Free porch concert fundraiser returns to Shandon neighborhood
October 19, 2026
South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestra members perform on November 8, 2026.
For the second year, members of the South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (SCPYO) will perform a free pops concert from the front porch of a Shandon home in Columbia. Porch of Gratitude brings neighbors and community members together for a candlelit evening of music while raising funds to support the youth orchestra. The homegrown event was created by Dia Dooley, a parent of a SCPYO musician.
“When we learned cuts to arts funding were hitting SCPYO, my daughter Madi and a few of her fellow youth Philharmonic musicians offered to play a candlelight concert on our front porch to help raise funds.” Said Dooley, “More than a hundred Shandon neighbors showed up, and the question we’ve heard from our neighbors ever since is, ‘When is the next one?’ It was a truly magical and memorable night for our family and the participating musicians, and we can’t wait for the next one on November 8th!”
Last year’s concert, titled Porch of Hope, drew a substantial audience raising around $1600 in donations for the orchestra. Founded in 1964, the SCPYO’s mission is to provide students with a high-quality music education that instills an emotional connection with and lifelong passion for music, fosters a diverse community of musicians, and offers outstanding symphonic performance opportunities for students to share their musical gifts with the community.
“A student-driven fundraiser gives our young musicians a chance to take ownership of SCPYO, share their music with the community, and help support the program they are part of.” Said Susan Cafferty, Education & Community Outreach Director for the South Carolina Philharmonic. “It’s a great way for students to see that their involvement really matters. We prioritize access for all students and are reliant on donors, corporate sponsorships and grants funding to keep tuition low and to offer scholarships as well.”
New to this year’s performance is the inclusion of the Dreher High School Choral Scholars who will provide vocal accompaniment to the orchestral arrangements performed by the SCPYO musicians. Together they will perform an assortment of recognizable pop music hits, popularized by recording artists like Coldplay, ABBA, The Verve, and many others.
Admission is free, with donations to the SCPYO accepted throughout the evening. The concert will take place November 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at 2824 Blossom Street. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be rescheduled.
SOUTH CAROLINA PHILHARMONIC MISSION
The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. We carry forward a legacy of passion for the music and embrace our responsibility to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our diverse community.
For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, please visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
