Musicians just want to make music. And they especially like to make music with friends.
Those truisms are the driving force behind Todd and Kristen Baitsholts’ Front Porch Pickin’ gatherings which he holds semi-regularly at their home on Millcreek Run. I first wrote about these sessions last August, when Todd held his first one and hoped to make it a monthly event. I’m not sure if that happened (I rely on my readers to let me know if they see the sign — thank you Margaret). But for sure they were out there a few weeks ago, and thanks to much better weather than he got on his first attempt last year, it drew a larger crowd of neighbors and friends.
To be sure, when I was there, only three of those neighbors and friends had actually joined Todd on the porch “stage,” while everyone else watched from the audience and enjoyed the music. But many of them even scooted up to the porch and grabbed a shaker or tambourine or cabasa or bongos and added some percussion to the mix.
The idea for the Porch Pickin’ sessions grew out of Todd’s love of music, and love for his community.
“I like to sit around and play guitar with other people,” Todd said. “It’s a big neighborhood. There’s gotta be people in the neighborhood who like to play guitar, who wanna get together. … Good or bad, young or old, come down with a guitar.”
So he created Porch Pickin’, an open invitation for anyone to stop by, play a tune, or simply enjoy meeting new people. They start with a specific set list, but if anyone wants to come and do a song of their own, they’re more than welcome.
Todd has scheduled two more Porch Pickin’ sessions this summer at his home at 1300 Millcreek Run, on Wed. August 5 and Wed. Sept. 16. They begin at 7 p.m., and there are snacks and beverages, but feel free to bring your own.
And bring your guitar.
* * *
(posted 7/8/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
webster on the web 
Leave a comment