A Porch, a Song, and a Neighborhood: A Parish Story from Ocean Beach, CA
Did you know that the last Saturday of August is International Play Music on the Porch Day? This worldwide event invites people everywhere to step outside and share the universal language of sound. The idea is simple: if everyone, everywhere, went out on the same day and played music, we could unite the world through the universal language of sound. From balconies in Barcelona to porches in Portland, artists of all kinds share their gifts, promoting the message that “Music Stops Hate.”
This year, our neighborhood of Ocean Beach, San Diego added our own coastal rhythm to the global chorus. With the support of Parish Collective and the gifts of so many neighbors, our front lawn became a stage, our block became a gathering place, and the music became a bridge across differences.
Everyone Brought Something
By the end of the day, nearly 100 people had wandered by and stopped to listen. Word spread quickly as neighbors texted friends to “come check this out.” The lineup was eclectic and deeply human: soulful singers and songwriters, flatpicking guitar, blues harmonica, original poetry, and even a vocal soundbath, .
Everyone shared a gift. Local legends and emerging artists shared their talents. A little boy hopped up to tell jokes. When a couple of nervous girls braved the stage, they were joined mid-song by a guitarist and percussionists who turned their raw a cappella duet into a full band moment. As evening fell, Conner Giles, one of Parish Collective’s Grounded Faith young adults, closed things out with his chill electronic beats, accompanied by spontaneous feats of acro-yoga, under the golden OB sunset.
This was never about polished performance. It was about neighbors sharing what they had: songs, food, instruments, stories, or simply the gift of being present. Babies, grandparents, locals, tourists, hippies, church folks: every person was welcome.
Watch a glimpse of the music and courage shared on the porch:
Church in the Street
The event was simple in concept but powerful in building community spirit. We were all reminded of our shared humanity, of the beauty that we can create when we live in harmony. We made church happen outside the walls of a building by inviting everyone to share in the song.
As the last notes faded and the sun sank into the Pacific, people lingered, swapping Instagram handles, thanking performers, and saying things like, “This was special. How do we do this again?” Some began dreaming about hosting concerts on their own blocks. The evening left us with a sense of synergy that only happens when everyone contributes something of themselves.
An Invitation
Play Music on the Porch Day might be once a year, but the invitation to love your neighbors through music, food, and open space can happen anytime. A lawn, a porch, a sidewalk, anywhere you can turn outward and welcome others is fertile ground for connection.
If you’d like more details about how we organized, promoted, and collaborated with our neighborhood, I’d love to share what we learned. Reach out at stasi@parishcollective.org
