Music Blog

Pickathon announced the 15th annual edition of their increasingly-known little festival this past week, rolling out a lineup that once again puts a diverse spin on the notion of an "Indie-Roots Music Festival" and on the rootsy foundations of the festival itself. Recent years have seen electronic, hip-hop, soul, world and rock (in various forms) all join the mix, the likes of Future Islands, THEEsatisfaction, Mavis Staples and Thee Oh Sees amongst more old guard acts like Dale Watson, Langhorne Slim, and Breathe Owl Breathe.

This year's cast is headlined by arguably the biggest (in terms of "fame-big" anyway) name yet, with Feist leading the way on a list that also includes Andrew Bird, Sharon Van Etten, Kurt Vile, Howe Gelb and super-trio Divine Fits. Vieux Farke Toure will be in from Mali after having to cancel last year, while some of Portland's best (Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside, Pure Bathing Culture, The Caleb Klauder Country Band, Old Light) will carry the hometown flag. Old guard? Check (Wayne Hancock, Dale Watson, Ginny Hawker). New guard? Mm-hmm (Foxygen, Parquet Courts, Shabazz Palaces, King Tuff). Stuff somewhere in between? Oh yes (JD McPherson, Shinyribs, The Devil Makes Three, Felice Brothers). In short, lots to be excited about if you're a fan of music.

But then, the music is only part of what makes Pickathon both unique and exceptional. Outdoor music festivals, almost as a rule, are not very enjoyable experiences. This outdoor music festival doesn't adhere to that rule. You simply won't find a better planned, less trashy, more sustainable version of the animal-- and with great food, too!

Pickathon XV happens August 2-4 at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley. Yeah, we'll be there.

Tagged: Pickathon 2013