From Thursday, July 31st through Sunday, August 3rd, the forest and fields of Happy Valley, Oregon’s Pendarvis Farm just outside the Portland city limits came alive for the 25th installment of Pickathon. This little music festival has become the trusted home for those looking for a unique and thoughtful experience. It’s a festival of discovery, carefully curated to bring together a wide range of up-and-coming musical artists, many of whom are unknown to people in attendance. The stages and other structures are designed and built by artists and architecture students, and the materials are recycled to create tiny homes and shelters. DJ booths are scattered throughout the grounds, providing ambience and dance parties between musical acts. Sustainability is a mantra, partially fulfilled by relying on reusable drink cups and dinnerware. The main paths become shakedown streets of pre-teens hawking homemade crafts and art. Up to half of the attendees at Pickathon are volunteers. Everyone else pays a substantial price for a festival ticket. It’s a balance that seems to work, and ensures that everyone is invested and is there because they really want to be.
But what about the music?
Pickathon’s musical legend this year was Taj Mahal, and he played two sets that drew the biggest crowds of the weekend. Portugal.The Man, Fruit Bats, and Greensky Bluegrass proved why they get top billing when they go on the road. Omaha, Nebraska’s David Nance & Mowed Sound are happily possessed by the soul of rock n’ roll, and they pulled double duty as Rosali’s backing band, creating solid sounds throughout the weekend. Ellis Bullard brought some genuine outlaw country out to the farm and proved that “Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution.” Reyna Tropical ignited passion with her hip-swaying grooves and southern hemisphere rhythms. Los Angeles’ Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation pierced the veil with their heartfelt, heartwarming, gospel-inspired singing, perfect for an afternoon set at the Woods stage. There was the all-improvised exploration of SML, and the drum-driven, experimental rock explosion of Seattle’s J.R.C.G. Nashville’s 70s rock throwbacks Sugarlegg seemed unable to deliver anything but soulful grooves. And, armed with a fiddle and a bottle of Jameson, Jourdan Thibodeaux used his time on stage to passionately give history lessons through his evolved brand of Louisiana French music. This list is just scratching the surface of Pickathon’s musical tapestry.
Portland represents at Pickathon.
Pickathon has long been known for bringing a variety of musical acts from across the country and the world to the outskirts of Portland. Portland itself has an expansive music scene, and from year to year, locals wonder what Portland bands may be brought into the fold. Portland was well-represented this year. Pickathon was treated to the country psychedelic rock of Rose City Band, the power-pop indie rock of Glitterfox, honky tonk cowpunkers Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, and up-and-coming folk country singer/songwriter Rose Gerber. Post-punk outfit Forty Feet Tall played in front of their biggest crowd ever, crushing their set at the Cherry Hill stage while crowd surfing, climbing the speaker rigging, and giving a shout-out to Pickathon alums Viagra Boys before covering their song “Sports.” There was even a surprise 2:30 AM Monday morning set at the Grove stage by Brazilian-born Portland residents Johnny Franco and His Real Brother Dom.
Portland has long laid claim to 1960s folk hero Michael Hurley. He was included on the initial 2025 Pickathon lineup, but he passed away in April. So there was a Michael Hurley Tribute instead, held down by longtime Hurley collaborators David Reisch and Lewi Longmire, and featuring a steady stream of guests, including Kassi Valazza, Alela Diane, and John Craigie.
There’s so much happening at Pickathon that it seems to be over in a flash. While satisfied with what you’ve experienced, you wish you had been able to take more of it in, explored more of the creative neighborhoods, sampled more of the food and drink offerings, and seen more bands. And, more than anything, hoping that this little spirited independent music festival can continue for another 25 years.
