ABOUT Front porch music
Front Porch Music is a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization based in Lafayette, California, dedicated to supporting adult musicians and emerging artists and, thereby, the community's cultural fabric. The mission is carried out through open mic nights, public performances in partnership with regional venues, and a gift guitar program. We are adding an online networking platform for performers, educational workshops, a gift guitar program, and a daytime performance series for seniors in 2024 - 2025.
Front Porch Music is a welcoming and inclusive platform that celebrates a diverse range of mostly acoustic genres—folk, Americana, bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, and traditional. We serve as a home for musicians and music lovers from Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Solano, and San Francisco counties, valuing and celebrating their unique contributions. Our commitment to diversity ensures that everyone feels included and valued regardless of ethnicity, musical preferences, age, or physical abilities.
The organization's flagship program, Front Porch Open Mic, was initiated five years ago by co-founders Austin and Andrée Hurst on their front porch in Lafayette. This program, which has preserved its original intimate charm, continues to grow and inspire uninterrupted every month—outdoors on the Hursts' front porch in favorable weather and indoors at Lamorinda Music's Big Room during winter. We are proud of our humble beginnings and inspired by the growth we've experienced.
In 2023, Austin and Andrée partnered with the historic Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette to produce Front Porch Presents. This quarterly music series features accomplished musicians from Front Porch alongside guest performers. The series offers powerful and entertaining public shows. Each event is preceded by lobby entertainment and opportunities for musicians to mix and mingle.
In the spring of 2024, Front Porch Music transitioned its programs and activities to a nonprofit structure to further its charitable mission and expand its scope.
Board & Executive Leadership
Austin Hurst, co-founder & board chair
Austin, alongside his wife Andrée, co-founded Front Porch Music and now serves as the board chair. A seasoned musician, he strums as the lead guitarist and lends his voice as a lead vocalist for Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores. His musical journey is rooted in country and traditional music, with over three decades in Berkeley’s bluegrass and rock scenes, prominently with Soft Touch. His involvement extends to the bluegrass jams of Berkeley, enriching the local music culture. Prior to his retirement, he was esteemed in the Lamorinda community as Dr. Austin Hurst, a distinguished psychologist.
Dennis Markam, board member
Dennis brings his enthusiasm and supportive spirit to Front Porch Music as a valued board secretary and an early advocate for its partnership with Town Hall Theatre, where he has shaped the community as Managing Director for a decade. His diverse involvement with the theatre, which began in 2008, spans roles from teaching artist for youth programs to acting and directing. Dennis's theatrical expertise has also graced Central Works, Fantasy Forum Actors’ Ensemble, Contra Costa Civic Theatre, and Diablo Actors Ensemble. His multifaceted arts and education background fortifies Front Porch Music's mission.
Mary McCosker, board member
Mary, a steadfast Lafayette local since 1946 and proud UC Berkeley alumna, enriches the Front Porch Music board with a wealth of educational and community service experience. Her journey in education began with a seven-year tenure teaching at Donald Rheem Elementary School, followed by 13 influential years on the Lafayette School District Governing Board. Her community service includes presiding over the Lafayette Historical Society and contributing to the Lafayette Improvement Association. Married to Daryl for 40 years, Mary's role as a mother and grandmother of nine intertwines her profound community roots and passion for education into her involvement with Front Porch Music.
Andrée Hurst, co-founder & executive director
Andrée co-founded Front Porch with her husband Austin in 2019, a grassroots initiative that has grown into the nonprofit Front Porch Music in 2024. As Executive Director, she continues to guide the organization's expansion while maintaining its core programs and vision. Andrée showcases her musical talent as one of the lead vocalists and rhythm guitar players for the country band Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores. She is deeply involved in the community as a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, BNI, and serves on the board of the Lafayette Historical Society. Earlier in her career, Andrée was a magazine publisher, managing editor, web and graphic designer, and grant writer, earning more than 20 media awards for her contributions to the field. Listen to an interview with Andree Hurst about Front Porch on the Legacy Podcast.
Advisory Board
Marty Brinckerhoff
Marty Brinckerhoff
Marty Brinckerhoff
Marty Brinckerhoff's musical narrative unfolds in Lafayette, where a childhood intrigue with a guitar evolved into a passion for folk music and beyond. Known for performances at local venues and his ukulele teaching, Marty's love for music spans from the 1960s to the present.
Michael Ching
Marty Brinckerhoff
Marty Brinckerhoff
Michael Ching, a Lafayette actor and musician, brings depth to the stage with his performances in plays and musicals. Once a professional guitarist, he now finds joy in playing music inspired by his parents, former entertainers at the Forbidden City nightclub in San Francisco during the mid-20th century.
Mike Danese
Marty Brinckerhoff
Mike Danese
Mike Danese began playing guitar at the age of 20 and has been inspired by a wide range of music, from ancient folk songs to modern ballads. Following his retirement, he pursued his passion, performing at jams and open mics to hone his skills. Mike believes in the power of musical storytelling to capture the essence of the human experience and strengthen our shared connections.
Joe Peters
John Rafferty
John Rafferty
With 18 CDs under his belt, Joe Peters weaves a rich tapestry of songwriting influenced by his diverse background, including academia and global travels. His music, enriched with nature, philosophy, and science, firmly establishes him in the Bay Area scene and beyond.
John Rafferty
John Rafferty
John Rafferty
John Rafferty is a seasoned singer and blues harmonica player, who adds a rootsy, cultural richness any of the many bands he accompanies in the Bay Area. He is in the following bands: The Throttles, The Backorders, Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores, among others.
Eric Smith
John Rafferty
Eric Smith
Eric Smith started performing professionally in Detroit during his college years. Since the 1970s, he has played guitar and sung in numerous bands in the Bay Area, covering genres from rock and roll, country, and bluegrass to reggae and pop. He has performed countless covers and composed his own material.
Janel Wagner
Janel Wagner
Janel Wagner
Janel Wagner, a competitive fingerstyle guitarist, recently returned to the Bay Area after a 25-year hiatus producing for other artists in Los Angeles. She is currently redefining her sound and forging connections within the local music community.
Laura Zucker
Janel Wagner
Janel Wagner
Laura Zucker is an award-winning singer/songwriter with six CDs of original music to her name. In addition to performing, she teaches songwriting, piano, and guitar, offers performance coaching, and leads songwriting workshops that guide participants in connecting with their authentic voices.