Back Porch Festival returns for 3 days of live music

By G eorge L enker Special to The Republican

THE BACK PORCH Festival has become so popular that it needs nine “porches” and three days — Friday through Sunday.

“Over the years it grew to three days and up to nine separate ticketed shows. It made people pick and choose shows instead of getting to enjoy the whole thing,” festival organizer Jim Olsen said. “We decided to change the format so that one weekend ticket

Admission is free

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

FLOWERS MAY not be blooming outdoors yet, but it is warm enough in Lyman Conservatory for this year’s annual Spring Bulb Show on the grounds of Smith College in Northampton.

The event, which started out as a one-night show in 2014 at Northampton’s Academy of Music, now sprinkles the entire city with American roots music. But this year brings a new ticketing feature that fans should love.

gets you admission to shows in all the venues. It will feel a lot more like a real festival. This year we are presenting over 50 bands, some of whom will play multiple times.” Olsen explained that this

The show, running Saturday to March 19 and organized by the Botanic Garden of Smith College, will feature over 8,000 bulbs brought to flower by greenhouse horticulturists and Smith College work study students. Among