LineupThe big 2011 Pickathon thank you and year-end review By Pickathon . 2011-08-18 . (66) comments
Thank you Pickathon patrons, supporters and volunteers.
The Pendarvis Farm is settling down now, returning to the mostly wild landscape in which it will stay until next summer.
Pickathon 2011 was a rousing success with artists, audience, and press weighing in with their own personalized feedback.
Here is a partial sampling of what we’ve heard so far:
Grist, Tiny Mixed Tapes, Melophobe, Oregonian, Willamette Week, and Saving Country Music. Plus loads of kudos being broadcast over Twitter from many of the artists - Ray Wylie Hubbard, Fruit Bats, Black Mountain, Strand Of Oaks, Future Islands, Damien Jurado, and many-many more.
Before we ask for your feedback we wanted to give you our vision for where we plan to go in the future.
Pickathon will always be a festival centered on the most amazing array of bands we can put together. Our musical mix is quite different and broader than many festivals and we appreciate that the music lover in you looks forward to seeing some of your favorite artists while being open to new experiences.
Pickathon would not be Pickathon without all of the other countless elements that make up the incredible experience surrounding the music at Pendarvis Farm. Many of these elements are unique to Pickathon.
As we look to the future on how to keep things special, one word comes to mind:
Sustainability.
Pickathon thinks of sustainability as the balance between many components: environmental impacts, audience comfort, artistic beauty, land stewardship, and fair compensation for a dedicated community who works year round to make Pickathon happen.
The end goal is for Pickathon to become something that will last for at least a generation to come.
The good news is we are getting closer to this goal.
How close?
Our master plan is to take our time and grow over the next two years to reach a peak capacity that will be only around 30% over the 2011 attendance, and then cap it for a long time to come.
We limit the growth each year based on the land and infrastructure improvements we make in the off-season (and there will definitely be some solid new improvements coming in 2012!).
Our vision is to do all of this without overt corporate sponsorship or monetization of basic needs such as water and camping; and allowing for people to make personal choices in as many areas as possible (transportation costs, food options, single use utensils, etc).
So, now it is time for you to tell us how we did and whether we are on the right track for reaching our goals towards long term sustainability.
Feel free to comment on anything you liked, disliked, band suggestions, commentary, stories, and ideas you would like to see in the future and we will do our best to make it all come together for an even better 2012 Pickathon.
Looking forward to next year!
Pickathon Staff
Newer >>
Reasons for reusable: less waste, less waste, less waste << Older:
Pickathon tickets are now only available at the gate
The Pendarvis Farm is settling down now, returning to the mostly wild landscape in which it will stay until next summer.
Pickathon 2011 was a rousing success with artists, audience, and press weighing in with their own personalized feedback.
Here is a partial sampling of what we’ve heard so far:
Grist, Tiny Mixed Tapes, Melophobe, Oregonian, Willamette Week, and Saving Country Music. Plus loads of kudos being broadcast over Twitter from many of the artists - Ray Wylie Hubbard, Fruit Bats, Black Mountain, Strand Of Oaks, Future Islands, Damien Jurado, and many-many more.
Before we ask for your feedback we wanted to give you our vision for where we plan to go in the future.
Pickathon will always be a festival centered on the most amazing array of bands we can put together. Our musical mix is quite different and broader than many festivals and we appreciate that the music lover in you looks forward to seeing some of your favorite artists while being open to new experiences.
Pickathon would not be Pickathon without all of the other countless elements that make up the incredible experience surrounding the music at Pendarvis Farm. Many of these elements are unique to Pickathon.
As we look to the future on how to keep things special, one word comes to mind:
Sustainability.
Pickathon thinks of sustainability as the balance between many components: environmental impacts, audience comfort, artistic beauty, land stewardship, and fair compensation for a dedicated community who works year round to make Pickathon happen.
The end goal is for Pickathon to become something that will last for at least a generation to come.
The good news is we are getting closer to this goal.
How close?
Our master plan is to take our time and grow over the next two years to reach a peak capacity that will be only around 30% over the 2011 attendance, and then cap it for a long time to come.
We limit the growth each year based on the land and infrastructure improvements we make in the off-season (and there will definitely be some solid new improvements coming in 2012!).
Our vision is to do all of this without overt corporate sponsorship or monetization of basic needs such as water and camping; and allowing for people to make personal choices in as many areas as possible (transportation costs, food options, single use utensils, etc).
So, now it is time for you to tell us how we did and whether we are on the right track for reaching our goals towards long term sustainability.
Feel free to comment on anything you liked, disliked, band suggestions, commentary, stories, and ideas you would like to see in the future and we will do our best to make it all come together for an even better 2012 Pickathon.
Looking forward to next year!
Pickathon Staff
Photo:
Newer >>
Reasons for reusable: less waste, less waste, less waste << Older:
Pickathon tickets are now only available at the gate
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2012-02-01 00:21:40
Hope this isn't to late and folks are still checking these comments. Just wanted to make one more artist suggestion. First Aid Kit. Sister folk vocal harmony duo from Sweden. Wow, I just discovered them and the first thing I thought was that they would be perfect for Pickathon. An afternoon set from them on the woods stage would be magical!
2012-01-07 17:06:59
I'm a little late to the comment party, but I hope you are still reading these. 2011 was my 5th Pickathon and it is still the thing I most look forward to every year. I just wanted to chime in on the main stage blanket issue, which was my only point of irritation this year. Out of politeness or meekness or whatever, I was not comfortable using someone else's empty blanket, so my girlfriend and I would find the tiny spaces in between empty blankets to sit to see our favorite shows. And some of the empty blankets stayed empty for hours. This is unfair to the fans and I would assume pretty dissappointing to the bands who have to play to a crowd of empty blankets. Clearing them out at the end of the day would not clear up the problem during the day. The Telluride option is workable, but I don't like the idea of getting kicked off your space in the middle of a show when the blanket owner finally showed up. My idea: The Fan Blanket. Get a bunch of blankets from Goodwill, sew them together, and cover an area in front of the main stage and make this a "no saved spaces" area. If there is a spot on the fan blanket, it is open. You wouldn't need any signs or fences or anything else that would uglify the area - it would look the same. As an added bonus, it would reduce the amount of dirt getting kicked up into the air. Just a thought. Looking forward to 2012!
2011-11-18 11:55:57
Alabama Shakes...please, :-)
2011-10-29 13:49:04
loved loved loved pokey lafarge, black lillies, the wilders, whitey morgan, lc ulmar, marvis staples, lee fields, truckstop darlin, calahen morrison and eli west, groupo fantasma! please bring em back!!! future requests...Sarah jaroz, justin towns earle, hillstomp, middle brother, Caleb clauder , aloe blacc, raphael saadiq, black joe lewis.
2011-10-15 01:14:20
I'd like to add to others comments about how the music has changed. There seemed to be a big shift in music this year. I've loved being exposed to new music but this years music was much harder than others and much too loud. We'd love to see it shift back to what it was 3-5 years ago.
2011-10-13 20:38:56
I'd like to add Peggy Sue and the Pictures to the list for next year
2011-10-13 11:18:13
Martin Sexton would be a good addition.
2011-10-03 14:39:54
Thought I would add a post about the music if anyone is still reading these. I loved the comment about new takes on old-timey music. That's what Jerry Garcia did so well. That's what really got me to Pickathon in the first place and what I come back for. My favorite past Pickathon bands that I think really exemplify this include, The Avett Brothers, Langhorne Slim, Crooked Still, Trampled by Turtles, The Gourds, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Hillstomp, Justin Townes Earl, Joe Pug, Elliot Brood, The Be Good Tanyas, Pokey Lafarge, The Deep Dark Woods and Charlie Parr. I'd love to see any of them back. Some suggestions for the future include The Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Felice Brothers, Mason Jennings, Blind Pilot, Larry and His Flask (from Bend), The Caleb Klauder Band (I know he's been before in Foghorn), The Head and the Heart, and local band The Jackalope Saints. For a wishful thinking/headliners list how about Iron and Wine, Ryan Adams, John Prine, Josh Ritter, Old Crow Medicine Show and Neko Case. And if you have to have a hard rocker how about Mike Ness/Social Distortion. He's got a devoted following and likes to throw in an old folk song or Dylan cover once in a while. So I heard a lot of great music this year but I'm hoping you all focus a little more on the American roots type stuff that brought everyone in the first place. I also like the idea of a second woods stage way back in there with some local acts and open mic time. Thanks for another awesome year.
2011-09-30 10:24:57
hermann@lclark.ed
Another great year, Thanks Pickathon & Pendarvis Farm! The repeated critical comments posted are on target. However, we'll be back for another wonderful weekend of music, camping, Circus Cascadia, and friends. Keep bringing in new talent to Pickathon without forgetting those artists who have made Pickathon what is it!
2011-09-28 17:54:56
Another great year in the books. In 2010 I said it felt different but the crowd this year was way huge. It's not the same fest but it's still a mighty good time! Congrats for pulling off the use of reusable dishware for food service, that's a huge accomplishment.Looking forward to more boot-stomping bluegrass next year.
2011-09-22 12:47:19
This was my 6th year at pickathon and each year I bought my tickets before the bands were released. That being said, If pickathon continues down the road it's on (this was by far the worst year for music, not even close) I won't be buying a ticket next year. I hope it get's back to what it used to be, music-wise. We spent more time at our tents than watching performances. I honestly don't have a clue how anyone thought this was the right direction to go musically. I hope you get back to the basics so you get the repeat customers you want. The same ones that make the environment so great. Or you'll end up with a much different, much bigger, much ruder, less fun crowd.
2011-09-16 10:17:22
I too was disappointed with the crowd size, but that wont keep me from going again next year. This was year 6 for me. If I dont go I know I will miss the hell out of a still great music fest. All the bands are my favorites, but the surprise favs were: SUNDAY VALLEY, Old Light, Whitey Morgan, Bring them back! The highlight was seeing Lightning Dust at the Starlight stage. Can you bring Deer Tick next year? And I would love to see Calexico if you can arrange that. I can't wait to see what Pickathon brings next year! oh and I would rather try to squeeze into the barn than have no barn at all...just saying! :)
2011-09-12 22:16:52
jp_reece@yahoo.com
This was the third year my family and I attended Pickathon and we had a great time! Elliot Brood on the Woods Stage, Fruit Bats (also on the Woods Stage), Richard Swift in the Barn, The Wilders and Old Light were highlights. Personally, one of my favorite moments was Bruce Molsky in the Barn. You guys run a terrific, amazingly conscientious and super fun show. As always, my kids had an absolute blast with Circus Cascadia! My only problem is this: because we had a difficult time finding a camping spot last year, we paid extra to get in Thursday and made sure we would be there at 4:00, which was when we were told the gates would open. Instead, they opened early. And even after getting there at 4:00, many spots were taken. That was irritating. You should stick to the announced gate times.
2011-09-08 10:13:51
I haven't commented before because I couldn't find the words to express the impact that this, my first Pickathon,has had on me. I still can't really. I have no memories of Pickathons past to compare this year to so I have nothing but wonderful feelings about my experience. After reading some of the comments however, I'm worried that when I return next year the magic will be diminished. Please don't let that happen. Grow if you must but don't lose sight of what makes this festival so special. Also, I LOVE the last comment I read about adding a new small stage for open mic! What a great way to extend that sense of community and connection amongst festival goers! My wish list for next year would be to see Mike & Ruthy again along with my favorite, and also a local act, Blind Pilot. I would die to see Iron & Wine out in the woods but that is maybe asking a little too much? Until next year....
2011-09-07 13:23:55
Not sure if you are still reading these...but it occurred to me after reading everyone's comments and thinking on my own feelings that perhaps adding another stage...a small stage intended for open mic, group jamming, etc. in the NEW camping area would help. It would give those who are amateur musicians a chance to recapture some of what Pickathon has meant to them in the past. And it would give all folks in general a reason to want to hike up into that area to camp. Maybe you could also throw up something simple like a hot dog stand? Since the Woods Stage "grew up" this year...seems like maybe a brand new baby stage is in order.
2011-09-07 11:46:16
inthegorge@gmail.com
This was our first Pickathon and we seriously loved it! It was our 4th music fest of the season and to us it was not at all crowded except to get into the barns to see shows. They are just too small to accommodate everyone that wants to see the great acts that play there. Having a set there and a set at a bigger stage really helps though and I think there were only a couple of bands we did not get to see that we wanted to. We do have the same complaint about early entry on Thursday when it was difficult to find a nice camping spot and it seems sort of a bummer to pay extra to still not be able to get a good spot. We will return however and I hope to join in a few of the volunteer opportunities for work crews and maybe we can have a better picture of where to camp next year. We go to Coachella, Sasquatch and Bonnaroo and I have to say my favorite music fest of the year was definitely Pickathon!!
2011-09-03 17:35:41
iswilso@gmail.com
Pickathon is getting downright too big. It made me sad this year. I spent more time with dear friends in camp that have made Pickathon a tradition than I did actually seeking out music. It just felt like too much work to be in the barn or even at the woods stage, and forget the workshop barn. Also sad that this comment won't likely change anything, as the agenda sounds pretty set. Nonetheless, I love pickathon for what it has been, and even what it is, as the same dear friends gather each year for this special weekend. I do fear what it will be. I support the prior comment about raising ticket prices to keep it special. And agree that 2009 felt amazing, 2010 felt different, and this year a little piece of my pickathon heart was broken. Nonetheless, thank you for your work and for hearing us all out. with hope, ian
2011-08-31 16:38:01
amazingflyingsky@hotmail.com
This was my first Pickathon. I had a really good time and will probably return, but it was not what I expected. Somehow the name "Pickathon" conjured up a big jam session where I could stroll around with my accordion strapped to my chest and chime in at campfires and drum circles. When I got there I realized it was not that way at all. Although there were a few jams up in the woods they felt private and impenetrable. This event was largely about listening to music, not making it. Maybe Slab Creek is closer to what I am looking for, (or Burning Man, but I think I'm getting too old for that). So the accordion stayed in the tent except for a few short morning serenades, and instead I enjoyed a wonderful array of live music at a friendly and well organized event. A couple of things I will do different next time. I will come early, maybe even Thursday night and set up my tent on a LEVEL patch of ground not so far up in the forest. I will bring something to sit on and some kind of folding table to eat off of. And I will bring some more friends to help me set up and break camp. I can think of about 100 bands or musicians I would like to see at future pickathons.To whom would be the best person to make these suggestions?
2011-08-30 12:31:09
So much is good with this festival and I love it. A few things I noted this year because what you are looking for is the good and bad right? 1) Even with early entry camping it was damn difficult to find a good spot...I really think that is where this festival may get usually good mannered folks riled up. Folks got to get a good nights sleep...and it's hard to do that in a ditch with hornets or on a 30 degree hill. If I pay $110 bucks to get in early and get a good spot...there should be one to be had. I think you need to work on leveling 10x10 spots. The new camping you opened up I'm sure was brilliant...buthonestly some of it is too far away. Hiking your stuff up a hill is hard enough without having to take it even further away and uphill. Loved seeing the ADA camping area...but it was way too big and was sad to see it near empty most of the time when folks were looking for someplace...anyplace to camp. That said...Pickathon is a beautiful place to camp and even with challenges we still love it. 2) I personally love Violetta's food...but I thought they kept spotty hours. More money for the other vendors I guess...but all vendors should be required to keep all festival hours as promised. Not to pick on Violetta alone...it was just something I noticed. I think I noticed the Grove closed on evening early and wondered why too. 3) Some food vendors did not offer all food items as advertised...was really looking forward to the corn on the cob...but alas...none. That said, food at Pickathon is always far superior to any other festival out there. 4) I have pretty much given up on seeing anything in the barn...too tight...too hot for me. But I am heartened to hear you have some plans for improving that situation. Anyway...it seems to me to be just a few growing pains. I love the festival, the music, the thoughful amenities, sustainability...and all the wonderful folks who both manage and attend it.
2011-08-28 16:41:00
Yeah, as a long time Pickathoner who remembers Horning's Hideout, it was a drag to see Pickathon's character change so notably in 2011. More folks, obvioulsy, and the campsite issues already mentioned, were bummers. Damn hard to find a nice campsite in the woods if you arrived on Friday at noon. That said, by and large Pickathon planners and volunteers handled the logistics of increased attendance admirably. The GoBox system worked beautifully, and the food vendors were first rate. Great moments included Strand of Oaks on the Woods Stage, Buffalo Killers in the Galaxy Barn, and Damien Jurado on the Starlight Stage. And every meal from Pine State Biscuits and Violetta. For next year: Matt Bauer. Do you hear me? Matt Bauer. Don't make me say it again.
2011-08-27 15:16:54
Hi! We sure had a great Pickathon this year! Thanks to y'all for coming! It wouldn't be a party if you weren't here! The camping was left very very clean. We are thrilled with the response to the cups and containers. Everyone was really nice. Many thanks for your respect for Pendarvia. Since Pickathon, we have enlarged the south deck of the Workshop barn, and added stairs, and added a deck on the north side. We are working on other ways to increase capacity in the barns while keeping it sustainable for the Farm. While this is mostly for Pickathon, we feel these improvements will also be nice for the weddings and other private events that we host. We can dream all day long about rebuilding our barns completely, but for now small changes are all we are able to do, with innovative ideas about projection and occupancy. Thank you for your love and support. We believe Pickathon can happen here without anything being lost/un-recovered. Trust builds Community. We want everybody who comes to our place to feel cared for and free from worry about losing anything or, heaven forbid, anything ever being stolen. We really want it to be a completely bliss out time. If thieves are here, how can we farm folk relax with everything of ours all over the place? I'm so glad that my favorite hat has never gone missing, when I leave it everywhere all the time. We will continue to spread the word that finders keepers is not how we operate here. If you find it, it goes to the Lost and Found. If it is not yours, you don't take it from the Lost and Found. Even a cup or a hair clip. Or the dollar bill I always put on the bulletin board (next year I'm going to write on the back of it, shame on whoever took it this year!). We hang on to the lost and found until the next year. We then put it northwest of the Gallery/workshop barn. If it is yours, take it back. On Sunday, it is Pay what you think it is worth rummage sale. All procedes go to the Farm. Thanks to you, we made 37 bucks this Pickathon from the Trust Rummage Sale and we took ourselves out to Mexican food at the nearest strip mall! While we don't get out much from the Farm, we have attended Strawberry Music Festival in Yosemite back in the '90s, which was a grand inspiration for our hosting of Pickathon. We feel there are some methods there that may be adapted to our way here. We are aware that our land is sloping. We apologize for the inconvenience. We break lots of shovels, hence the name of that famous trail. Pickathon is once a year, and we recognize the need for more flat spots for that. Transplanting and leveling areas is best done in off season at our Pickathon work parties. We feel it is important to take great care to keep our property as natural as possible. Most of our land has been pretty much un-trampled by humans from forever before Pickathon at Pendarvia, and you, our friends, are the first people to camp in the many ways you do, as far as history in our area can tell. Rocks from the Missouri Floods are just as time left them, unless they recently got moved. Transplanting ferns and salal and other native plants when making flat camp sites is successful in rainy season. If you come to our work parties you have an opportunity to work with us in our goal of keeping it pristine and comfortable for wild critters, while making lots of kick ass spots to camp. You'll know where you would love to set up your tent, and make 10 more, while being in forest that is not available to the public. You probably noticed pink or orange string and boundary signs this year for our festival limits. We hope to have work party help to create natural material fencing, like around the Wood Stage along the festival boundary. Much prettier than the string, n'est-ce pas? To become involved in the work parties, send inquiries info@pickathon, or check it out on facebook. Thanks again for the great party!
2011-08-26 07:48:50
We love, love, love Pickathon: the variety of music, the sustainable practices, the awesome food, the friendly people. A few suggestions: 1) At Telluride Bluegrass, the known policy is that if a blanket is unoccupied, anyone is welcome to sit on it until the owners come back. Good policy for Pickathon to encourage and announce. 2) Please don't add more people, please. 3) I love the natural setting and I love sleeping outside, but I didn't love the dearth of camping spaces that were actually usable. We slept on a slope, with fern bumps, and about 6 x6 feet of space. Please provide shovels for us to clear out flat spots - more space is helpful only if it is usable. Overall, though - PICKATHON ROCKS. Thank you for the care and passion you put into it.
2011-08-25 16:53:00
The idea that the goal is to raise attendance by another 30% is so painful to me. I know I'm probably being selfish, but I've been Pickathoning since 2005 and this is the very first year that I came home disappointed. So many more people than in the past. So much more trouble wedging your tent in a good spot. And frankly, I can see rock bands just about anywhere. More picking, please! I love your desire to keep things diverse but that core of new-takes-on-old-timey music is what I really come for. And all of the relatively few bands I saw doing that this year had more passionate, happy people clustered by the stage to hear them. Like I said, I know I'm selfishly focusing on what makes ME happy! And of course the Pickathon planners and crew need to make money. Just wish we could make that happen without losing part of what made Pickathon so great and so special in the past.
2011-08-24 18:15:40
Good luck finding a substitute to fill your Pickathon void. Sure, you can find smaller festivals - but rare to discover another that cares about every detail as much as Pickathon.
2011-08-24 14:45:17
travelinlightphoto@hotmail.com
I know I'm echoing what a lot have people have said already....BUT.....Too many people this year. We've been coming to Pickathon (our FAVE festival, up until this year) for 7 years running. And, when you post that "Gates will be open @ 4:00 on Thursday".....stick to that.....we paid extra scrittle to get a decent spot in car camping, we were there @ 3:30....we got the last spot in that whole lot.....bummer. Adding 30% over the next 2 years....no way, don't do it....cap it now, raise the price if you have to. Don't know what you can do about the barn.....make it bigger perhaps....this was the 1st year I was NOT able to catch 1 single band in the barn and was pretty bummed about it. we are looking for other festivals now that are like what you used to be.....sorry, we (and the other 30 of us) probably won't be back....you guys have had a great run and do A LOT of things right....growing pains hurt......less people please, you were more than maxed out....I won't even talk about no T.P.& weekend long blanket spots....please convince us to come back.
2011-08-23 20:19:06
Thank you PICKATHON! I came from Japan for the first time and I really enjoyed :) This was the best air I have ever breathed. I really loved woods stage, beautiful location, utensils and beer cup, delicious food, and of course good music! I was deeply-moved by Bill Callahan, and wish he could be there next year. Vetiver and Breathe Owl Breathe I also want to see again. and more request : Phosphorescent, Jens Lekman, The Tallest Man On Earth, Jay Farrar, Iron and Wine, Woods, Papercuts, Justin Townes Earle, Calvin Johnson, Little Wings, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy... Thanks again for the great time! I hope to come back next year.
2011-08-22 15:11:43
gurltech@eoni.com
This was my second fantastic year at Pickathon. Music highlights: CHARLIE PARR. I made it to every set and wished there were more. Loved Mike + Ruthy. Loved Wye Oak in the barn - perfect time and venue for them as was Lee Fields directly following. Mavis in the barn was fantastic even though it was tough work getting in and apparently tougher on the collapsed deck outside. Grupo Fantasma was fantastic. Loved LC Ulmer, Strand of Oaks and Richard Swift. Loved the mix of music this year. The crowd size did impact the shows I saw at the barn. I would gladly brave more sets there if the stage was a bit higher. I echo the desire to clear blankets at the end of the night. Camping on the back 40 loop was very nearly private; not many folks way up there. I was absolutely happy with the water, dishes, cups and honeybuckets!
2011-08-22 02:38:39
Pickathon was, is and I have no doubt will continue to be PHENOMINAL! It is most definitely the greatest music festival around right now. I grew up about 15 mins. away from the site of the Philadelphia Folk Festival (celebrating 50 years this year!!) and always considered that my fest. I now feel the same way about Pickathon. To everyone complaining about the crowd size I suggest that they attend Sasquatch or Bonnaroo or any of the other major summer fests. Pickathon is a tiny little gem in comparison. While, yes, it will never be the small fest it once was, I think the growth has been managed quite well. Without the larger ticket sales you wouldn’t be able to draw artists like Mavis Staples. I’ll take that trade any day. Highlights for me this year: The late night Califone experimental set. When I realized they were going to just improvise for their entire set I kind of freaked out (in a good way). Lee Fields knocked my socks off. Charlie Parr was most definitely my favorite discovery of the weekend. Suggestions for next year: Maybe have an abbreviated music schedule Thursday night for the folks coming out early? Bands I’d most like to see: Akron/Family and Calexico would both be perfect! Also keep bringing off the radar artists like Frank Fairfield, Charlie Parr, LC Ulmer and others of that caliber. On Sunday I ran into 2 different friends who had come out for the day. They had both never been to Pickathon before and after not even half a day they were each vowing to come back next year and do the whole thing. Thank you to everyone who helps make Pickathon what it is. I love just about everything about it. I’m already counting down the days until next year!!
2011-08-21 22:03:59
Hmmmm. Well, I did myself notice that it seemed alot more 'crowded' than last year. I mean last year I got there on the Thursday ahead of the fest and only a few people were there. Mostly workers and volunteers. That was alot of fun! It was still so mellow, then. But then Pickathon Fest IS mellow! Tends to be, especially if you compare to big, super produced festivals like LiveNation ones. This year, I was rather shocked arriving again on the Thursday, by the amount of people already set up in their campsites. I actually couldn't believe it! But, then I guess 'things' were different this year. That way. I was lucky. I still found a nice, little camp spot oh so close to everything! I actually had a much better campsite this year than last and slept much better. Even tho close to tons of families and children and the wonderful (my fave campsite area) brew crew campsite. But, I can imagine that for some people that might've been a bit unsettling. Even when I walked up to the Woods stage, I couldn't believe how many people were already camping that day. (Hence the joke "Wednesday is now the Thursday for Pickathon - if you wanna come early and get a good site.") Anyways, my faves and highlights were: Elliot Brood at the Woods stage on Friday evening, LC Ulmer late that afternoon, Ages and Ages on the main stage even earlier, The Fruit Bats on the main stage - Saturday afternoon, especially when they did that rad and moving Beatles cover song!, Califone a bit later on that stage, (tho I admit that when I heard their set late one night - was it Thursday? I thought it was weird, recorded music and wondered what the h was going on as I was in deep sleep and thought it was very, very late), Lee Fields and the Expressions, also main stage (loved it! how could you not!), then Elliot Brood again, then off to the Barn for the most fab set of music by The Sadies and then Black Mountain (best set ever seen of them and I've seen em millions of times. well almost), Sonny and the Sunsets in the Galaxie Barn on Sunday evening, Sunday Valley before that, Pine Leaf Boys at Woods Stage.....kindof liked the Buffalo Killers, loved hearing Pokey La Farge from my tent one night (heard em alot in BC, before...), also loved hearing Damien Jurardo's set and Lightning Dust's beautiful set also from my tent, Sunday night.... There were still tons of people and music I missed but what can ya do! Laura Veirs sounded great and would've liked to have heard more of her music (but was volunteering, so)... The one sad thing for me is or was.....and just like last year, too. Well, I had arrived early last year and helped prewash the now infamous first batch of stainless steel cups, which was a helluva lot of fun! But, my cup that had my name on it and was special to me, got 'taken' by someone in Hospitality VIP when volunteering there. Oh well. I came home with 2 cups, tho. Not as nice as the original. This year, I lost every cup! Those 2. Another, someone gave me. Even a stainless steel bowl I'd brought to eat with. How? Why? I don't know. Oh well. No big deal. My fave new friend this year was the 'water man' or one of the guys/people watching over the water situation and sinks provided. I thought that they did a dang fine job! So conscientious and caring! That was one improvement this year - it was in a much better place and area, right by the food area. The food was grand, fantastic as it was last year!!! I loved seeing the little children be so excited by the presence of the horses! And thanks to the wonderful people who 'bailed me out' as I didn't have a ride home as I did last year. (Home being far away.) So, thanks to them and their kindness for patiently helping me to get that all sorted out. In the meantime I fell in love with Portland (area) a little more than I had already had been. - Thanks once again! Pickathon Fest is a very special experience and it's hard to explain to people who haven't been there. Well, I find that.
2011-08-21 19:20:45
rhinoman1947@gmail.com
This was my 2nd Pickathon; last year was my 1st. This year, the music was much more diverse, while maintaining an alternative edge. I have only 3 issues: I paid extra for car camping, and arrived at 9:30 on Friday to find the best spots "reserved" by many tarps spread over the ground and being saved by a single camper. I firmly believe in 1st come, 1st serve. Another concern is the once a day maintenance by HoneyBucket. I feel that the number of HoneyBuckets was adequate, but with the increased number of users, twice a day service is needed. Lastly, I feel it is only fair to eliminate the 2 barns as venues; they are both too small, too hot, and too crowded! I'm sure the over crowding was in violation of the fire codes. Erect a couple of more stages in the woods. Next year I plan to use the shuttle service daily, instead of camping as I am getting too old to sleep on a slant. I hope you will have enough shuttles buses after the last Mountain View Stage show to get evey one back to pick up/drop off site. I really enjoy the Pickathon!
2011-08-20 12:35:48
So far, the best weekend of the year. Thanks Pickathon and everyone who makes this happen every year. Alright, let's get to the music. Richard Swift in the barn was spectacular! He is such an amazing song writer. I was really disappointed to see one of his sets was taken away. Please bring him back with three sets. Both of Thao and the GDSD's sets were wonderful, she brings so much energy to the stage no matter where she is. I wish she could be there every year. Strand of Oaks on the Wood stage was magical. Elliot Brood on Wood and Fir Meadow stage was so much fun(I got a pan and spoon this year). Other great performances: Eilen Jewell, Sunday Valley, AgesandAges, Mike and Ruthy, Laura Veirs, Water Tower Bucket Boys... I missed Lighting Dust - please bring them back. More request for previous and new performers: The Felice Brothers, A.A. Bondy, The Gourds, Trampled By Turtles, The Head And The Heart, Todd Snider(he would be perfect for Pickathon and he's originally from Beaverton), Aloe Blacc, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Corey Harris, Be Good Tanyas, C.W. Stoneking, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Chatham County Line, Cotton Jones, Crooked Still, The Deep Dark Woods, Deer Tick, The Wood Brothers, Horse Feathers, Justin Townes Earle, Those Darlins, The Tallest Man On Earth, Blind Pilot, M. Ward, Seth Bernard and May Daisy May, Sean Hayes, Langhorne Slim, Sallie Ford, Samantha Crain, Chris Thile and/or the Punch Brothers, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, The Old Believers, Megafaun, March Fourth, The Hackensaw Boys, Larry and His Flask, Joe Pug, Danny Schimdt, Jeff Martin(from Eugene), Jill Andrews, Earl Scruggs, Dr. Dog, The Devil Makes Three, Dengue Fever... I'm probably forgetting some, but it's a start. The crowd is becoming noticeably bigger but was not a problem for me. I was able to make it to all the performances in the Galaxy and Workshop Barns that I showed up to. Maybe another stage in the woods could be added somewhere to alleviate the crowded barns. It would be nice to see Hopworks in the main beer garden and have Captured By Porches at the Wood Stage next year. Thanks again Pickathon!
2011-08-19 17:25:41
Thank you Pickathon organizers and staff for another great year. Been every year since 2008 and will keep coming back. Yes, more crowded this year but it did not seem to interfere with my experience. Wanted to weigh in on some of the ideas in the comments. I agree that a good rule for car camping would be to not allow roping off or taping off areas to reserve space for friends, and that space could only be held by fully set up tents, and/or shelters. We had some neighbors, including some volunteers, that taped off a large area Thursday and then left much of it empty the entire weekend. I also agree with the idea of clearing off all blankets at the mainstage every night. We left a blanket and chairs out but always told people around us to use them if we weren't there. This practice should be encouraged and expected by anyone who leaves a blanket so the space isn't wasted. I didn't mind the extra volume at the Woods stage, it was nice to be able to hear clearly sitting in the back. The Workshop Barn was tough to get in this year but not impossible if you planned ahead and worked for it. A solution could be an advance ticket system. Once the schedule comes out every ticket holder could pick one or two workshop barn shows to reserve. This could create alot more work for staff though, just an idea. Thanks again for the wonderful job you all do.
2011-08-19 15:47:59
Special moment for me was sitting and looking at the chicken coop tractor w/ my 5 year old son and Mr. Pendarvis who showed him how to feed them. It was a great moment. I enjoyed the music as always. Love that Michael Hurley. We were also excited to see Thao again. What can you say about Mavis except... WOW!! Another beautiful moment was waking to the sound of owls in the woods a couple of nights and thinking "Damn, I'm only 15 minutes from my doorstep in N.E. PDX!" This was our 3rd and I do think the crowd felt bigger than the other 2. There were a few acts that I wanted to see and couldn't. Especially the workshop barn. I thought 45 minutes ahead of time would be enough to get in, but that wasn't the case. Perhaps you can think of doing that in another spot next year? I did also hear of a few rude disturbances, i.e. the shoe, and some heated exchanges. Big thanks to the staff and Pendarvis family.
2011-08-19 15:30:02
The site is beautiful and I love the increased sustainability ethic. Our family is so grateful to the Pendarvis family for sharing their land. We have been going to Pickathon since 2008, and have turned several other families onto it, whom are now regular attendees, too. That being said, 2008 was my favorite Pickathon because it was manageable. Meaning, I could get into the barn to dance! I could get into the workshop barn, too! Every year, it has gotten more and more crowded, and I couldn't BELIEVE how many tents were already set up by Thursday! It was intense. That is, intensely crowded. Not in a good way. I can't imagine there being any MORE people there next year, not to imagine anotehr 30%, which is the figure you gave as potential growth. We feel that attendance should be capped right now. When a family of four saves all year to be able to afford tickets + vendors' food, beer, etc. (that's HUNDREDS of dolars!), to not be able to even get a VISUAL on a band playing in the galaxy barn or workshop barn, just because there are just TOO MANY BODIES is, well, very disappointing. We vote to cap attendance now. Let's keep Pickathon grassroots and small, not a used-to-be-great, but now is overly-crowded and disappointing. Thanks for listening and following through. Your true fans will even pay more to keep Pickathon tight, intimate, and manageable.
2011-08-19 14:43:35
sterne@pair.com
I love Pickathon...this was my 5th in the last 7 years (my family missed 2008 and 2010). Certainly the festival is more crowded than it was in 2005, but after making some mental adjustments Friday night, I found the rest of the weekend very enjoyable and relaxing. Musical highlights for me: In the Woods, Fruit Bats, Pine Leaf Boys, Grupo Fantasma and Damien Jurado, all in a row. Michael Hurley playing with a fantastic band at the Fir Meadows on Sunday (I've seen him four or five times before and never really "got it," this show was outstanding and now I see why so many of my favorite musicians love him. Eilen Jewell at the Fir Meadows. Breathe Owl Breathe on the big stage. Here are some bands I would love to see at Pickathon sometime soon: The Devil Makes Three The Pine Hill Haints Slow Club Peter Case John Dee Graham The Low Anthem Gill Landry And it would be lovely to see Jolie Holland there again sometime. Thanks for doing your best with the festival; crowds are always a challenge. The one change I would consider - turn down the volume in the Woods. I loved the food, beer and reusable dishes; I thought it was great to have ecoware and Kleen Kanteen on hand to meet the public and talk about their products. Lovely job, great weekend, I wish it could happen more than once a year.
2011-08-19 10:26:02
Pickathon is great every year! Pendarvis Farm is as close to a utopia as one can get! Thought the car camping seemed crowded,people in our area made room for others, and made friends in the process. It is just amazing that this festival is as awesome as it is... I am very thankful for the few days of the year I can spend out there. My hat goes off to all the volunteers who make this happen.
2011-08-19 10:24:24
ptfueldock@gmail.com
I'm still going to stick by my gripes about car camping, but...the truth is that it really was a small thing when compared to how wonderful this event is. We'll be back next year for sure. Highlights for me: Seeing Mavis Staples was a dream come true. I really had fun watching Wye Oak; they don't really play the kind of music that I'm into, but it was so different and interesting to watch. I love being exposed to, and challenged by, new music, and Pickathon never fails in that regard. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication and we'll be seeing you next year!
2011-08-19 10:07:13
Wow--I got a little sad reading a few of these comments. While there may have been a few minor tweaks I would make (I'm personally not a big fan of the blankets laid out all weekend near the mainstage, although it did seem like people were open to sharing their spaces/chairs. Also, those car camping stories sound pretty rough), I think some of the complaints on this thread may have lost sight of how truly amazing this festival is, even with more people attending. Free water everywhere, cheap, delicious food and beer, portapotties everywhere, and on and on. It feels to me like the organizers do everything possible to make pickathon the friendliest, most comfortable, most accessible music festival certainly that I've ever been to. In so many ways they do so many things that go above and beyond what we really have any right to expect from a festival of this size, with this incredible quality and diversity of performers. While we always feel a little possessive of places like Pickathon that mean so much to us, its exciting to me that more people will be able to attend this festival in the future and start accumulating memories like all of us have at Pendarvis farm (some of us might just have to be prepared to hike a little bit further to camp!) PICKATHON FOREVER!!!!
2011-08-19 01:44:31
Special music moments for me were being in the front at the Woods Stage during the Fruit Bats set and ending it dancing around the haybales... being in the barn for the Black Lillies and singing along with them... definitely Mavis Staples, she was fantastic... also catching Alela Diane for a bit reminded me of the first time I saw her, on the Woods Stage in '09. I love Pickathon with all my heart.
2011-08-19 00:33:33
I take back my "gripe" about early entry car camping filling up so quickly. I would rather tuck myself into any available space than suffer the policing that I've come to disdain about so many other events. And as mentioned earlier I feel very fortunate to have been tucked in next to such amazing people:) I have no complaints. I do want to say how many times I was almost brought to tears by the beauty of Pickathon. I met so many amazing people, heard such awesome music and welled up numerous times from the sheer joy of it:) Thanks again!! Patrons and purveyors alike!!
2011-08-18 23:27:57
We Love Pickathon in so many ways but SHEESH. To purchase a car camping pass and arrive before your posted gate opening on Friday only to find that the gates had already been open for hours and then to find that there was not a single place for us to park. Huge sections were saved with un pitched tents. We counted one car that had 13 tents in it's space? Why can't they just camp in the woods??? My boyfriend spent 45 minutes getting bloody hacking back backberries just to squeeze our van behind a fire lane. Had I known this I would have just brought a tent myself and made the haul. I don't think it's fair for the folks who pay extra $ to car camp. Perhaps there could be some sort of regulating of saving spaces, and car to tent ratio.
2011-08-18 21:05:01
Improvements this year: vendor selection (and timeliness of their opening/closing times plus extended hours), eco-friendly dishware options, ice truck, increased family/kid activities, merch table organization and execution, ticket transfer process. Continued goodness: porta-potty ratio/person and stocking, showers, friendly volunteers, kleen-kanteen cups, beer garden execution. Diminished from years past: CROWDS. With the exception of cups/dinnerware your “components” (environmental impacts, audience comfort, artistic beauty, land stewardship, and fair compensation for a dedicated community) naturally balanced at the 2009 attendance level. Audience comfort began to decline in 2010 and further declined in 2011 due to more attendees. Please reconsider increasing capacity. Suggestions: max out at the 2009 attendance numbers, more staff at the ticket booth during prime entry times, prohibit roping off camp sites, move family camp to a quieter area, encourage the return of picking (all-acoustic attendee-only stage? If it’s vacant, you can get up there and play), return to a schedule that largely has a band playing 3 times over the weekend.
2011-08-18 15:57:37
I never found a potty without paper, LOVE real cups and utensils so hooray there. I also never got into the barn. The need to have your i.d. and the smoking section outside were a turnoff but mostly it just looked like a mash fest. Have to say (since you asked) that the woods stage absolutely gave me chills in 2010 (my first year) it was so cool and magical. Something exclusive and intimate in the experience will undoubtedly get lost as crowds grow. There were also different types of people this year, some grandmas and elderly maybe dragged there by family and not really ready for the terrain, a lot of day trippers not really into the music but just being tourists. I found myself waiting for the hour when most day trippers would leave. For me personally I'd like to go back to more Picking and less loud guitars (i.e. Wye Oak). However Grupo Fantasmo was a BLAST and even if the crowd was huge, seeing EVERYONE dancing was a hoot. Still the coolest place around and the only music fest I'd go to.
2011-08-18 15:40:31
PICKATHON
Howdy,
Since the comments keep coming in here is some more thoughts.
Workshop Barn - The workshop barn is only 80 people and will always require a bit of a commitment if you want to be inside as it is meant to be intimate. However, we are working on some good ideas on how to expand the participation in 2012 (stay tuned).
Community - We had exactly zero disturbances this year and observed well behaved people everywhere we looked. There were no fights anywhere. We also had feedback from two onsite police officers who told us they observed the most well behaved crowd they have seen in their careers (which everyone should be proud of). The incident involving the sandal coming onstage during Brownout was unfortunate but seemed to be a blip and nothing came of it. In fact, Brownout left that show saying it was one of their most fun gigs of the weekend!
Quiet Camp - Quiet camping is likely always going to be a tough problem because it is the subjective balance between policing and innocent good times, but we will consider designating a new quiet camping zone in 2012 to see how it works. We will also continue to improve our communication that the Family Camp should be a quiet area (not sure all the babies will agree to this though). In reality festival camping will likely always be a bit noisy. We recommend noise plugs for everyone who is sensitive, and if you forget the medical tent always has them to give out for free!
We love the feedback but we would love to also hear any special musical moment stories too if folks have got them!
2011-08-18 15:21:48
Man, someone call the whaaaaambulence. Easily the best music festival experience in so many ways. Thanks you for trying so hard. Thank you for not making me spend $50 on water. Not making me pay $100 more for camping. Thank you for having GOOD food and relatively cheep beer and not having to dance on broken plastic cups all weekend!!! So what if I had to sleep at a little slant I got to sleep easily. Complaining about the glalaxy barn when it was projected outside with speakers is a bit childish especially with how hot and muggy it gets in there at night. Workshop barn is small and rather special and that's the way it should be. Thank you again Pickathon volunteers for all the small things that make you unique.
2011-08-18 15:19:11
scottbencohen@gmail.com
Some quiet camp areas (I know, I know - but the "Family Camp Area" isn't really quiet) and more access to the late night barn shows would be great.
2011-08-18 15:17:50
scottbencohen@gmail.com
Your food, beverage, utensil, and transportation aspects are TOP NOTCH! I love my Pickathon dishware and cup and can't wait to bring them next year...Didn't think some of the bands fit the Pickathon vibe that I'm used to. Overall, Pickathon is the most thoughtful and enjoyable festival I've ever attended.
2011-08-18 14:59:14
tamsocean@hotmail.com
Amazingly talented humble people, amazing vibe, amazing festival all around, loved the dishes, loved the music,love the people! Thank you for providing the most enjoyable venue I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Already planning for next year, keep up the good work!
2011-08-18 14:42:41
We (and everyone i've talked to) is in agreement with the other posts here concerning the amount of people being noticeably higher this year. It's hard to justify spending the ticket price if you can't get in to venues to see music. I also was unable to get in to the workshop barn to see anything. Also noticed a vibe of people being flat out rude. Fights? Reports of someone throwing a shoe at a band in the Barn??? What the hell is that doing at Pickathon? Out of anyone's control, but still... We left feeling a little disappointed and are definitely considering not doing it next year. Feels like Pickathon has jumped the shark. That all being said we did still find our special moments. I think if you can figure out how o handle the impact of increased ticket sales and making the advertised music available to all then you're getting somewhere.
2011-08-18 14:32:39
naturalbeardy@yahoo.com
Pickathon blew my mind. I hope to make it back every year, forever. Many thanks to everyone that helped create this wonderful festival. We're posting exclusive live video session performances from Pickathon on our website: www.naturalbeardy.com
2011-08-18 14:20:03
PICKATHON
Although there was a to of open camping not used (some of the new spots were not well known) we like the idea of no tent reservations using rope outside of the staff areas and will ask folks to only reserve space with tents and tarps. Cheers to good ideas!
2011-08-18 14:02:40
prairiegirl74@gmail.com
This was our first year at Pickathon, and we will definitely be back next year. Loved the small Fest vibe (I'm a lifetime Winnipeg Folk Fester so I'm used to crowds of 15,000+), and think that you're doing great. Plenty of honey pots for the crowd size. Anyone used to festivals should always be prepared for TP outages with a pocket-sized Kleenex pack; it's just good sense. I was disappointed with not being able to get into the galaxy barn, but had a great time watching the screen outside behind the barn at the evening shows. Improved sound ouside would be fantastic (more speakers angled around at the whole crowd). I agree about the mainstage seat saving for the whole weekend: the field should be cleared every evening to make way for new people to have the opportunity to get closer the next day. Also, was disappointed in the site-saving in the camping area. Seemed like there were many large areas that had next to no one in them that were roped off, as well as many saved sites with no one there until Friday or Saturday. I know they're paying to get in early, too, but I think the key is that it's early CAMPING, not early SET-UP... was kinda disappointed to get to the festival after driving all day from Vancouver BC to barely be able to squeeze in to a decently close area surrounded by empty tents. There was hardly anyone camping on Thursday night. Loved the dish program, but still saw a lot of throw away stuff provided for fries, burgers, biscuits, etc. Some meals used multiple dishes- perhaps an option for a bowl and plate set for $15? Imwas expecting/hoping for a larger/better vendor selection, as well, but I am used to a folk fest environment with a whole vendor section. I realize space may be the reason for this. Also ran into some scheduling awkwardness at the workshop barn: Bruce Molsky's slot was up against the wonderful Sonny and the Sunsets. The amplification caused Bruce to alter his intended set due to having to compete with the Galaxy Barn. All in all, though, fantastic festival! Great performers, great people, super fun experience at a fantastic price. Thank you sooo much!!
2011-08-18 13:38:34
PICKATHON
Howdy,
As mentioned in our post we are trying hard to find the balance of finding a long term sustainability point for Pickathon and it is not easy.
We do take all comments to heart and will work on improving in every possible way we can.
You have our commitment on that.
Here are some specific thoughts on a some issues brought up in the first couple comments that have come in so far.
Car camping - The total number of car camping passes did not increase this year. We too noticed many folks put up way more tents than they had cars for which resulted in the denser camping. We prefer to trust people in doing the right thing as it is no fun to police anybody. We will think through how to fix this which could include giving a tent pass with each car camping pass to better understand who should and should not be there.
Early Entry - Volunteers do not gain early entry unless they a specifically working onsite and so the big increase this year was people actually buying early entry.
Camping - With the 20 new acres of camping opened this year there should not be any camping issues for the forseeable future as the total available land effectively doubled this year and good spots will continuously be refined during the year at work parties. We will also work on our camping hosts and camping shuttle operation to help folks get back farther with less effort but we also recommend everyone thinking through their own gear shuttle plans too.
Main Stage Blankets - We have toyed with the idea of asking folks to remove all of their blankets every night after the main stage ends and refrain from placing a new blanket until the next morning. This is common festival practice and it might be a good idea to start this for 2012, but we also realize that many shared their spaces openly when they were not in use. It is another balance between policing and people exhibiting good behavior that is a tough call for an open festival like ours.
Porta Johns - We are always ordering way more porta johns than is recommended and this trend will continue in 2012. We will also look to ordering extra toilet paper and inspecting porta johns at night to ensure that they do not run out.
The Galaxy Barn - It was not well known but we had a huge capacity increase this year that was not well utilized. The blacktop where the circus was taking place actually featured a 25 foot video screen and beer garden which might have featured the best sounding space at the whole festival to see music in the Galaxy Barn. We have some simple solutions to help even out the crowds in this space and expect it to work better for 2012.
Family Camp - We did work hard this year to ensure family camp was well marked for the folks who wanted to participate in this area, and we are glad it worked out much better.
Crowd Size - In our post we have outlined our best vision on how to find the end game balance which will ultimately leave us 3-10x less density of what other larger scale festivals would utilize using the same total land. Evey year we work hard to improve the flow of people though out the site and 2012 will be no exception. We understand if this is no longer compatible with what some folks want but it is a hard reality that we must live with for Pickathon to exist for a generation to come.
You make Pickathon what it is and so please keep your stories and feedback coming!
2011-08-18 13:24:53
I had a lovely time this year but was disappointed by the large amount of litter/microtrash left behind by groups of people who obviously are not very conscientious. I agree also that if a person pays for early entry they shouldn't have to struggle to find camping that isn't 'staked out' by volunteers. Perhaps the large amount of volunteers should have their own area to camp in and not be allowed to cordon off an area in regular festival camping before the early entry people arrive. Also standing in an enormous line at 4pm on Thursday was a new thing... seems check in never took this long in years past. Overall I had a lovely time. The music, as always, was excellent. I love what you did at the Woods Stage. Wish there were fans hanging from the rafters in the barn. That doesn't seem like it is too much to ask, you wouldn't want festival-goers to risk heat stroke in there! Loved the utensil/dish program. Honey Buckets were better maintained than years past. Pickathon is still special to me and I plan on returning next year.
2011-08-18 13:05:06
I've been at Pickathon for the last 4 years. The crowds keep getting bigger and it is currently too crowded for my taste. The bring your own utensils, cups, etc is a great idea. The major downside this year was the sound projection from Woods and Main stages. SO LOUD! We had to wear earplugs most of the time. For some reason (more crowds?) you chose to turn up the volume to the point of discomfort. It felt more like a rockathon than a pickathon. I prefer roots music played in a more small venue acoustic style so we are considering not returning next year because of that reason. You will inevitably attract a younger, rowdier, drunker crowd with this HIGH volume mentality. I agree, 2009 was the last best year for Pickathon. Last year we had similar complaints-too many people and too loud. It seems that all great festivals end up on this path (High Sierra Fest comes to mind). Sad.
2011-08-18 13:00:58
This was our 4th year, and yes, it is a MUCH different environment in 2011 & 2010 than 2008 & 2009. That being said, Pickathon is still our favorite and we do and will continue to plan for it each year. Love the changes to the woods stage and I love the addition to the barn in the evening. Suggestion for the barn is to now have evening shows perform in the Court area instead of the barn and maybe move some of the kids things inside the barn? Love the barn for shows, but it is at capacity and now not enjoyable unless you are the lucky 50 that get up close and want to endure the extreme heat. Loved the family square dance in the barn. This year was the best when it came to family camp lines. Not sure if it was by accident or people finally get it, but in years past, people weren't aware they were camping in family camp designated area's and it was always an issue. This year was much more quite. I agree with the post above about the Thursday entry. It didn't seem very "limited" this year and lots of spots saved. I think some might have been saved by volunteers coming early and wanting their friends to camp near. Also, lots of people camped in "car Camping" designated areas without cars or car camping passes...not realizing it was designated as such. It's hard to "police" because Pickathon is an even that relies so heavily on the honesty of people. That's what makes me love Pickathon so much...and it's true, most are so trustworthy! I'm looking forward to 2012 with anticipation. Pickathon may have lost the "intimacy of previous years" but it still has a flavor of that!
2011-08-18 12:47:18
ptfueldock@gmail.com
My family and I have been coming to Pickathon for 4 years now. We love the open, family friendly vibe, the friendly volunteers, the beautiful location and the great, diverse musical acts. We had a hard time finding a good car camping spot last year, so we paid and extra $110 for early entry on Thursday, and we made sure to be there at the posted 4 pm gate opening. Imagine our surprise to find that the vast majority of space was already gone when we finally got though the long line to get our tickets. Now I don't mind people holding a few spots for a couple of extra tents, but people were marking off, with caution tape, massive sections of the camping area. This is so rude and unfair the the rest of the patrons of Pickathon. The situation was way out of control and I heard a lot of grumbling about it. It would be really nice to see the car camping situation handled more fairly. That's my only gripe.
2011-08-18 12:46:59
Every show I saw in the barn I able to get midway to stage each time without keeling over:) And if I didn't see the whole set I saw them at another venue later. I was there all weekend, up till 3:30 each night and only ended up in toiletpaperless potty once. Pickathon is definitely bigger than it once was but retains the feel of small and intimate and I'm pretty sure at least one of those extra thousand people gave me a gigantic smile that helped to make THIS Pickathon as special as every other one I've attended!
2011-08-18 12:40:26
This was my first year. I had a great time.. i didnt feel it was overcrowded at all compared to other festivals i have been to. That being said, i could never get into the workshop barn either. Too full, maybe it was because those bands deserved the attention of the main stage??? Great job with the plates and beer glasses idea. I think that is something that other festivals should adopt! I will be back next year, thanks for the good times!
2011-08-18 12:17:28
Every year I am amazed at how much more awesome Pickathon becomes:) While I ended up in the most perfect camping spot and made many awesome new friends I was told that by 2:30 Thursday car camping was quite full of unerected tents placed by people/ volunteers that had purchased/ received Thursday early entry for friends who weren't showing up till Friday. My husband and I did purchase early Thursday believing that we might make it further in than we did. Just wondering if there was a gentle non-confrontational way to suggest that a person only occupy the space they need or have tickets for so that those of us who also paid for the privilege are allowed the opportunity to take advantage of it:) Thanks, I'll be coming to Pickathon forever even if I have to camp in the Honeybucket:)
2011-08-18 12:15:24
I had a great time at pickathon.I was always able to find a spot near the main stages and most of the time in the barns. The bands were great, the food was good, and so was the sauna. We will be back next year for sure.
2011-08-18 11:59:56
Df.Brooks@comcast.net
You had about 1,000 people too many. The barn was impossible to get near, let alone the workshop barn. People staked 20x20 tarps in front of main stage and left them there all weekend... They should be cleared every night to give us all a fair shot each new day. Toilet paper was gone each night from the portas by 10 pm and was not replaced til morning. You did figure out the Woods stage, though. All in all it was too many people in a space that simply can't take it (I haven't even mentioned the camping!). So disappointed that I didnt once get in the workshop barn. Been to every single Pickathon, used to be an automatic for me and all my friends. Not next year though. We'll see if the acts make it worth our while to put up with all the new hassles you've burdened this great festival with. If I had an all access pass like you and all the bands and press whohave heaped praise on you thru Twitter etal, it would be a diff story. You ought to try a day and a night struggling thru the over crowded conditions like the rest of us...maybe you'll scale it back to 2009 levels. That was the last good year crowd wise. When I wrote you last year about the increased crowd size at the 2010 festival, you promised it wouldn't get out of control/too big. I think you blew it big time this year. And if you continue to sell 3500 + tickets you're going to lose your core audience which helps make it so special and attract the kind of crowd who don't really care about crowding, amenities, the workshops, etc. If that's what you want, may as well sell 4000 tickets and get on with it. If you want to keep it the best summer music festival going, scale it back, increase prices to make up for the smaller crowds. Us hard core fans will pay more for the a smaller, less crowded Pickathon. It's sad to see you move in this direction size wise when you're doing so many other things right. I have some suggestions on how to retain or recapture what you had up until 2009 if interested.
