by ANDY CASTILLO, Staff Writer, Greenfield Recorder
In a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing racial tension, finding commonality and connection feels more important than ever. A global initiative local musicians are hoping will take root in Franklin County seeks to foster that connection through music.
Every year since 2013, bands and solo artists world-round have tuned their instruments, poured a glass of water and settled in on the porch for a community concert. Play Music On The Porch Day started with musicians from a few participating countries and now has representation from more than 70 nations.
Violet Walker, of Greenfield, who plays the musical saw in the group SawZaphonic, wants to see many Franklin County bands participate this year. So far, Walker, who has never participated before, says SawZaphonic is among the only local bands that have signed up.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if the whole world stopped and on that day — on that international day — you stroll around your town and everybody is jamming?” Walker said. “I don't know if there's anyone else in Greenfield (participating) — my thoughts are there are not, but there should be.”
