The Music Festivals of Portland, Oregon: Music in the City

If you are musically inclined, or have a desire to find a few pleasant notes to bend your ear this summer, then take a listen at one of the many annual music festivals and concerts that call Portland home.

BandFest
When: June 5^th
Where: PGE Park
Admission: $10 Pre-purchased tickets (www.ticketmaster.com), or $13 at the gate.
What it is: BandFest is a new event tied to the Portland Rose Festival. Showcasing the One More Time Around Again Marching Band, it promises to be an event where horn and drum, flute and whistle join in a harmony celebrating the annual Rose Festival. If you love the big-band sound, this is going to be a concert worth sitting in on as it brings together band members from around the globe to create a winning sound.
For more information go to: www.rosefestival.org

Waterfront Blues Festival
When: July 2^nd-5^th
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Admission: A suggested donation of $10 and 2 cans of food per person at the gate.
What it is: Billed as the largest Blues festival west of the Mississippi, the Waterfront Blues Festival is celebrating its 22^nd year in Portland. With more than 60 shows going on over the course of four days, this is the place to be if you are a lover of all things Blues. This event is great for all members of the family as it is a combination of outstanding local and national music, food and shopping. This year the Waterfront Blues Festival is helping to raise funds for the Oregon Food Bank; so fans won't only be blessed with an entertaining weekend, but they will be able to give back to the community as well.
For more information go to: www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

Portland International Piano Festival
When: July 12^th-19^th
Where: World Forestry Center
Admission: TBA. Tickets are available after May 15^th at www.ticketmaster.com
What it is: A collection of recitals, classes and films, this event centers around the beauty and diversity of the piano. Centered in the serenity of the World Forestry Center, attendees will be able to enjoy compositions played by 10 renowned pianists over the course of this eight day event.
For more information go to: www.portlandpiano.org/festival

Pickathon Indie Roots Music Festival
When: July 31^st-August 2^nd
Where: Pendarvis Farm (Boring, Oregon)
Admission: Gate admission TBA, early-bird tickets and weekend passes available at www.pickathon.com
What it is: An Indie Roots Music festival boasting more than 35 bands on 6 stages in a unique "green" concert format. Come for one day or stay for the weekend at available camp and lodging sites nearby, and enjoy the sounds of Indie Roots as well as learning about the meshing of entertainment with sustainability. Guests are invited to bring along their own favorite instrument for impromptu picking around the grounds between shows, as well as enjoy the bands on the performance schedule.
For more information go to: www.pickathon.com

MusicfestNW
When: September 16^th - 19^th
Where: A collection of venues all over the city. A guide to performance venues and times TBA.
Admission: Wristbands allowing access to all venues to be sold via www.ticketswest.com later this summer.
What it is: A showcase of underground musicians, this is a multi-venue event that brings out the best in Portland's independent music scene. Hop from concert to concert and enjoy the beauty of the city while absorbing the raw and untapped musical talent of local artists. For more information go to: www.musicvestnw.com