World Premiere of “Front Porch Live 2025” Screens May 17 at Woodstock Community Theatre

A new feature-length concert film is putting Shenandoah Valley musicians on the big screen.

StreetWise Studios will premiere its first feature-length film, “Front Porch Live 2025,” on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Woodstock Community Theatre in Woodstock. Admission is free.

The 83-minute film was captured over three summer nights in Strasburg and gives audiences a front-row seat to performances of original music by local artists. Featured performers include Brent McCoryn, Piper Lee, Jason and the Revenuers, Bishop Van Holtslag, Brian K and the Parkway, Jess Estienne, and The Sons of Liberty.

The lineup covers a wide range of sounds, from indie and power pop to blues, rock, country, and acoustic music. Jason and the Revenuers also features students from Shenandoah County Public Schools in StreetWise Studios’ Rock School program.

Director Jason Mendelson said the film is a celebration of both the region’s musicians and the people who helped bring the project to life.

“I’m super excited to share this film with everyone since the Shenandoah Valley has wonderful local musicians creating original songs that deserve to be heard,” Mendelson said. “It was a huge team effort, and I’m really proud of the great work everyone has done, from the musicians on stage to our crew operating audio and video, organizing the concerts, along with crucial support from the Town of Strasburg and Shenandoah County. We’re going to have a blast celebrating this on the big screen together.”

The film grew out of Strasburg Square’s popular Front Porch Live concert series, formerly known as Front Porch Friday. The summer series has been hosted by the Town of Strasburg since 2019. Through a partnership with StreetWise Studios, the live music series has now been transformed into a broadcast-quality concert film.

For the musicians involved, the project is more than a performance recording. It is also a statement about the value of original music in the Valley.

“StreetWise Studios is capturing the heartbeat of our local music scene, and The Sons of Liberty are proud to be part of a film that proves original songs and real bands still matter,” said Shawn Smith, lead vocalist and guitarist for The Sons of Liberty.

StreetWise Studios was founded in June 2021 by Christopher Szuba, a Shenandoah County Public Schools music teacher since 2009. The organization’s volunteer leadership includes board members Chris Bishop and Jason Mendelson, who bring years of live, studio, music, and video experience, as well as President Vega McMurray, a supporter and collaborator in the local arts community.

The nonprofit’s mission is to provide resources and opportunities for the local music ecosystem. Artists featured in StreetWise productions can use the finished materials to promote their work to venues, audiences, and record labels, avoiding the high costs often associated with professional audio and video production.

Following the May 17 premiere, the film is expected to launch online later in the year.

For one afternoon in Woodstock, however, the focus will be on the big screen, the musicians, and the original songs that continue to shape the sound of the Shenandoah Valley.