Honoring the Catskills’ Musical Roots, One Porch at a Time

On Saturday, June 21st, the hamlet of Smallwood, NY, will host Smallwood Porchfest 2025, a day-long celebration of community and Catskills musical heritage. Set around the shores of Mountain Lake, the event transforms porches, lawns, and driveways into intimate stages featuring more than 10 local musicians.

Myrna Marcarian from the Smallwood Civic Association and musician Cliff Westfall spoke about the walkable event, that’s as much about place and people as it is about performance.

Image: Myrna Marcarian from the Smallwood Civic Association (left) and musician Cliff Westfall at Radio Catskill’s studios on June 16, 2025. (Credit: Ronald Kelson)