Once again putting the hoot in hootenanny, Foghorn Stringband joins us for the mighty Friday night Square dance at this years Pickathon. This has got to be one of the largest and most wild dances out there and it's been a pleasure to watch it grow. To think this is really where Pickathon started back in 1999 out at Hornings Hideout.

If you haven't danced in the past we strongly encourage folks to try it at least once. I mean really, what's to lose?

For the most part the video for today is all about Sammy Lind, who after all these years has continued on with being a steady point of inspiration for the old-time community throughout the Northwest. And as you will gather ...

The good folks of Breathe Owl Breathe come from a land with many scars and bruises, we call this the state of Michigan. Being a relatively new and unknown name for most of us out west in 2009, it was quickly learned what has kept them alive and well over the past 6 years as a band. Fast forward to 2010 and we now find ourselves eagerly awaiting their most adventurous release to date, Magic Central

With the recent announcement of this release, and from the looks of the below album teaser (filmed by Portland, Ore. resident Weston Currie), it appears that we can expect something that is both truly unique and inspiring.

For Portland, Ore. we are lucky enough to have the ...

T-Model Ford should need no introduction or explanation. This man is a living legend, and at 90 is still performing and recording. Starting 2010 off with a January release of The Ladies Man on Alive Naturalsound Records. Giving us a hard shot of what T-Model Ford is all about, The Laies Man is worth keeping in mind when it's November and you think back about your favorite records of the year.

Joining T-Model at this years Pickathon will be Seattle blues trio GravelRoad. They seem to be the only folks that can keep up.

Until then, here is a taste of the 'ol ...

Not quite an emergency, but a definite sign of what's to come.. RV Parking passes are now 100% sold out. Car Camping passes are getting very close to being in the same boat so we felt it necessary to let folks know that if currently contemplating, it might be best to take action. Once they're gone, they're gone.

Discount Weekend Ticket quantities are now slimmer than ever and we anticipate the month of March to finish them off.

Don't miss out, and stay tuned for more big announcements with the 2010 Lineup. ...

One of the more entertaining things in life is having a beer with a bunch of Canadians and talking about Olympic hockey. There's serious passion with that subject.

An even better thing is watching a full squad of Canadians make beautiful music. Emotion and energy are wrapped up into amazing little five minute packages.

If you missed The Deep Dark Woods delivering those packages last Wednesday night at the Doug Fir, never fear...you'll have three more chances during Pickathon.

As for Olympic hockey, Sunday was a pretty darn good game. I'm already hoping for a rematch in 2014. ...

We have long admired the voice and songwriting of Tennessee native Jill Andrews. Going all the way back to 2006 when we first hosted the everybodyfields.

She has since stepped out on her own, released an EP, got married, had a baby, and now looks to both release a full length this Summer, and return to Portland for the first time since 2008. It will most definitely be a good year for Jill and her new band... ...

Well, it was another amazing weekend out at the farm for the first Pendarvis Farm Work Party of 2010. The weekend was chock full of great weather, substantial progress, and incredible people.

We really just wanted to send out a huge thanks to the crew that made it out..., and want to continue to encourage folks to be involved with this aspect of what makes Pickathon and Pendarvis Farm so special. If interested in future Work Parties please take a look at the Pickathon Facebook. From there you will be connected and notified with all the future happenings.

Coming up we know that there will be two WP's in March, during the weekends of March 13-14 and 27-28. As always, it promises to be loads of fun. ...

Don't say we didn't to tell you... The boys from Saskatoon have arrived in good health, and tonight they set up shop at the Doug Fir.

This is a band that kicked all types of ass last year in the Galaxy Barn, and those that remember will recall a sweaty, tight, full tilt set. It was a surprise for many, and it's predicted to be a similar reaction tonight.

This is a cheap date for $7, so why miss out?

See you there. ...

Frank Fairfield made a favorable impression last year out at Pendarvis Farm. Mostly an unsuspecting fellow with a remarkable ability to transform not only himself, but also anyone within earshot that will sit and listen. Welcome new friends, you are now in another time. And if you allow, Mr. Fairfield will keep you there as long as he possibly can. Whether it be banjo, guitar, or fiddle, he has us all convinced.

Here are a couple banjo tunes recorded with Greg Vandy during his Roadhouse show in Seattle at the KEXP studios.


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Wrapping up this weeks love affair with Canada we bring it to a close with Elliott Brood.

Some will remember that the Brood was on the 2009 Pickathon Lineup, but later had to cancel the date due to a serious lung injury. Not one to hold grudges we truly do appreciate the band wanting to try it again, and are just glad the road to recovery was a quick one.

To help start the weekend here is a live take of The Valley Town, which is off the bands 2008 standout release Mountain Meadows. Enjoy.

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A couple quick minutes today for Saskatoon's finest, The Deep Dark Woods.

For everyone in Portland and Seattle we have the great opportunity to see it live, making this the first time the band has returned to the Northwest since 2009 Pickathon. Next week they will be at The Doug Fir in Portland on Wednesday 2/24, and at Conor Byrne Pub in Seattle on Thursday 2/25.

Do not miss the opportunity to see this band live.
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2010 is certain to bring us many great new releases, but not many will be as distinct and flavorful as what we will hear from Frazey Ford.

To help remind us of what life was like back in 2007, here is Scattered Leaves off The Be Good Tanyas last recording to date Hello Love.

Frazey, you have been missed.


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Dear Canada,

We know that you have lots to offer (here and here), and over the years have come to appreciate many of your favorite sons and daughters. But taking a good look around these days we notice a budding scene that continues to pour over our shared border. So we ask, what's next?

For 2010 we will host new favorites and fellow Canadians; Frazey Ford, The Deep Dark Woods, and Elliott ...

Another day for the birds as we move towards a weekend full of rainy days and Winter Olympic chatter.. To help with the potential extra time indoors we encourage you to give the first 2010 Lineup mix a try.

As we move along over the next few months, there will be several different mixes that feature the 2010 Lineup, this one just happens to be the first. Enjoy. ...

With announcing our 2010 lineup this week, we are also kicking off the resurgence of the Pickathon blog. Also added in 2010 is a newly developed appreciation for twitter and facebook. Supposing a long time coming as these social super highways really do make life easier... Well, at least in some type of way.

For today we simply would like to state how pleased we are in knowing that 2010 brings us such good company. And we should all look forward to the months ahead.

I Am Goodbye from the 2009 Bonnie Prince Billy release, Beware.
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