Pickathon _ Indie Roots Music Festival _ Portland, Oregon

Counting down the days... Advance Tickets ending next Thursday

Pickathon — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:36:30 -0500

We are down to the final week of preparation and can hardly believe it's almost been a full year. Everything that's been talked about over the past 11 months comes down to a very big week for many of us out here at Pendarvis Farm.

Today is the ONE WEEK warning and we want to ring the bells of opportunity and get folks alerted to the fact that Advance Weekend and Single Day Tickets will only be available until Thursday (8/5) at midnight. Advance Tickets will not only save you loot ($15 more at the gate), but also guarantee admission and parking if needed. We are unsure of what will be available at the gate so for anyone on the fence it is suggested to make the decision now and join the fun.

This is the last week to think about it...

Advance Weekend Tickets and Parking are HERE.

Oh, and did you check out the 10 Day Forecast yet? Sunny and 80 for anyone not wanting to follow the link...PERFECT Oregon summertime temps if you ask me.

7 days and counting down.

Saying goodbye to plastic cups and bottles

Pickathon — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:31:21 -0500

Well friends, we did it. We're throwing our hands up in the air and waving goodbye to the 25,000+ plastic cups that once found themselves at home in our glorious beer gardens. Plastic no more.

Pickathon has always been run with thoughtful attention to energy generation and consumption, minimizing waste, and a leave-no-trace mentality. This year we have taken a huge step and committed to eliminating all plastic beverage containers, making Pickathon the first music festival in the country to go plastic (bottle and cup) free.

Bottled water in single-use plastic containers will not be sold, or available at the event. In addition, the compostable corn-based cups that were used in the beer gardens in the past will be replaced with reusable stainless steel cups designed and manufactured by Klean Kanteen. Free water will be available in multiple locations and you are encouraged to bring your own bottle or take advantage of the beautiful Pickathon Klean Kanteens that will be available at the merchandise booth.

Here's the scoop on how the cups will work:

16 oz. Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel cups will be the only vessel allowed for use in the Pickathon Beer Gardens. These cups will be purchased for $5 and can be reused throughout the weekend, Widmer beers are on tap and will be $4 a piece for a 16 oz. pour. Cups must enter and exit the Beer Gardens empty. It's that simple.

There will be ample cup rinsing stations to help keep cups clean and within the beer gardens there will be cup racks for folks that want to mark their cups and utilize the honor system for convenient storage. At the Klean Kanteen booth there will be free 'collars' that can slip onto the cup and with the use of a 'd-ring' can be hooked or hung on just about anything.

This is a test for Pickathon and we need everyone on board to help make it happen. If we cannot make it work, who can?

So check it out above, that's the real deal up there... plus our amazing (out of focus) Brew Crew.

2010 Pickathon Site Map

Pickathon — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:32:25 -0500

New Trails! New Camping! New Honey Bucket locations in the Woods! All the amenities are in tow and we've thought of most everything (we think) that should help make your life that much easier.

Print this puppy out and bring it to the festival.

2010 Pickathon Site Map

The 2010 Pickathon Vendor Menu

Pickathon — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:12:51 -0500

It's time to plan your meals and see what's in store for the edibles out at Pendarvis Farm this year at Pickathon. A glorious mix of local and regional foodies that will make your mouth water. We've got it all covered and here's what's in store.

Check out the FULL 2010 PICKATHON VENDOR MENU

We'll easily break this down by two main categories:
Who's returing?
Who's new?

Returning: Al Forno Ferruzza, Gaining Ground Farm, The Grove, Thai Noon, Fifty Licks Handmade Ice Cream, Zuppa Soups, Toast, and Sol Pops.

New: Pine State Biscuits, Spunky Monkey Coffee, Violetta, The Whole Bowl, Ali Baba's Tribal Treats, and the Kruger Farm Corn Roaster.

Quick! Take a good look at what's available as we are beyond excited and want to help with the planning of your meals while at Pickathon. Veggie, Vegan, and Gluten Free options are noted when available alongside vendor hours listed when open. Don't worry... there's also an amazing array of meat selections too.

One step further, we are pushing for folks to do all they can to limit waste on the individual basis. A simple way to help with this is to bring your own plates, bowls, cups, and utensils whenever possible. We will have available rinsing, washing and food composting stations to help folks that are interested in the effort of bringing their own and reusing as much as possible. This is a huge help in many ways...

Keep up with the blog as we've got a lot of info starting to overflow and look to make it the best one yet.

See you in 10 days!

Last Chance For Pre-Sale Merch

Pickathon — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:57:25 -0500

It's the final countdown with 10 days to go until the gates open and the fun begins. For today we have a big announcement for anyone wanting to take advantage of the exclusive pre-sale only merchandise that is currently available over at the Tickets Page.

Furturtle designed and limited to a super small batch for a lucky few we have T-Shirts and Posters that speak Pickathon 2010. These designs are only available online and will be cut-off after tomorrow night. Purchase now and pick them up at the Festival.

There are shirts for the entire family and a simply amazing poster with an alternate version of this years Owl design. This is the final chance to take advantage and we don't want you to miss out.

Take a look!

Hayes Carll replaces Billy Joe Shaver

Pickathon — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:39:31 -0500

Big news came our way late last week with the call that the legendary Billy Joe Shaver needed to cancel his 2010 Pickathon performances. Anyone that has followed the Shaver story this past year knows the man has had his hands full. First the trial in Waco, TX, then heart surgery just three weeks ago, and now another set back with severely torn ligaments that will now take him off the road for several months. This left us scratching our heads in confusion and wondering what's next?

With luck, we were able to get Hayes Carll, fellow Texan and songwriter to help fill this void. In a last minute pinch we couldn't be happier with the outcome as Hayes has been an artist that has had our interest for a few years.

We welcome Hayes and his full band to this years lineup and look forward to catching up with him in just two short weeks.

The bells are ringing here in the ticketing office with the final countdown for Advance Tickets in full swing. Get them now while still available. Weather looks to be great and the farm is already taking on the big transformation.

We'll keep you posted...

The 2009 Pickathon CD is here

Pickathon — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:19:09 -0500

We've waited and waited and finally we get the chance to show what we've been working on for the past few months... The 2009 Pickathon will feature 34 tracks from last years festival and highlights the best of the bunch. New for this years disk (the 10th in the Pickathon series) is that we were able to pull tracks from all the stages - Mountain View, Fir Meadows, Starlight, Woods, and Galaxy Barn. A fully comprehensive mix of all there is to love out at Pendarvis Farm.

For today we give you a sneak-peek of what Dr. Dog brought to the mix with their song The Way The Lazy Do . Epic. The 2009 Pickathon Hi-Fi CD and DVD will be available for the first time at this years festival and we encourage folks to check it out and grab a copy or two - great for gifts!

Less than three weeks away now, tickets are going fast and we want you all to make it. Don't wait until it's too late, Advance Tickets are available and waiting.

Soon we'll all be out at Pendarvis Farm...

Three weeks to wait, don't wait until the gate

Pickathon — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:16:06 -0500

First of all we need to say that it's officially coming down to just a few more weeks to wait until the gates open and we all get to live the Pickathon life again. So far ticket sales have been a huge surprise and we want to make sure that folks know the days are counting down and it is not advised to count on availability at the gate. You can pick up Single Day or Weekend Tickets right here and leave those worries behind. It's time! The fields are being mowed, the Barns are being cleaned, the plan is being set into motion... Eleven months of planning comes down to a single weekend and we can hardly wait.

For folks that have been out to Pendarvis Farm and are familiar with the grounds, you may recognize a thing or two from this amazing new video from Black Prairie, Red Rocking Chair from their debut Sugar Hill release Feast of the Hunters' Moon (Get this record!). Showing much of what the Farm has to offer in a somewhat creepy way, Black Prairie has captured the essence of what life on the farm could be like. Watch out for these Black Prairie folks, especially when Jon Neufeld carries an axe.

Tickets. Are. Here.

Widmer brings the beer

Pickathon — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:04:29 -0500

The Pickathon beer gardens are a popular retreat for those that are of legal age. Cold beers on a hot summer day with some of the best music around makes it one of the better places to be when a break is needed. Get a brew, sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy both locations with access to either the Mt. View and Fir Meadows Stages or The Galaxy Barn.

In 2010 local craft brewer Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. will be keeping the taps flowing with a multitude of different microbrews ranging from their well-known Widmer Hefeweizen to their delicious Drifter Pale Ale. Founded in 1984 by two ordinary brothers with an uncompromising passion for beer, Widmer Brothers Brewing currently produces a variety of European- and American-style beers.

Widmer Hefeweizen, Drifter Pale Ale, Drop Top Amber Ale, Broken Halo IPA, and Okto (Oktoberfest/Munich Style Ale) will all be found at this years Pickathon.

Pickathon Daily and Family Schedules

Pickathon — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:45:36 -0500

There's more going on than ever before, with several surprises packed into each day of the weekend. Six stages, 44 artists, three big days with lots to do during the breaks in between. No matter where you end up throughout the weekend, we're pretty sure you won't be disappointed.

Just click on the below link and check out the printable version of the 2010 Pickathon Daily and Family Schedules.

Print your own version of the schedule at home and bring it with you when you arrive out at the farm.

30 days and counting down...

Enjoy!

Download the 2010 Pickathon Schedule HERE

The Galaxy Barn goes Solar

Pickathon — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:07:01 -0500

Given the upcoming week of high temps and full sun we felt a nice time to introduce to the world a new face out at the farm, the recently installed solar arrays for The Galaxy Barn. Completed just last week, these new friends of ours and making good use of the clear blue skies and (now) abundant sunshine. A fluid-interconnected system that allows energy to be put back into the grid will allow The Galaxy Barn and much of the Vendor Village at the 2010 Pickathon to run completely off solar power.

We are supremely excited about this permanent fixture that will power future life out there at the farm for many years to come.

Come on out and watch the meter run backwards!

ecoShuttle your way out to Pickathon

Pickathon — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:41:21 -0500

One of the many ways to help limit the overall impact of Pickathon is for folks to consider their options once it comes to getting out to Pendarvis Farm. Automobiles, although a relative necessity, are a big part of the pollution problem. We understand this and want to do all that is possible to help make things easier when considering an alternative.

Essentially what we are going after is the future of a car-free Pickathon, and with great confidence we'd like to challenge folks in helping make this goal a reality. With the help of like-minded cohorts ecoShuttle, we have once again organized the quick and easy Pickathon bio-fueled shuttle. New in 2010 we are pleased to report that the Tri-Met Max Green Line now goes all the way out to the Clackamas Town Center, which is an easy 5 miles from Pendarvis Farm. This is huge! You can now take public mass transit from Portland to Clackamas, then hop on the Pickathon ecoShuttle to take you out to the farm and back. Shuttles will operate all weekend starting Thursday August 5 thru Monday August 9. Come and go as you please with a weekend ride card costing only $5 if purchased in advance. If wanting to take this further, and for folks from far away places we suggest looking into the Amtrak when coming to Portland, then taking the Max to Clackamas, then finishing things up with the happy and healthy Pickathon ecoShuttle. Tickets for this years Pickathon ecoShuttle can be found at the ecoShuttle website. Schedules for both the Max and the ecoShuttle can be found at the Pickathon Info page.

It's up to us to make this work, and we appreciate the support and encouragement you great folks have shown this idea over the past few years. We'll get there, and thanks to 2010 Pickathon ecoShuttle, so will you. Only 37 more days to go...

Last Day To Save Big On Advance Weekend Tickets

Pickathon — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:17:54 -0500

The end of June is here and today is the last chance for picking up Weekend Tickets at the current price of $130. Early tomorrow morning we will see the change in price for Weekend Tickets to $140. This is still an unbeatable value of roughly $46.50 a day for 3 Full Days, 6 Stages, and 44 Bands. Kids 12 and under are always free when coming with the family, and Pendarvis Farm provides some of the best that Oregon has to offer with ample camping and hiking amongst the big trees of the Great Northwest.

The 2010 Pickathon at Pendarvis Farm is only 20 minutes from Downtown Portland and we are proud to say that we have arranged several viable Transportation options that will help you both save money and limit the use of excessive resources while taking part in the fun. All together it's truly a marvelous thing!

Pickathon has continually improved the overall quality of experience with many changes that have taken hold over the past 12 years. This is it folks, the best that Oregon has to offer and we are supremely excited to introduce many new ideas that will help make 2010 our most special year yet. Rest assured, you can count on us...

Stay tuned for many more updates as we hit the homestretch with August 6-8 being right around the corner.

Advance Weekend Ticket change in price right around the corner

Pickathon — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:32:39 -0500

With the sun finally hitting us here in Portland we can now say that Summer is officially here. The fever is in the air and here at Pickathon things are beginning to move fast enough to make it all blur.

One super important note for folks is that we have only a few Advance Weekend Tickets at the price of $130 remaining, once sold out they will then be at the $140 price - which is the last price-bump prior to the gate price of $155.

If you want to make the savings matter, get tickets this week as that price change will occur no later than next Tuesday (6/29), quite possibly earlier depending on the frenzy...

For Single Day Tickets we are also nearing the end of our allotted amount that will be available for advance purchase. Given the overall demand and capacity concern we have chosen to make these available on a limited basis, but not to worry if you miss the boat as all remaining Single Day Tickets will be available at the gate if not completely sold-out.

We'd love to see you there...

Sam Quinn could be the Mayor of Pickathon

Pickathon — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:07:57 -0500

Seeming like in one way or another Sam Quinn has topped many of our lists over the past few years at Pickathon. He is in some ways a permanent fixture once it comes to the festival... Performing at 2006 and 2008 Pickathon with the everybodyfields, who knows what he did in 2007?, and then returning again in 2009 with his then completely new outfit, the japan ten. Now that I think about it, at some point in 2009 I am almost certain he ended up on a volunteer crew during setup? It's hard to recall, but if you look hard enough in the memory bank I am sure short shorts and big beard will come to the surface at least once or twice.

So it's now 2010 and Sam returns, and this time with a new record The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships (May 2010 release with Ramseur Records). The band with him in 2010 we are still unsure about, but we do know that Tom Pryor, Jamie Cook, Josh Oliver, and yes... Jill Andrews will all be around. Who knows what we'll get?

Anyone out there have a good Sam Quinn experience that needs telling? Share it below. Happy post-fathers day, Happy Summer, and Happy 45 day countdown.

Weekend Ticket price change coming soon

Pickathon — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:50:07 -0500

It is coming down to that time again where we will soon be seeing a change in the price of the Advance Weekend Ticket. Currently the three-day ticket with camping is available for $130 ($43 a day!), and will go to $140 when the change occurs. This will then be the final price for Weekend Tickets prior to the gate. If wanting the savings and guaranteed admission it is suggested you get it together asap. We do not expect to see this quantity last long and expect to make the shift in price no later than the last week of June.

On a side note, we will also soon have a daily schedule posted on the site for this years festival. This we feel will help folks looking at the Single Day Ticket option, which currently is only available for a limited time in advance. In 2010 Single Day Tickets will primarily be sold at the gate if capacity allows. Get them now if thinking that is the way to go. If not, you'll be forced to chance it at the gate as it's a sad, lonely ride back to Portland if we do indeed end up being sold-out.

Volunteers

Pickathon — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:35:49 -0500

The day has come where we open up the 2010 Volunteer Application to all non-returning, and hopeful Pickathon volunteers.

Year after year we depend on many outstanding and enthusiastic volunteers that fill a wide range of tasks that help make it all happen. Mostly these positions are filled in advance with returning volunteers, but each year we are able to open up a small window for new applicants. There are currently a very small handful of positions available amongst the volunteer crews for 2010, we do not expect these positions to remain available very much longer.

New in 2010 we are looking at adding motivated and inspired volunteers to the 2010 Pickathon Film Crew. Experienced and interested operators, producers, and directors are encouraged to contact us for more info on what this would entail.

Here's the application link:

2010 Pickathon Volunteer Application

The Woods Stage and Workshop Barn Schedules

Pickathon — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:45:07 -0500

Last day of schedule announcements and we've saved something special to end the week with. The Woods Stage has grown a lot over the past years, this Solar Powered mecca deep in the woods offers everything and more for folks who just want to sit, listen, and relax in the forest. Do not miss these special performances on this special stage. The Workshop Barn on the other hand, has not changed that much at all, still an all-acoustic intimate venue which gives us an up-close look at what makes these artists tick. Enjoy them both!

The Woods Stage

Friday August 6
3:00-4:00pm Foghorn Stringband
4:30-5:30pm Michael Hurley
6:00-7:00pm Punch Brothers
7:30-8:30pm The Cave Singers

Saturday August 7
10:30-11:30am Cardboard Songsters: Saturday Morning Cartoons
12:00-1:00pm Little Wings
1:30-2:30pm Martha Scanlan
3:00-4:00pm Megafaun
4:30-5:30pm Langhorne Slim
6:00-7:00pm Frank Fairfield
7:30-8:30pm Bonnie Prince Billy The Cairo Gang

Sunday August 8
12:00-1:00pm Breathe Owl Breathe
1:30-2:30pm Black Lillies
3:00-4:00pm Blind Boy Paxton
4:30-5:30pm Seth Bernard May Erlewine
6:00-7:00pm Sean Hayes
7:30-8:30pm Woody Pines

The Workshop Barn

Friday August 6
3:30-4:30pm Billy Joe Shaver
5:00-6:00pm Sam Quinn Jill Andrews
6:30-7:30pm Black Prairie

Saturday August 7
11:00-12:00pm Seth Bernard May Erlewine
12:30-1:30pm Red Stick Ramblers
2:00-3:00pm The Banjo by Eric Johnson (Fruit Bats)
3:30-4:30pm Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio
5:00-6:00pm Punch Brothers feat. Chris Thile

Sunday August 8
11:00-12:00pm Elliott Brood
12:30-1:30pm Water Tower Bucket Boys
2:00-3:00pm These United States
3:30-4:30pm Stone River Boys
5:00-6:00pm Michael Hurley
6:30-7:30pm Blind Boy Paxton Frank Fairfield

That does it this time around...

Last schedule for posting will be for the Kids!, which we anticipate will be available very soon. Keep a look out! Until next time...

The Galaxy Barn and Starlight Stage Schedules

Pickathon — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:06:57 -0500

Day two of our 2010 Schedule announcements, this time around we are pleased to bring you The Galaxy Barn and The Starlight Stage. Hard to say which could be our favorite, as they both end up offering incredible late-night options coupled with amazing sound and venue setting. The Galaxy Barn will again offer a Beer Garden and The Starlight Stage will be at the center of our Vendor Village. Here we go...

The Galaxy Barn

Friday August 6
4:00-5:00pm Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio
5:30-6:30pm Water Tower Bucket Boys
7:00-8:00pm Fruit Bats
8:30-9:30pm Town Mountain
10:00-11:00pm Megafaun
11:30-12:30am Red Stick Ramblers
1:00-2:15am Langhorne Slim

Saturday August 7
11:30-12:30pm T-Model Ford
1:00-2:00pm Sallie Ford The Sound Outside
2:30-3:30pm Weinland
4:00-5:00pm Black Lillies
5:30-6:30pm Typhoon
7:00-8:00pm These United States
8:30-9:30pm Frazey Ford
10:00-11:00pm The Deep Dark Woods
11:30-12:30am Cave Singers
1:00-2:15am Dr. Dog

Sunday August 8
11:30-12:30pm Michael Hurley
1:00-2:00pm Richmond Fontaine
2:30-3:30pm The Dust Busters
4:00-5:00pm Sam Quinn
5:30-6:30pm Roadside Graves
7:00-8:00pm Anais Mitchell
8:30-9:30pm Stone River Boys
10:00-11:00pm Elliott Brood
11:30-12:30am Chatham County Line
1:00-2:15am Heartless Bastards

The Starlight Stage

Friday August 6
11:30pm-12:30am Cotton Jones
1:00-2:00am Black Prairie

Saturday August 7
11:00-12:00am The Dust Busters
12:30-1:30am Jill Andrews
Sunday August 8
10:00-11:00pm Frazey Ford
11:30-12:30am Little Wings
1:00-2:00am Black Lillies

There you have it, all the late-night fun one could ever imagine.

Coming up tomorrow we finish things up with The Woods Stage (amazing this year!) and The Workshop Barn.

Mt. View and Fir Meadows Stage Schedules plus Individual Day Tickets

Pickathon — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:03:54 -0500

Out under the sails of Pickathon lies the dueling stages in what we consider the main venue at Pendarvis Farm. Amongst the mighty doug fir trees with views of Mt. Hood, The Mt. View (MV) and Fir Meadows (FM) Stages sit side-by-side underneath 80,000 yards of shade and tension fabric which in itself is one of the marvels of Pickathon. Non-stop music for three days between the stages could very easily fill all of your time throughout the weekend, if you let it.

Friday August 6
3:30-4:30pm Weinland (MV)
4:30-5:15pm Martha Scanlan (FM)
5:15-6:15pm Megafaun (MV)
6:15-7:00pm Sallie Ford The Sound Outside (FM)
7:00-8:00pm Billy Joe Shaver (MV)
8:00-8:45pm Breathe Owl Breathe (FM)
8:45-10:00pm Dr. Dog
10:15-11:30pm 2010 Squaredance with Foghorn Stringband

Saturday August 7
11:00-12:00pm Town Mountain (MV)
12:00-12:45pm Elliott Brood (FM)
12:45-1:45pm Stone River Boys (MV)
1:45-2:30pm Richmond Fontaine (FM)
2:30-3:30pm Chatham County Line (MV)
3:30-4:15pm Frazey Ford (FM)
4:15-5:15pm Cotton Jones (MV)
5:15-6:00pm Roadside Graves (FM)
6:00-7:00pm Fruit Bats (MV)
7:00-7:45pm Black Prairie (FM)
7:45-8:45pm Punch Brothers (MV)
8:45-9:45pm Red Stick Ramblers (FM)
9:45-11:00pm Heartless Bastards (MV)

Sunday August 8
10:00-11:00am Captain Bogg Salty (MV)
11:00-11:45am Frank Fairfield (FM)
11:45-12:45pm Typhoon (MV)
12:45-1:30pm Woody Pines (FM)
1:30-2:30pm Cave Singers (MV)
2:30-3:15pm Anais Mitchell (FM)
3:15-4:15pm Sean Hayes (MV)
4:15-5:00pm T-Model Ford (FM)
5:00-6:00pm The Deep Dark Woods (MV)
6:00-6:45pm Jill Andrews (FM)
6:45-7:45pm Langhorne Slim (MV)
8:00-8:45pm These United States (FM)
8:45-10:00pm Bonnie Prince Billy The Cairo Gang (MV)

In addition to this schedule news we now have a limited batch of advance Individual Day Tickets that are available. Primarily the vast majority of our tickets are sold as Weekend Tickets, and at the same time we also understand that for some it is not possible to make the entire weekend. For this we have decided to allow limited advance sales for individual days and if Pickathon does not sell out in advance then Individual Day Tickets will also be available at the gate.

Keep an eye out for the rest of the stage schedules to be announced this week: The Galaxy Barn and Starlight Stage tomorrow, and The Woods Stage and Workshop Barn on Friday.

Eat healthy, reduce waste, and save money at this years Pickathon

Pickathon — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:16:16 -0500

We were so encouraged on the feedback and dialogue around the open forum brainstorming to eliminate as much plastic at Pickathon as possible that we thought we would pose another key thought for folks to provide feedback on.

This year we are working hard to reduce trash overall and we think one of the best ways for us to do this is to find ways for people to be able to eat as many of their meals from the onsite food vendors as possible.

The only givens for each of our food vendors is that

1) We insist that each one has interesting, healthy, locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible.

2) There is little to no overlap between vendors.

3) We will compost as much of the food waste as possible in the food vendors area.

Beyond this we have some specific questions that will help us gauge how far we can go to reach our eat healthy, reduce waste, and save money goals.

1) Should we create a menu listing all the vendors food and prices that you can download and look at before the festival to help your planning?

2) What range of meals prices do you think are reasonable for inspired, healthy, organic, and locally sourced food?

3) What other issues would we need to address for you to consider to buy most of your food onsite?

4) Any specific food requests?

Your feedback is how we make things better and we could not be more excited about pairing the best food vendors with the best music in one glorious weekend in August.

Five more makes forty four

Pickathon — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:41:27 -0500

Here's the final five which makes a whopping forty-four in 2010. Sean Hayes, Anais Mitchell, Sam Quinn, Typhoon, and finally, The Dust Busters join our little party at the farm.

The stage schedules are now complete and awaiting their big debut on June 9. In celebration of the schedule Pickathon will make available a limited batch of Single Day Tickets (8/6, 8/7, 8/8), which this year are super short in numbers due to the popularity of the Weekend Ticket.

Two months and counting down the days...

The Centaur is coming

Pickathon — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:41:04 -0500

...and he's discovered four other artists that needed adding to the 2010 Linuep, which we will be able to tell you about tomorrow.

Yes I know, more artists added to the lineup? It's crazy over here....

Full 2010 Pickathon Schedule will be posted on June 9.

Workshops at Pickathon

Pickathon — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:16:33 -0500

Having long been fans of the more intimate performances that take place at Pickathon each year, we felt the need to really make the most of this years Workshops.

In general any performance without being amplified is pretty much a workshop at Pickathon. The crowd gets close and asks questions, artists are free to talk and tell stories as they'd like, and in the end we seem to always end up with several of the most dynamic and amazing performances that take place out at Pendarvis Farm.

In 2010 we wanted to raise that bar and really highlight what a treat this is to see these performers in such a way. How do we decide? Well, primarily we first go through artists that actually have interest in taking part, then we look to cover our bases with variety.

Without dragging on too much longer, here's what we've come up with so far:

Songwriting Workshops with: Billy Joe Shaver, Michael Hurley, Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, Jill Andrews (+ a yet to be announced special guest, hmm?).

Instrumental Workshops with: Eric Johnson (banjo), Black Prairie, Chatham County Line, Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile, Red Stick Ramblers, Blind Boy Paxton and Frank Fairfield, and Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio.

That's a start for now with others to be added this week as we put the final touches on the complete 2010 Schedule.

*Speaking of workshops, the above video is classic Martha Scanlan from 2006, our first year at Pendarvis Farm - which was also our last year as a two-day festival. Martha and the Stuart Brothers have been consistent figures in our Workshop Barn over the past few years. Oh the memories...

Pickathon and Kids

Pickathon — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:46:41 -0500

We love kids, and we love the parents those kids bring with them.

One of the many amazing and unique aspects of Pickathon is having the general ability to always find something happening during the day suited for the entire family. Yoga, Music Together, Circus Cascadia, Squardances, workshops, and of course the annual Captain Bogg Salty Sunday morning show. It's all happening throughout the day starting as early as 7am...

One of our 2010 highlights will be the one-and-only Cardboard Songsters doing a special rendition of Saturday Morning Cartoons on the Woods Stage at 10:30am. This will be fun for everyone.

Full Schedule coming soon.

If you have ideas for what you would like to see at Pickathon for kids and families, let us know.

Only 73 more days...

Should Pickathon Go Plastic Free?

Pickathon — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:38:17 -0500

In 2010 we estimate the average beer drinker over 3 days of Pickathon festivities will go through roughly 7-10 plastic cups which means we are on target to consume around 20-30 thousand plastic cups in just the beer gardens alone!

We are not happy with this thought and so we have been brainstorming how we could eliminate all plastic cups as well as minimizing plastic use overall.

We would love to hear your feedback on two basic ideas that will lead us towards these plastic free goals:

Idea #1
Instead of buying a beer and recycling your plastic cup every time, would you be willing to help us reach this goal by buying a sweet, 16oz. stainless steel cup with the Pickathon logo on it that you’d be able to reuse the whole weekend? You’d pay a little more for only your first beer, (roughly $8-9 for the cup + beer), and at that time you’d receive your reusable stainless steel cup (every beer after the first would then only cost $4). You would also be responsible for keeping track of your cup and rinsing it out during the festival. We’ll do everything we can to make that easy for you, by providing some local storage in the beer gardens, making available some sort of inexpensive carrier for the cup, and providing potable water for rinsing. The payoff is twofold. Pickathon would be the first large outdoor music festival to completely eliminate all beer garden plastic cups and you get to keep your very own Pickathon stainless steel cup, forever.

Idea #2
What do you think of Pickathon eliminating the use of plastic bottled water throughout all of the festival? Instead of selling bottled water, we’d encourage everyone to bring their own water bottles. For those people who forget we would have paper cups as well as the ability to purchase a high quality stainless steel Klean Kanteen that you’d be able to fill up at numerous water stations on the festival grounds. Plenty of water would be available, it just won’t be in plastic bottles!

Distant Cousins from North Carolina

Pickathon — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:48:17 -0500

Off the heels of yet another exciting week at the 'ol Pickathon HQ, today offering a sneak peek at the upcoming summer release of Pickathon favorites, Chatham County Line. Making their third trip out to the farm since 2007 these folks are like distant cousins and we welcome them once again with open arms.

Coming up in July we will see the release of the 5th full-length since the bands inception in their home state of North Carolina. Releasing with Yep Roc! Records, we are excited to give a glimpse of what Wildwood has to offer.

Enjoy.

Discount Tickets Are Ending Sunday

Pickathon — Sun, 16 May 2010 17:22:51 -0500

If you waited to the last minute then your time has finally come to jump on the Discount Weekend Tickets bandwagon as they will end Sunday.

If you needed a bit more motivation for what's in store for you then first check out this awesome video of Bonnie Prince Billy and the Cairo Gang performing in a basement from last April, and then picture yourself at the Woods Stage viewing the same thing with own eyes.

Life is good.

Riddle of the Day: Discount Tickets Will End Sunday if not Friday

Pickathon — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:47:52 -0500

Based on the angst of many worried emails trying to predict exactly when Discount Weekend Tickets will go away, we have decided to make things simpler for the chronic worriers by declaring Sunday night as the definitive cutoff date.

This does not mean you can simply wait until Sunday as we still only have limited amounts of the Discount Weekend Tickets left and if the torrid pace of this week holds up they could be gone as early as tonight.

We hope everyone enjoys their upcoming weekend (It's sunny in Portland!). Our contribution to kicking things off is to share a nice little video from These United States performing Honor Amongst Thieves.

Last Chance For Discount Weekend Tickets

Pickathon — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:44:15 -0500

We've been hinting for weeks and this time it's for real, Discount Weekend Tickets are one step away from being gone, done, and out the door. Quantity and availability have already been extended and here we are, earlier than ever before, preparing to say so long... This is definitely it, the final countdown for our friends - Discount Weekend Tickets.

Advance Weekend Tickets will make their way to the web at any moment, available for $130 each, buy today and save the extra $15 ($35 if you wait until the gate). 2010 will be the most ambitious and inspiring Pickathon to date with over 40 artists (yes, a couple more bands will be added to the mix), making the best of a combined 150 hours of music, workshops, and kids activities over the course of three FULL days on SIX different stages. Pickathon is hands down the #1 weekend of the year and we encourage everyone to make the trip out to the Farm - Families, Friends, Distant Relatives... Join the crowd who agrees and find out what everyone else has been talking about.

Several announcements are on the way including info on Volunteers, Day Tickets, and the 2010 Sustainability efforts that we are currently putting together. There will be many changes this year and we cannot wait to tell you all about it. (Think: Solar Arrays on the Galaxy Barn, Plastic Free Pickathon, Bio-Fuel Shuttles...) Get the news direct via the daily blog, facebook, or even twitter if you prefer the abbreviated version.

Let the excitement begin.

Discount Weekend Tickets will be sold out this week

Pickathon — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:01:21 -0500

Today's the day for letting folks know that this is definitely it for the current batch of Discount Weekend Tickets. We initially extended the date due to demand but now see that the quantity available is very close to being completely bought up.

What does this mean? Well, if on the ball this week and knowing Pickathon is in your plans for this summer - you can purchase tickets today and rest easy knowing that some bucks were saved, and you guaranteed yourself the best weekend of the year.

We do not know if Pickathon will completely sell-out in advance, as it's never happened that way in the past. However, what we do know is that tickets are moving faster than ever and this year will most certainly be the biggest to date.

Also, a note on camping at Pickathon:

Camping is free and is only available with the purchase of a Weekend Ticket. This is tent camping in the woods which means you will park in the weekend parking lot (with your Weekend Parking Pass, if driving) and walk/hike/pack the short distance into the wonderful Pendarvis woods to set up camp. Camping is not reserved in advance so the earlier you arrive the better the odds of a great spot.

Car Camping (Camping with/next to your Car) and RV Parking are both sold out, sorry...

So there you go, get your Discount Weekend Tickets this week before the next price bump. Bring the family, meet up with friends, and enjoy Oregon's #1 weekend of the year.

Sallie is the best

Pickathon — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:11:08 -0500

We knew there was something special about Sallie Ford The Sound Outside when we first discovered the group a year or so ago while looking into ideas for the 2010 lineup. Was it the glasses and the smile? Maybe the throwback sound and style? Hmm... I guess all these things helped make the decision an easy one.

Leaping forward into May of 2010 and what do we find out this week from our friends over at Willamette Week? Portland's Best New Band in 2010, that's what.

Congrats Sallie!

Heartless Bastards and volunteering at Pickathon

Pickathon — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 -0600

It's May already, and we can hardly believe that this means Pickathon is officially less than 100 days away (92 days to be exact). A lot will happen from this point forward and we're thrilled to have you along for the ride.

This week has its fair share of to-do's...

Starting tomorrow night (5/6) at Berbati's Pan we welcome back Heartless Bastards for another night of heavy, heavy guitars and the amazing voice of Erika Wennerstrom.

Saturday (5/8) we look to have the last Work Party out at Pendarvis Farm for a while. With so much whacking, hacking, chopping, dropping, and clearing to do it's great that so many have helped so far. There is still more to do and if interested please contact Mr. Elwood, he'll line you up - elwood @ pickathon.com

Sunday (5/9) is of course Mothers Day. Show the love, hug your mom, give grandma a high five. They've done so much for you...

And finally, a note for prospective volunteers.

If you volunteered at the 2009 Pickathon, don't worry as you'll be the first to know when the application process is opened up. We expect this to happen within the next couple weeks. Once returning volunteers have had their turn we'll open the application process to folks on the Pickathon email list. And finally, if still needed, we'll be posting on the website around June 1st.

Single Day Tickets

Pickathon — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:42:59 -0500

Since so many folks are asking, we wanted to give the update on what's happening with Single Day Tickets, so here it goes...

Single Day Tickets will not be available until mid-to-late June.

Until that time comes...

Due to overwhelming popularity we have decided to extend the current Discount Weekend Ticket rate up to May 17. Starting May 18 Weekend Tickets will be priced at $130 a piece. But! If this limited quantity goes faster than expected the Discount Weekend Tickets could sell out before the 17th, so take advantage soon if wanting to guarantee the savings...

The Full 2010 Schedule will be posted on June 7.

*For tomorrow: Answers for our second most popular question of the day: What's happening with Volunteers?*

Blind Boy Paxton as the Hoodoo Man

Pickathon — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:30:03 -0500

Given the mystery that surrounds Mr. Jeron Blind Boy Paxton, we figured a good time to shed light on the mans versatility once it comes to performing live. Guitar, banjo, fiddle, and as the above video shows us - piano too.

Here we have piano rag 'Hoodoo Man' from a 2009 recording session in London with Kitty and Lewis Durham of the famed London group Kitty Daisy Lewis.

Enjoy.

Full 2010 lineup is here...

Pickathon — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:17:57 -0500

It's another average Tuesday in April and what better time to give the good word with who else is joining us for another fantastic year at Pendarvis Farm for Pickathon 2010:
Dr. Dog, Punch Brothers, Fruit Bats, Blind Boy Paxton, Little Wings, and Cardboard Songsters wrap things up and help us make the schedule complete. There are many factors to weigh as we do the annual cross-word puzzle we like to call a schedule... Mountain View Stage? Fir Meadow Stage? Woods Stage? Galaxy Barn? Starlight Stage? Workshop Barn? Friday? Saturday? Sunday? Late-Nights? Early-Mornings? Kids?...

With a Pickathon record of 40 artists confirmed for 2010 we promise things to be the best they've ever been. Many newcomers, several returning favorites, and the great company of all of you help make Pickathon the best weekend of the year.

Discount Weekend Tickets and Parking are now limited in quantity and look to be sold out soon. With the overall limited number of tickets that are available we strongly encourage folks to take advantage of the savings when possible and purchase in advance. The amazingly great Discount Weekend Tickets are a full $35 cheaper than the price you will pay at the gate if available. Why wait?

Pendarvis Farm work party this weekend

Pickathon — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:14:52 -0500

As many of our friends who have come out to Pickathon and enjoyed the camping and hiking know, there are constant changes and improvements that take place out at Pendarvis Farm. Slow and steady there has been a common goal with helping the land rehabilitate itself and accommodate the many guests it sees that one time a year during Pickathon.

Primarily this effort has been at the hand of the 'Pendarvis Farm Work Party' that has been continually organized on a near twice a month basis. There is an amazing crew that makes this happen and we always welcome anyone else who would like to be involved.

Here's what you do if thinking the Work Party is for you:

If on facebook, find the event: Pickathon Work Party #5!!! (Sat. 4/24 Sun. 4/25)

If not on facebook, email Elwood the old fashioned way and get the scoop:
elwood AT pickthon . com

Oh yes, and happy earth day.

Let that be a lesson

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 -0600

It was supposed to be a perfect spring evening. Tacos and a beer down the street from Mississippi Studios, a visit with friends and then head into the show. There was excitement in the air.
But as we approached the venue, we heard the dreaded words: Sold Out. Some of the people in our little group hadn't picked up tickets before the show and were now stuck. Out of luck. Bummed out.

Soon-to-be-at Pickathon bands Breathe Owl Breathe and Megafaun, along with past Pickathoners Pancake Breakfast, played to a full house on Saturday.
It was a great night of music.

We learned a couple of things that night.

- Both Breathe Owl Breathe and Megafaun have albums coming out soon and they're going to be awesome.
- Megafaun guitar player Brad Cook is a Lakers fan - but isn't afraid to rip his Kareem Abdul-Jabbar jersey off on stage and slip into a hand-crafted shirt reading: "'Huge' Portland Trail Blazers Fan."
- There's some incredible talent coming to the festival this year.

And most importantly, next time there's a line up like that, don't wait to buy those tickets.

Discount Weekend Tickets Limited, Lineup Additions Announced 4/27

Pickathon — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:50:24 -0500

Looking ahead a week from today we have our next big lineup announcement set for April 27. This will round out the 2010 lineup with daily schedules to follow shortly thereafter. A serious puzzle with 40 artists spread out over three days and six stages. Next week we'll have six artists being added to the mix and we'll give you a week to see if you can figure it out. Could it be possible for someone out there to get all six correct? By all accounts Pickathon is a once in a lifetime experience and we look forward to sharing the news.

Discount Weekend Tickets and Parking are becoming limited in quantity and look to be sold out in the near future. With limited quantities of tickets that are available for the 2010 Pickathon we strongly encourage folks to take advantage of the savings when possible and purchase in advance. The amazingly great Discount Weekend Tickets are a full $35 cheaper than the price you will pay at the gate.

Why wait?

Another note for vendors

Pickathon — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:38:26 -0500

Thanks to everyone so far who have applied to vend at 2010 Pickathon. Once again we expect to see several of our returning favorites from years past as well as new additions to help round things out. We have decided to continue to accept applications until May 4th. If you are interested in applying:

2010 Food Vendor Application

2010 Craft Vendor Application

Or, possibly you have a suggestion and wouldn't mind leaving a comment below?

Vending opportunities at Pickathon are selective and limited in numbers with all confirmed vendors being notified by May 15, 2010.

New Video from Breathe Owl Breathe

Pickathon — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:43:43 -0500

Working towards the upcoming Summer 2010 release of Magic Central, Breathe Owl Breathe give us the video single for the song Own Stunts. Filmed in Northern Michigan and edited by Weston Currie in Portland, Ore. With the video they've also migrated to a new website which features three new songs from the upcoming Magic Central: Own Stunts, Dogwalkers of the New Age, and Swimming.

Coming up we have a hat trick of a show on Saturday down on Mississippi with Pancake Breakfast, Breathe Owl Breathe, and Megafaun. All three bands should have something new in their sets this time around as they all have recently been in the studio working on upcoming 2010 releases.

We're excited, the bands are excited, and today is the day to get tickets if planning on the fun.

See you there.

This is the real Billy Joe Shaver

Pickathon — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:21:25 -0500

Last week we watched another chapter in life come to a close for songwriting legend Billy Joe Shaver. With no shortage of experiences that have made him the man he is today, at 70 still writing, recording, and performing live.

Just reading his bio and a quick wikipedia search will fill you in on everything from his early days in Texas through the 40's, 50's, and 60's prior to releasing his first LP in 1973, to working with Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, to Grammy nominations, and so on... No doubt a living legend, most notably as one of the prominent voices during the Outlaw Country days in the early-to-mid 1970's.

In addition to that part of his life, Billy Joe Shaver has amassed experiences that very few could think of. Ups and downs in every way imaginable through several decades of just living his way of living, then writing about it to help the rest of us understand.

Most recently we have his trial for the 2007 shooting of Billy Coker outside of Papa's Joe's near Waco, Texas. What was most fascinating to me this past week was watching the entire trial unfold via twitter through Texas court reporter @stevenkreytak. Literally a play by play as the days unfolded within the courtroom. Leading us to the eventual news late Friday afternoon that Billy Joe Shaver was found to be not guilty of aggravated assault. The weight was lifted and he was now a free man. The full rundown with highlights can be seen here.

Well... that's country music.

Coming Up: Megafaun and Breathe Owl Breathe at Mississippi Studios on 4/17

Pickathon — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:21:36 -0500

As the story goes...

Out of town bands return to Portland together for the first time, creating a wild frenzy topped off with an amazing sold-out show. Well, that's the prediction at least...

Here we are just one week away from what could end up being one of the best $10 shows you will ever attend in your music rich life.

What we would like to do is treat this as a kick-off party for 2010 Pickathon, and you're invited! Tickets should be purchased in advance if wanting to make it inside. Those that do make it out will be pleasantly surprised with several chances to win some pretty sweet Pickathon prizes while at the show. Think about it... Weekend Tickets, CD's, T-Shirts, and Posters.

Come out and help bring this years Record Store Day to a close with Pickathon, Mississippi Studios, Megafaun, Breathe Owl Breathe, and Pancake Breakfast.

April 17 - 8:00pm doors - Mississippi Studios

Oh, and how about this New Megafaun track that was posted just yesterday?

Tell your friends!

(enjoy the video, too)

Give the new Sunday Morning Mix a listen

Pickathon — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:31:31 -0500

Here's a new lineup mix that can help you during these rainy days as of late. This is the Sunday Morning Mix and it's certainly one for lazy days and good company during a typical Northwest Spring drizzle. Pickathon friend and photographer Tim LaBarge put time to good use when coming up with the majority of the tracks, and we couldn't be happier with what he's brought to the table this time around.

Currently here at the Pickathon HQ we are waiting out the next few weeks, preparing our next big announcement. Once April 27 hits we will have more news for you about the 2010 lineup and all 6 stage schedules. With this there will be a few solid additions to the 2010 lineup with plenty of surprises with who's playing where and when. The possibilities are close to limitless once it comes to the schedule...

Any guesses?

Enjoy the mix!

New video from Roadside Graves

Pickathon — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:01:21 -0500

Here's a new(ish) video from New Jersey band Roadside Graves off their recently released EP You Won't Be Happy With Me, out now on Autumn Tone Records.

We'll let the next seven minutes of video tell the rest of this story.

Here's to April...

Black Prairie on NPR First Listen

Pickathon — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:24:05 -0500

A sort of Portland, Ore. based acoustic melting pot, the band Black Prairie has come a long way in the past six months. Playing their first shows at 2010 Noise Pop!, garnishing attention at this years SXSW, signing to Sugar Hill, and now finally - for those that are still unsure what this band is up to, we get a first listen of their upcoming release Feast of the Hunters' Moon from our friends at NPR.

Drawing comparisons to what has mostly been described as "60% Decemberists" is a limited view I feel as the sound brings more to mind bands like The Crooked Jades instead of the aforementioned namesake. Nonetheless the record is full of dark corners and ethnic conglomeration and in short is a perfect fit with the Pickathon mix.

Catch the band this week as they tour in support (including tomorrow night at The Woods in Portland), and pick up a copy of Feast of the Hunters' Moon on April 6 when released.

Listen to it HERE.

Making 20 for Bonnie Prince Billy, we welcome The Wonder Show of the World

Pickathon — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:21:04 -0500

This week marks the 20th release in 17 years from songwriter Will Oldham, this time around as Bonnie "Prince" Billy The Cairo Gang (Emmett Kelly and Shahzad Ismaily round out the 'Gang').

Although reviews are still hard to find at this point in the U.S. it appears that U.K. trendsetters like MOJO and The Guardian were able to pick up on the albums obvious yet key characteristics: Sparse yet complete approach, beautiful harmonies, and a slightly 'less tortured' outlook once it comes to talking about love. Certainly one of the most listenable albums of his vast catalog, with some even saying it's his best since 2006 release, The Letting Go. All I can suggest is for you to get a copy of The Wonder Show of the World, and make the opinion for yourself. Being a huge admirer it's really hard to find something wrong with these songs... Other than I suppose still waiting for the vinyl to arrive from Drag City (and in the meantime picking up the download).

For lack of a more recent video, and not wanting to use this one... here is the classic version of Horses from Greatest Palace Music

Enjoy the weekend.

Info for Vendors

Pickathon. — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:05:29 -0500

Hey Vendor Friends!

Continuing our quest in bringing out the best of the Northwest, Pickathon is officially open for vendor submissions from now until April 15.

The 2010 Pickathon Food and Merchant Village will feature a wide range of our favorite Food, Drink, and Craft from around the area. Fine eats, tasty drinks, and cool things to take home with you.

Interested in applying?

Download applications here:
2010 Food Vendor Application

2010 Craft Vendor Application

Vending opportunities at the 2010 Pickathon are selective and limited in numbers with all confirmed vendors being notified by May 15, 2010.

Portraits of Pickathon

Tim LaBarge — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:07:50 -0500

It was the end of a sweaty day. In fact, according to the 'time stamp' on some of these images, it was the beginning of another warm day. Pickathon 2009. What a blast...as in blast furnace. But we survived. And the later it got, the wackier things got. About midnight, my friend Tom Boyd and I set up shop in a horse stall next to the Galaxy Barn and made a few portraits of late night revelers who were holding out for the Blitzen Trapper set to begin. And if you waited long enough for band member Marty to be drawn back to the light, you know there was some serious heat in that barn.

We hope to see you all again this year. Odds are real good it won't be any warmer than last year.

Car Camping is Sold Out.

Pickathon — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:55:05 -0500

Sorry friends, but there are now no more Car Camping passes available for the 2010 Pickathon. It was a fun ride...

There is still a small number of Discount Weekend Tickets that will only be available for a limited time. These tickets get you in and allow you to camp. That's 6 stages, 37 bands and three full days of Pickathon amazement.

Oh dang, only 10 Car Camping passes remain

Pickathon — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:30:22 -0500

That's right, only 10 Car Camping Parking Passes remain. If still thinking about that option it is advised that you get to it as these puppies will not last long.

For folks that are not familiar with the parking and camping options at Pendarvis Farm, here is a little crash course to help.

All Weekend Tickets for 2010 Pickathon come with camping on-site. This camping is rustic wooded camping amongst the majestic doug firs. Parking for this type of camping is regular 'ol Weekend Parking (if driving).

Car Camping is for folks that want to camp right next to their car. This is the only designated area at Pendarvis Farm where tents and cars are mixed.

For more information on camping and services provided on-site we suggest you take a look at info section.

Bored with Portland? Head to the Palouse for Birds on a Wire Festival, March 26-27.

Pickathon — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:23:58 -0600

Justin Townes Earle, Joe Pug, Damien Jurado, Horse Feathers, Laura Gibson, The Maldives, Rocky Votolato, and 20 or so other bands and artists that we slap with our Pickathon stamp of approval.

Here's a bit more about the lt;a href=quot;http://birdsonawirefest.com/quot;gt;Birds on a Wire Festivallt;/agt;, in their own words:

oelig;The Birds on a Wire Festival is part of lt;a href=quot;http://stereopathicmusic.com/quot;gt;Stereopathic Music'slt;/agt; ongoing labor of love to bring great bands to the Palouse. As it happens, a lot of the artists that've come through in the pastquot;artists like Horse Feathers, Laura Gibson, Sera Cahoone (among many others)quot;happen to hail from the Pacific Northwest. As we've worked at this, we've come to a deeper appreciation for the truly great indie folk scene thriving in Portland and Seattle and thereabouts. We're humbly pleased to be a part of that, not least because that kind of musicquot;that slightly off-kilter, adventurous take on folk and country and other roots musicquot;really resonates with us. This music is part of what pleases us to call the Northwest home.

Two day lt;a href=quot;http://birdsonawirefest.com/#buyticketsquot;gt;ticketslt;/agt; are $35, and if you can get 10 friends together there is a group-rate available for $25 apiece in bundles of 10.

So take a trip up the Columbia, see some great music, and get an idea of what else the Northwest has to offer. You'll be glad you did.

Foghorn Stringband and the annual Friday night freakout

Pickathon — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:43:53 -0600

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 from the next four minutes - these folks just love this guy.

Breathe Owl Breathe announce upcoming release, playing in Portland next weekend

Pickathon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:23:34 -0600

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 band returning for the first time since last summer, and it's all happening next week. First they will be on the March 12 Live Wire! 6th Anniversary show at the Aladdin Theater. Then, for those that are smart enough to get tickets in advance (sell out?), they will be at The Woods on March 13.

We'll be there, will you?

T-Model Ford, like an apple hangin' on a tree

Pickathon — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:13:42 -0600

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 tube - T-Model Ford with GravelRoad, Ask Her For Water.

RV Parking sold out, Car Camping getting close

Pickathon — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:32:49 -0600

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.

Last week at the Doug Fir

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:56:26 -0600

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.

Jill Andrews brings it back to Pickathon

Pickathon — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:59:06 -0600

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...

Work Parties Work

Pickathon — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:59:24 -0600

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.

The Deep Dark Woods at the Doug Fir

Pickathon — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:33:49 -0600

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

Pickathon — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:23:19 -0600

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.

Elliott Brood

Pickathon — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:23:28 -0600

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.

The Deep Dark Woods

Pickathon — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:35:51 -0600

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.

Frazey Ford

Pickathon — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:29:37 -0600

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.

Canada

Pickathon — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:09:03 -0600

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 Brood. It will be a good year indeed.

Keep it up Canada, we're counting on you.

Sincerely,

2010 Pickathon

Want to listen to the lineup?

Pickathon — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:23:35 -0600

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.

Kicking things off for 2010 Pickathon

Pickathon — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:21:21 -0600

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.

2010 lineup at first glance

Pickathon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:23:43 -0600

Pickathon is pleased to introduce the first big lineup installment for 2010, with other notable additions to follow over the next few months.

Bonnie Prince Billy The Cairo Gang (Sat, Sun), Heartless Bastards (Fri, Sat), Billy Joe Shaver (Fri), Langhorne Slim (Sat, Sun), Frazey Ford (Sat, Sun), The Cave Singers (Fri, Sat), T-Model Ford (Sat, Sun), Black Prairie (Fri, Sat), These United States (Sat, Sun), Megafaun (Fri, Sat), Richmond Fontaine (Fri, Sat), Michael Hurley (Fri, Sat), Roadside Graves (Sat, Sun), Elliott Brood (Sat, Sun), Stone River Boys (Sat, Sun), Red Stick Ramblers (Fri, Sat), Chatham County Line (Sat, Sun), Cotton Jones (Sat, Sun), Breathe Owl Breathe (Sat, Sun), The Deep Dark Woods (Sat, Sun), Black Lillies (Sat, Sun), Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio (Sat, Sun), Foghorn Stringband (Fri), Captain Bogg Salty (Sun), Martha Scanlan (Fri, Sat), Seth Bernard and May Erlewine (Fri, Sat), Jill Andrews (Sat, Sun), Weinland (Fri, Sat), Sallie Ford (Fri, Sat), Frank Fairfield (Sat, Sun), Water Tower Bucket Boys (Sat, Sun), Town Mountain (Fri, Sat), Woody Pines (Sun).

Known for its forested setting with multiple stages, camping, and hiking trails, Pendarvis Farm provides the perfect retreat. With Pickathon offering the unique opportunity of getting to know artists with multiple sets over multiple days. Together providing a weekend experience unlike anything else that can be found today.
Discount Weekend Tickets are available now and only for a limited time. Don't miss out!

Pre-Sale Tickets end February 8

Pickathon — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:23:17 -0600

As we sit here awaiting for what our buddy Phil will think about the remaining months(?) of winter, one cannot help but feel that summer is right around the corner... Pre-Sale Ticket sales have been ultra encouraging and as we look ahead it has been decided to extend the break in price through to next Monday February 8. That's twice what we originally expected!

Starting Tuesday February 9 we begin 2010 lineup announcements and are really, really looking forward to sharing that news. Weekend tickets starting at that time will be $115.

Go ahead, make Pickathon THE weekend of your year, and make sure to take advantage of these early prices as we are certain that this years Pickathon will undoubtedly be the best one yet.

See you in a week!

Pre-Sale Tickets close to sold out

Pickathon — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:23:51 -0600

Howdy Pickathon Folks!

A quick reminder to all those considering pre-sale 2010 Tickets for this years Pickathon...

Pre-sale 2010 Tickets are now very close to being sold-out, and once gone will next be available at the weekend rate of $115. Car Camping and RV Parking are also both 50% gone.

New this year we are launching the 2010 website in two phases...

Just last week through the Pickathon mailing list we launched the new 2010 stripped down website featuring a limited number of pre-sale 2010 Tickets* as well as an exclusive series of 2010 Pickathon merchandise that won't be available at the festival (designed by the legendary Furturtle Show Prints).

Starting Early February we will begin to roll out the complete 2010 website. This is when we start Lineup announcements and begin the continuous blog of music, info, and videos related to the amazing musicians you have come to expect from Pickathon. You will also start to see regular news to keep you informed on special shows, contests, giveaways, as well as upcoming work parties at Pendarvis Farm.
If you are a busy person still wanting to stay connected then we suggest keeping up to date with all things Pickathon by subscribing to our RSS Pickathon blog feed and signup with our mailing list.
Please make sure to tell your friends and family about the Pre-Sale Tickets* and Exclusive Web-Only Pickathon Merchandise as they will go quickly.
*Availability is limited and we expect to sell out of the run of special early tickets. The next batch of Weekend Tickets is priced at $115 starting early February.*

Here we go again!
2010 Pickathon