The 3rd annual DorchFest music festival attracted a big turnout last Saturday (June 1) as an estimated thousand plus observers fanned out across side streets along Carruth Street to enjoy live performances and conversation at 20 properties in the Ashmont-Adams neighborhood.

Video by Connor Nee/ Connor Nee Media for the Dorchester Reporter

With ideal weather this year, the third edition of the precursor to Sunday’s Dorchester Day Parade was bigger and better than the inaugural edition in 2022 (last year’s efforts were subdued by rain and cold weather). With nothing but sun and blue skies, Dorchester residents and visitors from outside the neighborhood flocked to Beaumont, Bushnell, Carruth, Ashmont, and other streets to take in some 40 bands and musical acts over the 4-hour event.

On the main stage at 30 Beaumont St., children and adults were captivated by Samba dancers and drummers, while a heavy blues vibe was in play on Fairfax Street – much to the enjoyment of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who pulled up a chair and took it all in.
The free event was made possible by a volunteer group of neighbors and co-sponsors Santander Bank, Boston Medical Center Health System, Trinity Financial, and the Dorchester Reporter, the media sponsor .

Krista Hall, Calla Gaffey and Kori Hall enjoyed flowers and music.

Oliver Sun and Glenn Milliker hosted several bands on their Bushnell Street porch.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley pulled up a chair and enjoyed a lively blues-rock band on Fairfax Street.

Slapback was a late afternoon delight on Bushnell Street, with singer Michele Gear-Cole giving it her all.

Michelle and Jake Miller had a shady spot on a picnic blanket, listening to music and reading the Reporter.

Brad Faucher and Tim Foxx Gibson of Session450 drew a crowd on Fairfax Street.

Rachel Felix, Estevan Brouillard, Erin Caldwell, state Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley, and Luc Brouillard.

Paul, Mike, and Tom Bearce with Colbey Kennedy.

Samba Viva dancer Melissa emerges from the Carruth House and dances down the front steps.

Samba drummer Julio Santos kept the beat and the whistle going.

Sarina Georges got into the music scene with a tambourine.