notice as you watch people gather for each performance?
MA: I love seeing kids and families. I’ve literally watched my sons and their friends grow up on the route. I watched families leave and then I would see them two houses later because their kids wanted to come back out. It was chilly but that didn’t deter anyone.
TIR: Who else would you like to recognize for their assistance with the planning, organizing, and implementation of Porchfest?
MA: This event doesn’t happen without Alex Britez. He is the unsung hero of this event. He built the app, picked the artists and then had to adapt and find replacements acts when we had some last minute cancellations. He is a star. I also loved working with Rachel Nicastro and Genesee Orlowicz on our leadership team this year and of course Kim Bogosian was incredible behind the scenes.
We are so blessed in this town to have a great Police force, and working with Chief Farrell on his first Porchfest as the top dog was completely seamless. Truth is, any time I walk up to our first porch and see Anthony Bachmann, I know it is going to be a good day.
TIR: Anything else you would like to add?
MA: I am thrilled that the event went seamlessly, but I’m also excited we are already planning for Porchfest 5 and we are eyeing June 19. So save the date and join the fun. Porchfest Saturday is just a testament to all that’s possible in Rutherford!
Rutherford's Got Talent was also represented at Porchfest:
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