Portland’s best music festival is back again! This will be year ten for MusicFest Northwest, the city-wide festival sponsored by the Rose City’s alternative weekly paper, Willamette Week. MFNW lets music fans run rampant through the city; all you need is a brightly-colored wristband to get you into shows at the best clubs and venues in all four quadrants of the city. The festival hosts a wide variety of artists, from big-time indie players to regional up-and-comers. There are enough shows over the five evenings of the festival to hit up all your favorite big names and still make time for new discoveries. I unknowingly stumbled upon Local Natives at the festival last year, so my expectations for new discoveries are very high. In addition to the traditional small venues and clubs, MFNW is adding an outdoor venue, Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse square, where indie heavyweights The Decemberists and The National will play with their respective opening acts.
Here’s the lowdown on what not to miss and what’s worth checking out. Get a wristband and take over the town, kids!
DON’T MISS!
Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside – Retro rock ‘n’ roll with a fresh new twist
The Tallest Man On Earth – Classic folk music with a distinctive voice and a dose of Swedish charm
Portland Cello Project – Upbeat originals and fantastic pop covers by a group of local cellists
CHECK OUT
Click here for more info, to buy a wristband, and to see the full schedule!
