Music Blog

Parting is such sweet sorrow, Pickathon. The 11th annual indie-roots festival came to a head Sunday with several highlights to linger with us over the next few months. Dale Watson brought old-school honky tonk class straight outta Austin, and gets bonus points for playing both "Eastbound and Down," and "Just a Good Ol' Boy," during his late night set on our stage in the Galaxy Barn. The Deep Dark Woods introduced themselves to Oregon as a competent and catchy Canadian act, carrying on the mantle of Neil Young & Crazy Horse. Blitzen Trapper showed their own Crazy Horse leanings with a dynamic performance to close out the main stage in front of an enthusiastic crowd. In case you were wondering, all members were present and accounted for well ahead of showtime this go around. Breathe Owl Breathe, meanwhile, proved an excellent cool down and nightcap on the aptly-named Starlight stage. The Michigan-based trio had a lot of people talking throughout the weekend, and seemed to be one of the more popular acts of the festival.

What can we take away? With attendance up 25% this year and Pickathon enjoying increasing visibility and attention on regional and national levels, it's not a stretch to imagine crowds doubling (or more) in size and soon. With the slight shift this year to include acts like Dr. Dog, Blitzen Trapper and Thao, it'll be interesting to see where the festival's organizers go from here. We'll be waiting with bated breath. Until next year, then!

Jaymay

Vetiver

Dale Watson

Alvin Youngblood Hart


Blitzen Trapper

The Deep Dark Woods

Breathe Owl Breathe

See the entire set from the final day here.

Tagged: Pickathon 2009