Play it on the porch

Michael Whelan, on guitar, will be play with the Bass Coast Pickers
on the Berninneit porch.

By Michael Whelan

WHAT if, just for one day, the world stopped – and we all listened to the music?

That’s the simple idea behind Play Music on the Porch Day, a grassroots global event where people step outside, pick up an instrument, and fill the air with song.

On Saturday 30 August 2025, porches, parks and public spaces from Washington to Wonthaggi, from Cannes to Cowes, will come alive with the sound of music.

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The theme for 2025 is “Music Stops Hate”, a sentiment that’s hard to argue with in these troubled times. I recently heard Beau Vernon speak about avoiding things that drag you into a negative frame of mind. Like all of us, he needs to stay positive and focused.​

Berninneit, Cowes, Eastern Courtyard

• 11am Dianne McAskill & Phillip Island Ukulele Group
• ​11.30am Travis Thompson
• 12pm Tim O’Brien
• 12.30pm Bass Coast Pickers

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine (BBQ Area)

• 11am-12pm Mingling & playing music
• 12-1pm Lunch (BYO food & drinks) plus more music
• 1-3pm
• 1-3pm Structured jam session

Imagine if we switched on the TV and the news was about all the great things people are doing. I’ve often said, “Let’s turn a negative into a positive”. Play Music on the Porch Day is exactly that.

In Wonthaggi, local legends Jacqui and Dani Poulson are leading the charge. “Our world could certainly do with a day where the hate stops and the love begins,” Jacqui says.

In Cowes, we'll be playing together around a single condenser microphone in the eastern courtyard at Berninneit. Should the weather turn sour – the only thing that might be on the day – we’ll move into the Grand Hall.

Bring an instrument and join in, or just come along and enjoy the music and the vibe. Play Music on the Porch Day is your chance to be part of something bigger – a day when music takes centre stage and the world feels just a little kinder.