On the Porch: Architecture, History, & Community with Joshua Jow & Lisa Pelligrino

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening exploring the architectural and cultural significance of porches—those transitional, welcoming spaces that blur the lines between private and public life. Rooted in Newburgh’s rich architectural heritage, the event will examine how porches serve as vital gathering spaces, storytellers of community identity, and symbols of hospitality around the world.

Featured speakers include Joshua Jow, architect and recipient of the inaugural artist commission for Archtober Newburgh (2019), whose work explores the intersection of historic preservation and contemporary design. He will share insights into the architectural language of porches in Newburgh, their historical evolution, and their relevance in modern urban landscapes.

Also joining the conversation is Lisa Pelligrino, musician of Soul & Soil and  founder of Porchfest Newburgh, a grassroots community music and arts festival that celebrates the city’s neighborhoods and the porch as a stage for connection. Lisa will discuss the cultural role of porches as communal touchpoints, and how events like Porchfest help reclaim and reimagine public life in residential spaces. 

ABOUT

Porchfest celebrates local music and fosters community spirit in the City of Newburgh. Newburgh can join the growing movement of local “Porchfests” a self-organizing music festival that takes place on porches, in yards, and other local venues. Originating in Ithaca, New York in 2007, Porchfest has expanded to over 125 cities across North America. These festivals celebrate local music and community spirit by featuring performances from various musicians who play on private porches. Musicians participate voluntarily, showcasing a wide range of genres from country to jazz. These events are facilitated by volunteers and local organizations, with schedules and maps often available online. Typically, attendees walk or bike between performances, and some Porchfests also include arts and food vendors. This first year will be very about showing a proof of concept.