Jocelyn and Walter (wife and husband), both musicians, began a free porch concert series on Spaulding Street in June 2020 at the height of the pandemic. What started as a simple act to bring connection during a time of isolation has grown into a sustained and deeply impactful community tradition. Over nearly six years, they have hosted 43 concerts, each featuring 5-10 musicians and drawing audiences of 70-150 neighbors.
Beyond creating a space for joy and connection, their concerts have consistently supported the broader community. At every event, they collect donations for local nonprofits, contributing approximately $1,000-$2,000 per concert to organizations such as Berkeley Food Network and Living Jazz in Oakland.
The porch concerts have become far more than musical performances-they are a true community gathering space. In moments when the world has felt heavy-through the isolation of the pandemic, periods of uncertainty, and divisive election seasons-Jocelyn’s music has consistently brought warmth, light, and a sense of togetherness to our neighborhood.
What Jocelyn and Walter have created is both simple and profound: a place where neighbors show up, connect, and remember what community feels like. At the same time, their steady commitment to supporting local nonprofits like Berkeley Food Network and Living Jazz demonstrates a powerful model of everyday civic action. In a world where larger systems can feel overwhelming or out of our control, they remind us that meaningful impact is still within reach—one gathering, one performance, one act of generosity at a time.
Their work embodies the very spirit of Berkeley: that together, through creativity care, and consistency, we can build something much better than ourselves.
I have been at many of these fine events.
These concerts are a wonderful opportunity to build community and help folks who are food insecure and cultivate more arts education. Kudos to Jocelyn !!
Yes, indeed I am always looking forward to attend their concert even though driving from Daly City. Welcoming warm feelings I receive from their followers, choices of fine uplifting musics filled my heart with joy each time I attend and it recharge me with a positive energy and remind me of importance of togetherness with kind heart.
Music is healing and beautiful music that is performed with love and for charitable causes is deserving of this kindness award!
I vote for Jocelyn Pou Rivera. Jocelyn and Walter bring music to our community through free porch concerts and collaboration with youth music groups, local neighborhood and community folks who all want to release creativity to good causes and good times! Especially now, when kindness breaks through isolation and harsh times, Through their music, they welcome us into community with rhythms, mixed melodies, shared leadership, backed by steady rhythm, heart beats, and flow!
Jocelyn has found a way to share her talents and spirit to the benefit of her community . She works tirelessly to support those in need while providing a joyful space to experience beautiful music .
Beautiful generous friends sharing their considerable talent… spreading joy & connection for 6 years (!) to benefit many others. Brilliant & kudos. You deserve this kindness recognition. 🩷
The concerts / fundraisers convened by Jocelyn and Walter are beloved community events .. excellent music, good feeling among neighbors and they have long been advocates / supporters of food programs and opportunities for youth at our local YMCA.. long time musicians well connected in the local jazz scene they bring in talented musicians to entertain and energize us .. they even provide local artists an opportunity to show and sell their wares at the annual holiday street concert. Their community concerts were so crucial during isolating COVID times and even more so now as things have become more dire economically and socially. They deserve a listen and a vote and ever growing support. Jeanie
Berkeley Food Network is so grateful to Jocelyn & Walter for their ongoing support! Jocelyn also volunteers at our 9th Street Pantry every week for over 5 years, greeting members in Spanish and English, and making our food distribution a joyful and welcoming place.
I invited all my East Bay friends to help me celebrate my birthday at their porch concert (and contribute to the Berk Food Network). We had an enjoyable event and appreciated Jocelyn and Walter’s willingness to have me celebrate my birthday in their neighborhood community event.