TINY PORCH CONCERTS / TINY PORCH SESSIONS

ARE OFFICIALLY A (WONDERFUL) 

THING OF THE PAST…

We Brought People Together through Live Music at "The Intersection" in

Noe Valley,

San Pancho, Califas

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DEAR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, FANS:

Many of you know that TPCs started over a year ago with one musician (HA! That would be me!), a guitar, a mic, and a set list. While inarguably the sessions were a concept born out of the uncertainty, anxiety, and isolation of the pandemic of the century, it slowly became clear that these music-focused gatherings grew into something deeper, more meaningful -- something beyond simply the chance to hear 90 minutes of great music.

Fans of TPCs who stop me on the street consistently and enthusiastically share with me that the sessions were invaluable to them during the challenge time of lockdowns and restrictions. Like many of us they looked forward to the upcoming sessions! One mentioned that he and his wife planned their weeks around the sessions.

From youse all’s attendance, excitement, conviviality, and generosity it was clear that the concerts were esteemed as meaningful and organic community-building events: Friends and families gathered, folks picnicked, sat, stood, danced, sang along, clapped (most of you in time, but others...well...you get an A for effort and participation!)… Joggers and strollers stopped by, toddlers bounced up and down, dogs barked, food and drink were consumed, Duncan Street drivers came and went, and many people simply walked by with other destinations in mind.

I know that for some neighbors the music and gathering weren’t appreciated, and I am grateful for the patience of virtually all of them. I remain touched by your attendance and all the supportive and kind messages extended to me and to the amazing, wonderful musicians, spoken word artists, and dancers who brought their talents and energy to

“The Intersection -- Noe Valley’s Hippest New Venue!”

You as audience members appreciated all of them, whether professionals, Grammy-nominees, amateurs, internationally touring musicians, young people, adults, or old farts. (Read: The esteemed and venerated elders and veteranos…Yeah, that's the ticket...!)

To each artist, I am grateful to you for coming out and playing your heart out in the neighborhood, providing as high-quality a performance as one would see in a legit venue. 

Did you notice that Tiny Porch Concerts seemed to spawn other smaller live music happenings in the vicinity? A number of people commented to me how thrilled they were that regular folks -- in the spirit of The City back in the day -- were reclaiming a piece of what San Francisco has lost over the decades.

Sadly, I am not in the entitled or privileged position to keep the project afloat any longer, try as I might. For those of you for whom this labor of love was a relief from confinement, let’s keep focused on doing what we can to ensure that our city does not veer far from the course of making it completely safe to return to our places of entertainment and socializing. For those of you who will miss the ease of walking a few blocks to enjoy the safe environs of The Intersection -- especially those of you who are no longer up for an expensive or otherwise no-longer-so-alluring night on the town -- it was a pleasure to bring the entertainment and community vibe to you!

I must emphasize, in addition, how inspiring it was last summer and fall to have TPC fans provide the equivalent of 12,000 meals to the San Francisco / Marin Food Bank! Holy shyte! Whaaat? A shout-out to you! Yet while I'll no longer be organizing another TPC fund-raiser, please consider sending in a donation to the organization in the name of

Tiny Porch Concerts!

While TPCs met an early and unexpected end, I am proud of this project, proud of the neighborhood that supported such a wonderful series of concerts, and thrilled that where a need arose we showed up the way grassroots folks do -- filling that need, creating a space for our (bemasked and sometimes unrecognizable!) humanity to safely co-mingle and not lose sight of what it means to stay connected.

Thank you, again, to each of you for being a part of something that, for me, was pretty effing remarkable!

Sincerely,

Gil Guillermo

GilGuillermoMusic@gmail.com