When Pickathon was founded nearly two decades ago, it was primarily an Americana and bluegrass music venture. It was also incredibly small; only about 100 people attended the inaugural event. But over the years, the festival has grown exponentially in both size and scope. The event now spans three days, welcomes thousands of concertgoers, and showcases artists from a multitude of genres.

Even though the festival has changed drastically, at its core (and best), Pickathon is an intimate jam session that blurs the boundaries between artist and audience. This performance from Pickathon 2017 personified that experience and hearkened back to its roots. With just a banjo and bass player, Canadian musician Kaia Kater took the Woods Stage and played a beautiful and utterly disarming cover of the Gillian Welch song "Everything Is Free."

Every month this year, opbmusic and NPR Music will present another song recorded live at the Pickathon Woods Stage. These videos are handpicked by opbmusic to showcase some of festival's most exciting performances.

Pickathon turns 20 years old this year and returns on Aug. 3-5, 2018 at Pendarvis Farm just outside Portland, Oregon, with a lineup that features Broken Social Scene, Shakey Graves, Jamila Woods, and Built To Spill.

The Pickathon Woods Series was made possible by support from Klean Kanteen.

SET LIST

  • "Everything Is Free"
Copyright 2018 opbmusic.org. To see more, visit opbmusic.org.

300x250 Ad

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate