Pickathon founder Zale Schoenborn (left) behind the scenes: Photo Miri Stebivka"The vibe is really ridiculous," says Pickathon's founder Zale Schoenborn. "If you come there and you don’t have a lot of life responsibilities, you become convinced after being there for a day or two, 'Oh yeah, this is how life society should work.' It's a beautiful thing."
In its 18th year, the Oregon festival continues to be a model for sustainability and a beacon for top-tier national and local talent. I sat down with Schoenborn to get the scoop on Pickathon's history, future and what to expect this year.
Ty Segall on the Woods Stage in 2015: Photo by Drew BandyTaking place from August 4 to 7 at its home on Pendarvis Farm outside of Portland, this year features such acts as Adia Victoria, Blossom (an EYRST artist featured in this episode), Ty Segall (watch a video from his 2013 performance below), Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Wolf Parade, Yo La Tengo and many more.
"It’s kind of as simple as: Pick the most amazing music on the planet and just damn the torpedos—like if it doesn’t draw, it’s still amazing," Schoenborn says of the festival's booking philosophy.
