Andrée Hurst (she/her), alongside her husband Austin, launched Front Porch Open Mic for local musicians in 2019. The nonprofit Front Porch Music has emerged in 2024 as a way to extend the scope and mission of the work while retaining the foundational programs. Andrée is one of the lead vocalists and rhythm guitar players for the country band Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores. She is a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of the Lafayette Historical Society. Earlier in her career, Andrée made her mark as a magazine publisher, web producer, and grant writer. Andrée is the board chair and executive director of Front Porch Music.
Dennis Markam (he/him) is a welcome board member of Front Porch Music, being an early fan and supporter of the collaboration with Town Hall Theatre, where he has been Managing Director for ten years. He has also worn many hats with the theatre since 2008, including as a teaching artist to students from elementary through high school as part of Town Hall Kids and now Town Hall Education. As an actor and director, Dennis has worked with Central Works, Fantasy Forum Actors’ Ensemble, Contra Costa Civic Theatre, and Diablo Actors Ensemble, among others.
Mary McCosker (she/her), a Lafayette resident since 1946 and a UC Berkeley alumna brings a rich education and community service background to Front Porch Music's board. After teaching for seven years at Donald Rheem Elementary School in Moraga, she served 13 years on the Lafayette School District Governing Board. Mary also contributes her expertise to the boards of the Lafayette Historical Society, where she is president, and the Lafayette Improvement Association. Married to Daryl McCosker for 40 years, she is a mother of three and grandmother to nine, weaving her deep community ties and passion for education into her new role with the Front Porch Music board.
Austin Hurst (he/him), with his wife Andrée, co-founded Front Porch Open Mic and Front Porch Presents. He now serves as the creative advisor for Front Porch Music. He is the lead guitarist and a lead vocalist for Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores. He has roots deep in country and traditional music and a history of playing in Berkeley’s bluegrass and rock scenes, notably with the band Soft Touch for over 30 years. Austin also regularly engages in Berkeley's bluegrass jams. Before retiring, he was known as Dr. Austin Hurst, a distinguished psychologist in the Lamorinda area.
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