Find more photos like this on Americana and roots music – No Depression
This post will jive nicely with Kim’s first post from Pickathon. We saw eachother right off on Friday and saw many of the same bands, sharing the same “time to settle in and do this” vibe. The on Saturday I only saw her once before her food poisoning incident. I shall try and cobble some words together, but I was all set to have my reporter balancing my photography.
Kim – I know it will NEVER happen again, but consider me a Portland resource, sick bed, etc.! We No Depressies have to share the bad with the good!
Pickathon is a supremely beautiful festival. It is large enough that I could immerse myself in the place, the music, and goings on, but small enough that I never felt crowded or overwhelmed. This is rather unlike the reports I had from some TN festival that shall remain nameless in its apparent unspeakable horror.
Each year brings more improvement and amenities and efforts at walking the eco-friendly walk. Each year more soaring canvas means more shade, though the weather was perfect as far as this festival goer was concerned – in the 70s and partly cloudy. This year’s addition of reusable cups meant I saw folks carrying their stainless steel signature tumblers everywhere they went. Massive effort is put forth for recycling by both staff and festival goers, and it is a joy to watch the toughest looking customers in the crowd studiously examining the bins before deciding where to place even the smallest bit of waste. The food is the best, most varied, healthiest, and most delicious of any festival that I have ever attended, and everyone from celiacs to vegans had options from which to choose. Though, Kim says to avoid the chicken and hummus plate.
And, then there is the music. Pickathon has some master programmers. Each year there are not only acts everyone is waiting to see, but more exciting is the passel of bands of whom I have no previous knowledge. Every time I thought I’d take a break and just chill out, I was drawn back to the stage to sample another slice of Pickathon’s musical sampler. Looking forward to learning about so many new acts was my biggest Pickathon joy this year.
So, what am I saying here? If you are looking to find some new music and your friends are not coming up with anything right when you want it, wander over to the Pickathon site and pick through their offerings. Better yet, put the first weekend in August in Portland on your calendar. You won’t be sorry.
