New Jersey Stage 2017: Issue 40 | Page 136

town or tour. But so many bands in the South or Midwest have to drive very far just to play a DIY space, so Asbury is definitely something to be valued and used respectfully. Alan: Other than a few East Coast tours, The Porchistas have been mostly a regional band (NYC, Philly, Jersey City, North Jersey and the Shore). However, Asbury Park has been a home away from Montclair for us and has widened our fan and friend base in extraordinary ways. We love this town and the venue own- ers and bands we play with have us down here on a regular basis. I can’t really say how it compares to other national scenes, but Asbury Park is as real as it gets for us.  What do you think of the Makin Waves Roots Fest, its two stages of music, and playing a huge part in raising funds to help the home- less and the hungry?  Al: I’m excited to be a part of the event and contribute to a worthy cause. One of my favorite parts of playing live music is having the Watch The Porchistas perform “Hope For The Flowers” NJ STAGE 2017 - Issue 40 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 136