With this weeks announcement we’ve certainly had our hands full… Between record ticket sales and the general excitement of the lineup, there is enough mojo lying around to jump start a small city.

It is an honor for us to host two 2011 Grammy recipients – the legendary Mavis Staples, as well as latin/funk supergroup Brownout (who’s alter-ego Grupo Fantasma took home the ‘Best Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album’). Mavis of course was awarded ‘Best Americana Album’ for her Jeff Tweedy produced gem, You Are Not Alone. Congrats to both groups… can’t say we didn’t see it coming.

Praises for the 2011 Pickathon lineup have come in from all corners of the web…

Consequence of Sound goes in depth with what makes Pickathon so special, KEXP emphasizes our importance to the Northwest, HearYa suggests Pickathon as an alternate to Lollapalooza (same weekend), Seattle Weekly concludes Mavis Staples as an interesting pick, and Sound on the Sound gives a nod as early contender for local festival line-up of the year. Brooklyn Vegan points out the inclusion of funk-soul crooner Lee Fields, Portland Mercury’s End Hits goes on about our charm and ‘campfire sing-a-long’ feel, and Willamette Week takes an in depth look at what to expect in 2011. No Depression gives props on our taste making lineups and unique festival setting, Oregonian gives insight on what makes the festival tick, and finally, Paste dishes out the info while also giving a refresher on their 2010 recap provided by Chris Funk (Decemberists, Black Prairie). Whew!

O.K., that’s it for now. Thanks again for the enthusiasm.