Porch 40 performed an energetic hour-long set at this year’s TriPride festival Saturday. The band performed so well that they were cheered back on for an encore.

(Photograph by Melissa Stewart / Contributed)

“We treat festivals just like any other show,” lead vocalist and guitar player Drew Duncan said. “We bring our A-game.”

The Asheville-based band is currently on tour promoting their recently released sophomore album, “Radio Edit.” Most of the set performed at TriPride were standout records from “Radio Edit” such as “Control” and “Out Loud.” The band is known for their electric, high energy performances while crafting a modern take on rock and pop infused with elements of funk.

“Porch 40’s sound basically came from us all trying to find common ground, given that we each have very different tastes,” bass player and vocalist Carter McDevitt said. “The common ground we found, though, was funk, and we all liked funk, so we tried to find ways of blending all of those different genres together through the groove of funk music.”

Porch 40 consists of five musicians: Drew Duncan (lead vocal/guitar), Carter McDevitt (vocals/bass), Scott Burr (vocals/saxophone), Mitchell Metz (vocals/violin) and Brett Wilson (drums). The band formed in 2012 when they got together at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The band has shared stages with groups like Blues Traveler, The Doobie Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band and more.

“When it comes to playing Pride festivals, our goal is to make people feel like they can be themselves and that their opinions are respected,” Duncan said. “We play to create a feeling of excitement and happiness. We always support a cause that embraces love and acceptance.”

Porch 40 made a speech before performing at TriPride, showing support for all those who were there that said the speakers and music were louder than the protesters.

“Porch 40 exists to make music that is different and unique, and we have always received great amounts of love and support whenever we play the Tri-City area,” Duncan said. “We hope our audience will extend the same feelings and support they give us to ideas and people that are different from them.”

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