By: Ryan Dornfeld
It is a brilliant time to be alive and a’rockin.
That’s my slogan. Now here are Oregon’s slogans of the past fifty years;
Pacific Wonderland (’59-’66)
Things Look Different Here (’87-’03)
We Love Dreamers (’03-present)
Makes the place sound like some sort of fairytale, no? Well, to speak fairly, it is like that. The City of Roses is otherwordly, and it gets a bonus magic juice injection every September when the (pulitzer-winning local rag) Willamette Week brings in a handful of international indie-pendent rockers to compliment a local music scene already overflowing with creative talent.
In Portland, Oregon, the trail-blazed home of the homeless, Musicfest Northwest celebrates the city’s eclecticism. With twenty official indoor and one outdoor venue(s), the primarily indie-rock festival puts the National at the top of their lineup, with hometown heroes The Decemberists leading the march that follows. But while Indie was the centerpiece of the four day(+) festival, most if not all of Portland’s hipper genres were represented.
What follows is a glimpse of this year’s festivities and of the aural and visual possibilities that an audience of one may be able to attain in attending this shebang.
FRACTAL QUINTET
In the swanky Pearl District, the seated crowd at the cozy jazz-dive Jimmy Mak’s huddled over their half-eaten dinners while the night came down and the stages and streets began to fill. Though Libby Roach and crew’s first song of the evening was not the most prolific rendition of “Summertime,” (see: Sachmo or Zombies) the choice felt right. The Jazz quintet had no certain lack of talent individually, but there were no apparent mind-bending abilities. As a team, quirky moments arose between the laid back but sometimes over-exploring jazz riffs, and the audience seemed slightly anxious. It may have been the blistering lineup a half-dozen blocks down Burnside.
FINN RIGGINS / TENDER LOVING EMPIRE SHOWCASE
After finishing their second national tour with the legendary Built to Spill, the Riggins crew returned to the home of their hearty label, the DIY paradise Tender Loving Empire. In only its third year, the Portland friends/label/publisher/printer/consignment store has moved up from it’s modest shotgun-style dwelling at NW 23rd and Lovejoy to more lavish accommodations at SW 12th and Stark. At MusicFest NW they showcased the dancy Boy Eats Drum Machine, Finn Riggins, Portland’s own The Grown Children, Y La Bamba, and also now represent a healthy list of underground indie, often feel-good bands including their biggest national product, Finn Riggins. I’ve actually had the great pleasure of meeting the dynamic Sun Valley, Idaho trio. If you have the chance to see them play, do it. I don’t believe in regrets, but I would if I blew a chance to see the magic that they weave. (Check this link for a sweet 2009 interview)
PURE COUNTRY GOLD
Pure Country Gold isn’t exactly as pure as their name sounds. Well, maybe pure in a different way. It’s like a fun trainwreck of blues, 60s pop rock, grunge, and a smidgin of punk. A packed house at Dante’s bobbed along gaily.
Next up was the famous McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, a truly beautiful venue with a sprung floor. Bobby Bare, Jr. had just finished his set when I ducked in, but my photographer managed to get a snap of him at the bar, ordering a beverage and taking a picture with a fan.
OKKERVIL RIVER
New to me, Okkervil River had some tunes that I found engaging and trancelike, while some fell off slightly. Also, I knew I was missing out on a blast at Man Man, so I figured I would cross the river into East Portland.
THE CAVE SINGERS
Heading toward the Hawthorne district in Portland for Man Man, my wheels of transport passed the legendary Doug Fir Lounge, and Lo! I saw a line around the block, and figured an investigation must be had. Seattle’s The Cave Singers were downstairs, producing a hypnotic and rhythmic beat that is dangerously danceable.
THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
This was very possibly the show of the weekend for me. Clever Sweden native Kristian Matsson, better known as The Tallest Man on Earth wooed and wowed a rowdy crowd, quieting them to a pindrop and pulling them by their strings. He plays with the great confidence of a true poet. The show was enchanting… music incarnate.
With my adrenaline happening and music flowing along the river Downtown, couldn’t decide where to point my vehicle; should I go to the Builders & the Butchers at Berbati’s Pan, the Gories at Dante’s, or Typhoon at the TLE Showcase? Well – I opted for option four, find a nice warm bed.
Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring photos from Saturday acts the Smashing Pumpkins, Menomena, Sleep, NoMeansNo and Sunday’s headliners The Walkmen and The National. Also, wicked-crazy-dance-moves-guy (Hot Shorts!) video.
