Austin, alongside his wife Andrée, co-founded Front Porch Music and now serves as the board chair. A seasoned musician, he strums as the lead guitarist and lends his voice as a lead vocalist for Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores. His musical journey is rooted in country and traditional music, with over three decades in Berkeley’s bluegrass and rock scenes, prominently with Soft Touch. His involvement extends to the bluegrass jams of Berkeley, enriching the local music culture. Prior to his retirement, he was esteemed in the Lamorinda community as Dr. Austin Hurst, a distinguished psychologist.
Dennis brings his enthusiasm and supportive spirit to Front Porch Music as a valued board secretary and an early advocate for its partnership with Town Hall Theatre, where he has shaped the community as Managing Director for a decade. His diverse involvement with the theatre, which began in 2008, spans roles from teaching artist for youth programs to acting and directing. Dennis's theatrical expertise has also graced Central Works, Fantasy Forum Actors’ Ensemble, Contra Costa Civic Theatre, and Diablo Actors Ensemble. His multifaceted arts and education background fortifies Front Porch Music's mission.
Mary, a steadfast Lafayette local since 1946 and proud UC Berkeley alumna, enriches the Front Porch Music board with a wealth of educational and community service experience. Her journey in education began with a seven-year tenure teaching at Donald Rheem Elementary School, followed by 13 influential years on the Lafayette School District Governing Board. Her community service includes presiding over the Lafayette Historical Society and contributing to the Lafayette Improvement Association. Married to Daryl for 40 years, Mary's role as a mother and grandmother of nine intertwines her profound community roots and passion for education into her involvement with Front Porch Music.
Andrée co-founded Front Porch with her husband Austin in 2019, a grassroots initiative that has grown into the nonprofit Front Porch Music in 2024. As Executive Director, she continues to guide the organization's expansion while maintaining its core programs and vision. Andrée showcases her musical talent as one of the lead vocalists and rhythm guitar players for the country band Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores. She is deeply involved in the community as a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, BNI, and serves on the board of the Lafayette Historical Society. Earlier in her career, Andrée was a magazine publisher, managing editor, web and graphic designer, and grant writer, earning more than 20 media awards for her contributions to the field.
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