🎻 What It Means to Be a SongFarmer: Wildside Winery’s New Musical Chapter

If you’ve been around Wildside lately, you might’ve heard some buzz about our new musical endeavor—and maybe even caught a photo of a SongFarmer sticker in the tasting room. We're proud to officially serve as the home for SongFarmers of Woodford County, and beginning May 30, we’ll host Front Porch Pickin’ every Friday night.

But what is a SongFarmer? And why are we so excited about this?

It’s Not About Fame—It’s About Community

The SongFarmers movement is part of the WoodSongs Front Porch Association, a national grassroots organization founded by folksinger Michael Johnathon. It’s built on a simple but powerful idea: music is best when it's shared. Not for profit, not for applause—just for the joy of it.

Being a SongFarmer means playing music with and for your neighbors. It’s about gathering on porches, in barns, at community centers (and now wineries and wine bars!) to swap songs and stories. Some people bring guitars, some bring banjos or fiddles, and some just bring their ears and open hearts.

A Natural Fit for the Wildside Spirit

At Wildside Winery, we’ve always believed in the magic of slowing down and reconnecting—to nature, to each other, and to creativity. Hosting Front Porch Pickin’ every Friday night is more than an event—it’s a way to cultivate that spirit week after week. Whether you’re here to strum, sing, or simply sip and enjoy, you’re part of something meaningful.

Monday Nights at the Theatre 🎤We’re also extending the SongFarmer spirit to downtown Midway! Every Monday, the Thoroughbred Theatre & Wine Bar will host a SongFarmers Open Mic Night. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space for musicians, poets, and storytellers of all levels to share their talents and connect over creativity. Grab a glass of wine or a cold brew, pull up a chair, and let the music flow.

Everyone Is Welcome

You don’t need to be a pro. You don’t even need to get up and play (though we hope you’ll be inspired to!). Just come. Bring a chair, grab a drink, and soak in the sound of your community coming alive through music.

Front Porch Pickin’ begins Friday, May 30 at Wildside Winery, and Open Mic Nights are happening every Monday at Thoroughbred Theatre. We can’t wait to build something beautiful together.

See you on the porch (or the stage)! 🎶

Cheers,

Elisha & the Wildside Team