Her Unsung History

Musician and illustrator Rachel Frankel sheds light on important musical biographies, setting the stage for a formidable future that’s female. Hear Frankel talk about her book 'She Can Really Lay It Down' when Lit Crawl Portland hosts her at Kickstand Comedy on November 8—free and all ages!
Pickathon: The Rebel Festival

Entering its 17th year, the eco-friendly, volunteer-supported festival on farm and forestlands just east of Portland has become a model for not just sustainability but also top-notch performances by a variety of acts that span genres—all of which is captured and broadcast to the world—while maintaining an intimate, family-friendly environment. This year's fest takes place at Pendarvis Farm from July 31 to August 2. Photos by Miri Stebivka
KMHD: 30 Years of Jazz Radio Against the Odds

Through ups and downs, Portland's own 89.1 FM is among the oldest listener-supported jazz station in the country.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame: Honoring The Past, Building The Future

“The whole message is to recognize Oregon’s musical past, and use that as a vehicle for education to support Oregon’s musical future.” Photo by John Alcala
On The Waterfront

A history of the Waterfront Blues Festival: How a small one-day fest turned the powerful force of music into a benefit to feed the hungry and a blues-fueled good time. Photos by John Alcala
Vortex I: A Strange Oregon Trip

In our very first issue, Matt Love, the resident historian of our namesake festival, wrote about the Biodegradable Festival of Life that drew some 100,000 hippies to McIver Park in August 1970 and away from a scheduled address from President Richard Nixon in Portland. Mark your cal for August 22 and 23 because Vortex2020 returns 50 years after the original!

Features > History

From the unbelievable trip that was Vortex I to stories of festivals, organizations and pillars of the Portland music scene.

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