THE HISTORY
Way back in 2012 thanks to the dream of three music-loving locals, Main Street Music Fest was born.
Back then Jeni Porter had evolved from her years designing and selling t-shirts on the Grateful Dead tour, to designing and co-owning the women’s clothing line and boutiques of Wind River. Andy Hall and Brandon Ruth were local bartenders that spent their time off singing, playing and writing music.
The dream was to replace the pumpkin and pilgrim celebration that was Fall Fest and spread live music all over town across many stages filled with the best unsigned artists of the region. That first year their call for musicians got over 600 entries, and they listened to every single one! The husband of a friend and fellow shop owner played keyboards for an up and coming group, Kelly Bell Band. KBB won the spot as headliner in 2012 and has held the same honor ever since.
The festival originators joined forces with Ellicott City Business Association that soon after grew into today’s Ellicott City Partnership and together they produce this beloved event. Jeni still works her festival music magic each year, while Andy and Brandon have moved on to very successful grown up careers, happy marriages and raising future musicians. See Andy return to the Main Stage with Last Chance Motel this year.
Each wonderful festival year has unique features. Tiber Alley was a stage location once upon a time, as was the History Museum by the old Courthouse. After the two big outdoor stages in Lot D and Wine Bin, La Palapa has hosted musicians more than any other business in town.
The dream was to replace the pumpkin and pilgrim celebration that was Fall Fest and spread live music all over town across many stages filled with the best unsigned artists of the region. That first year their call for musicians got over 600 entries, and they listened to every single one! The husband of a friend and fellow shop owner played keyboards for an up and coming group, Kelly Bell Band. KBB won the spot as headliner in 2012 and has held the same honor ever since.
The festival originators joined forces with Ellicott City Business Association that soon after grew into today’s Ellicott City Partnership and together they produce this beloved event. Jeni still works her festival music magic each year, while Andy and Brandon have moved on to very successful grown up careers, happy marriages and raising future musicians. See Andy return to the Main Stage with Last Chance Motel this year.
Each wonderful festival year has unique features. Tiber Alley was a stage location once upon a time, as was the History Museum by the old Courthouse. After the two big outdoor stages in Lot D and Wine Bin, La Palapa has hosted musicians more than any other business in town.
The largest number of bands ever heard in one MSMF day was in 2014 when over 80 bands performed, some playing until the wee hours of the morning. Music acts have ranged from single piano or guitar players to a 30+ piece big band. There were years that Star Wars characters, Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin, and even the governor joined in the festival fun. In Lot B one year there were antique cars and last year there was a mini carnival with a giant inflatable slide. And of course there was 2016 when we miraculously moved the entire festival of 60 bands to Merriweather as a fund raiser for our poor flood worn town.
Because it was designed to be a gift to the town and its business owners, residents and visitors, the festival has always been free and family friendly. It takes hundreds of volunteer hours by just a few dedicated individuals to plan each MSMF. On festival day 100+ more volunteers join in to make it all happen.
In tribute to Jeni, Andy, Brandon, the amazing volunteers and ECP, please join us in celebrating this happy 10th anniversary of Main Street Music Fest!
MSMF
History
Last year we celebrated the 10th Main Street Music Fest! It all started back in 2012 thanks to the dream of three music-loving locals, Main Street Music Fest was born.
Our Sponsors are
Rockstars
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MSMF
The Ellicott City Partnership is pleased to extend valuable sponsorship opportunities that will put your brand in front of
thousands of local and traveling consumers.
Join Us in
2025
Mark your calendar for the 2025 festival: September 20, 2025!
