a musical house tour in Montague Center

F.A.Q.

What is "good music makes good neighbors"?

After a 2 year hiatus . . . Good Music is BACK! GMMGN is an annual celebration of music in Montague Center. It has been variously described as a “musical house tour” and “reverse caroling.” It is Franklin County’s answer to Boston’s Porchfest. This is our 7th year.

Our “mission” is to introduce Montagueans (and others!) to the hidden musical talents that live next door and down the road. It’s also a chance to visit with neighbors and to formulate lofty artistic and community-oriented projects for the year.

How does it work?

The festival runs from 11:30-5:30, beginning with a contradance and ending with a swing dance. In between, there will be 16 different music performances. Each group plays for 35 minutes at one of the venues. (Note: the three dance sets run significantly longer.) All venues (2 spacious indoor, 3 outdoor) are within a 3-minute walk of the Montague common.

There will be a 20 minute break between sets. During these breaks you can: enjoy strolling musicians, listen to (or join) the montague common singers, join in a dance set at the Common Hall, get food from our food truck or homemade snacks table, reconnect with neighbors, meet new friends, get food/drink (or books) from the Montague Bookmill or Village Store. Or, heck, whip out your kazoo and join in with the Montague Marching Band, who will be rocking the streets between two sets. See SCHEDULE tab above for details on bands/times/locations/addresses. [Schedule is subject to change.]

THE VENUES: This year (2024) music will be happening in the Montague Common Hall & the Congregational Church. Additionally, you will hear both plaintive aires and phat beats emanating from three private outdoor spaces appropriately named "Porch," "Barn," and "Pergola." (Note that the Common Hall is not accessible, the church is, and the others are outdoor grassy spaces. Music at the pergola and porch can be seen/heard from a paved surface.)

Not from the area? You're most welcome! We've had visitors from Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Missouri, and Texas! Here is a map to find us!

What are your covid policies?

At the two indoor venues the mask policy is determined by the musicians. We encourage masking indoors and will have masks available at each indoor venue.

Is it “free"?

Yes and no. We don't sell tickets, but we do want to cover our expenses AND pay the musicians.

Our approach is to try to use peer pressure and social status to encourage you to support live music. Supporters get Merit Badges! You can donate $15 (or more!) at the Main Table (on the Common) or in the tip jar available at each venue. Donations of $15 or more will receive a purple sticker. This is your merit badge for the day.

While stickers are not absolutely required for entry into venues, wearing one lets everyone know that you believe musicians deserve to be compensated for their time. Trust us: no one is getting rich. At the last festival each musician made $30. Once expenses are covered, we divide the money amongst the performers equally. The more you give, the more they get!

How do I get from venue to venue?

The venues are all in downtown Montague Center, so the whole event is very walkable and bikeable. Many concerts will be at the Montague Common Hall and the Congregationalist Church. There will be maps available on this site and at our info-table on the common, as well as signs and nifty sidewalk chalk indicators to follow.

Who supports this great event?

In large part, you! Your local music community benefits from your time, energy, and, yes money. In addition, we have great neighborly volunteers. Deepest thanks to the ever-resourceful and enthusiastic Amanda and Jonathan, and also the most willing and wonderful hosts and musicians who donate their time, energy, and creativity.

We are also grateful recipients of a festival grant from the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.