Pickathon is like Disneyland, it's the happiest place on earth, with a different edge. In part one a 3 part special from the festival we talk with two rising artists, folk violin/fiddle duo 10 String Symphony out of Nashville Tennesee and rocker Ezra Furman. Plus, find out the burning question Ezra Furman super fan and Federal Investigator Zoe Kelleher had for the artist. Photo: Jeni Wren Stottrup Produced and edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Tracks: Someone to be Good For and Deacon's Waltz from 10 String Symphony(Tasty Creek Records) Teddy I’m Ready Ready by Ezra Furman(Bar/None Records). Theme song: Lucky from Bryson Hanson Special thanks to Pickathon, XRAY.FM and Vortex Magazine

Sponsorship is about more than trading banners. TJ Annerino gets that with partnerships that include Pitchfork Music Festival, WBEZ public radio and the podcast Sound Opinions. It's about knowing who you are and building relationships that last. "It takes you about 10 seconds to realize that at 90% of live music you have an engaged music you have live audience that have paid a premium to be there. They’re looking for that experience. They look forward to that experience. So, in this case, in Goose Island case, Beer and Music – live music, they go pretty hand-in-hand. " Photo: Jeni Wren Stottrup Produced and edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Tracks: Natural Villain by Twin Peaks and No Woman by Whitney Theme song: Lucky from Bryson Hanson Special thanks to XRay.FM, Regional Arts and Culture Council, Podcast Movement, Vortex Music Mag and Goose Island Brewing for making this episode possible.

Meet Dana Janssen, aka Dana Buoy. The "tropicore" artist spent a decade as a member of experimental group Akron/Family before striking out on his own. He's working on a new record and taking a fresh approach to life and health, having fun while he's at it. Photo: Jeni Wren Stottrup Produced and edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Tracks: Island by Akron/Family, Isla Mujeras and Lets Start a War by Dana Buoy Theme song: Lucky from Bryson Hanson Sponsored by XRay.FM and Vortex Music Mag

On this week's episode of Gritty Birds, I talked with Portland favorites Genders. After 4 years together they've found their stride as a long term band, with the release of their upcoming album this fall. Get to know the lighthearted spirits of Maggie and Stephen and listen to their new single "Life is But a Dream". Photo: Todd Walberg Produced and edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Tracks: Sugar Coat, Technicolor Dream and Life is But a Dream from Genders Theme song: Lucky from Bryson Hanson Sponsored by XRay.FM and Vortex Music Mag

In it's 18th year, NW festival Pickathon defies the usual expectations of what makes a festival great. With over 3,500 volunteers and set in the shadow of Mt Hood at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley, Oregon, it's a "beautiful thing". Here about Pickathon from the man who knows it best, found Zale Schoenborn. Tune in to find out about some of the changes afoot for this year's festival August 4-6 as well as a preview of who to look out for and songs from Adia Victoria and Blossom. Photo: Ty Segall at Woods Stage Photo credit: Drew Bandy and Pickathon Produced by Jeni Wren Stottrup Edited by Jeni Wren Stottrup Copy Editing by Alexis Kenyon Tracks: Dead Eyes by Adia Victoria and Video by Blossom Sponsored by XRay.FM and Vortex Music Mag

The Posies released their first album in 5 years this spring, following an emotional year that involved the loss of two members of the band. I met with founding member Ken Stringfellow at the tail end of their latest tour, where he shared the story of how the band found healing. Photo credit: Jeni Wren Stottrup Produced by Jeni Wren Stottrup and Alexis Kenyon Tracks: Unlikely Places, The Definition, Sound of Clouds First aired on XRay FM Special thanks to media sponsor Vortex Music Magazine