Remember we said we sent someone to cover Pickathon 2009, well they finally made it back from Oregon thanks to some car trouble and have a rundown of the highlights for you. Enjoy
Pickathon 2009 July 31st-August 2nd
-Claire Costello and Hayden Harrison
Breathe Owl Breathe – Last Dance
“They oughta give out tape for your face and your ass… and there’s beer!”
By the time Sam Quinn of Sam Quinn and Japan Ten issued his face-and-ass-melt warning on Sunday afternoon, it was too late for most of the crowd. Having been subjected to the blazing sun, swirling dust, and the constant sound, sight, and spectacle of Pendarvis farm in all it’s crowded glory for the 11th annual Pickathon festival, our faces had sufficiently melted. While the attending crowd more than doubled from last year, at around 3,000 guests the festival maintains its small and comfortable feel with stages ranging from tiny barns and forest enclosures to the typical stage set. We were instantly cued to this intimate feel when the driver of our “camp shuttle” (actually a John Deere) introduced himself as Eric Schoenborn, brother of Pickathon founder Zale Schoenborn.
Pickathon is appropriately dubbed an “indie roots” festival, as it stays close to its Americana, folk, and bluegrass influences. This is not to say, however, that the festival was limited by its foundations; we saw performances ranging from the rocking, moshing commotion of Hillstomp to the somber melodies of Alela Diane. Pickathon’s crew members, while never betraying it through their easy smiles, had to have been working constantly throughout the weekend to ensure that the sound quality stayed as solid as it did. Perhaps the most brilliant brainchild of Pickathon’s promoters was the double-booking of most of the artists who played, allowing the bands to showcase new material to new crowds throughout the weekend.
Review after the Jump
Although we didn’t sit down to a bad set, some standouts included:
John Doe’s first appearance was a rowdy main-stage performance backed by the Sadies. We were surprised to learn the howling country-rock show was put on by the very same John Doe who founded punk band X in the 1970’s. He channeled the same energy level into his rousing set of both classic covers and originals. Slide guitars wailed, stand-up basses thumped, and tambourines rattled throughout the show as the audience grooved along.
How the promoters could have guessed the mild-mannered members of Breathe Owl Breathe would create festival-closing, standing ovation material is unknown, yet they brought the entire crowd to their feet at all three of their shows over the weekend. Frontman Micah Middaugh and cellist Andréa Moreno-Beals harmonized their way through the songs of their latest album, Ghost Glacier, prompting the audience to join in with hoots and strategically-placed bird calls. All sporting matching capes, the band created a funny and friendly atmosphere with their light-hearted word plays and gentle, flowing instrumentation.
Hear Breathe Owl Breathe’s song “Last Dance”: [insert attachment]
The Freight Hoppers were the clear bluegrass standout of the festival. Playing in the sweaty and small Workshop Barn, these North Carolina boys used traditional instrumentation of banjo, stand-up bass, guitar, and fiddle. Their show was concise and they played tight; the format of the Workshop Barn involves question-and-answer with the crowd, which they used to explain their influences and voiced their approval of the excitable crowd and festival as a whole. The only thing that could have improved their set at all is square footage in which to dance.
Stepping onto the stage, Diane began by saying in a small voice, “Um, hi everyone… I’m so happy to be here!” Literally hours before Diane and her band consisting of her father on guitar and best friend as back-up vocalist, had arrived in the airport fresh from the European leg of her world-wide tour. In fact, her drummer was M.I.A.- his plane had been delayed, leaving us to wonder what could have been with another band member. The set went well regardless, and Alela Diane hushed the crowd with her quiet crooning. Her second album, To Be Still, was released in February 2009 and outlines heartbreak and regret, told as sweetly as loss can be, a feat possible only because of her melodious vocal style, reminiscent of Marissa Nadler’s.
Hillstomp attracted easily the rowdiest crowd of the weekend and egged them on with shouted lyrics and frantic beats. Aptly-named drummer Lord Johnny Buckets used every ounce of energy he had to pound a rhythm out of 3.5 gallon buckets and plenty of cymbals. Hillstomp takes a funk-rock aggression to their blues-influenced songs, and guitarist Henry Christian’s vocals reminded us of an early 90’s Chili Peppers. They put on a rousing and fun show for their hometown of Portland, and the crowd seemed genuinely pleased to have them there.
The mellow folk-rock of Vetiver blended in perfectly with the overall feel of Pickathon. Their popularity was reflected in the large crowd that gathered to see both of their shows that we attended. Andy Cabic’s impressive vocals proved to be a strong centerpiece for the music, complimented well by the fullness of the instrumentation. Their relaxing music was a perfect time in the day to sit down and take a rest.
We left Pickathon with Oregon Love pins displayed proudly on our chests, endlessly impressed with the musical variety and amiable atmosphere. The festival feel was open and engaging; more than once we began conversations with the people sitting and camping next to us, all happy to share the experience and stories with you. Even when the stages were closed, music continued through the campgrounds as campers picked up their own instruments and began to jam. The festival went along without a hitch, and we’re happy to report that our only true regret was missing the only all-pirate rock band to perform over the three days, Captain Bogg & Salty. Pickathon is maturing into an excellent festival, and the commitment and dedication of its founders shines along with the music. We can’t wait to return next year.
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