This weekend, over 260 bands performed across 7 historic neighborhoods in Athens for Porchfest 2025. While many seasoned musicians performed on porches all across Athens, it’s clear that growing up in this musical city is inspiring younger talent to take the stage as well.
There were several middle and high school bands participated in Porchfest this year, including the Familiars, performing in Cobham as part of Nuci’s Space’s Camp Amped showcase.
13-year old Rose James, who also performed at the showcase, sang with her band The Bedsheet Ghosts. Getting to play Porchfest was a big moment for her, “It ‘s kind of like I made it as a musician in Athens, you know? It’s my favorite day of the year so it’s really cool.”
Porchfest goers took note of the young talent. Athenian Lindsey Goff stumbled across the young band Carbon Harry walking through Boulevard, “They looked like middle school age or younger and they were very talented, I was very impressed.”
The opportunities provided by Porchfest wasn’t just limited to musicians. The Indie South Vendor’s market was also an incubator for young creatives. 11-year old Kadin Collins set up a booth for her organic lip gloss and pet product business, Krafts by Kadin.
Her mom says Kadin was drawn to the feeling of community that Porchfest fosters, “She wanted to come out and be a part of the Athens community and also display her wonderful merchandise.”
Now in its 7th year, Porchfest brings out the best in Athens, inspiring a new generation to continue its musical and creative legacy.
