Yeah, a few days have passed since MusicFestNW, the massive music festival that takes over nearly every venue in Portland, wrapped up, but that's how long it's taken me to wrap my head around the awesomeness that was this fest.

While it's impossible to make it to even half of the shows on the slate, I did my best to bounce around and capture some video evidence and here's just a sampling. I'll load you up with more video later in the week.

GIVERS (Friday night, Doug Fir Lounge): I missed this Louisiana indie pop act at Sasquatch earlier this summer and was sure to be on hand for this late-night gig at the Doug Fir. Keep an eye on this band of uber-talented act that combines indie rock conventions with some zydeco sounds from their hometown.

Explosions in the Sky: (Saturday, Pioneer Courthouse Square): First off, seeing a show in a public square like Pioneer Square's natural amphitheater setting is a damn unique experience. And if that show features the dynamic instrumental rock symphonics of Explosions in the Sky, that's even better.

I will proudly say that I will not make a single "What if God was one of us?" jokes in this post. I promise. OK?

But, what I can do is offer up a pair of tickets to see the author of that popular '90s tune, Joan Osborne, tomorrow night at the Athletic Club of Bend. The bluesy songstress is appearing as the Joan Osborne Duo, meaning she'll be joined by Dar Williams.

While you might think of Osborne solely as the performer of the aforementioned hit, her live shows are much more energetic than that tune, incorporating plenty of different styles and tempos. If you want to see this in person, head over to our Facebook page and leave a comment under the post about this giveaway.

We'll draw a winner around noon tomorrow and notify them via Facebook direct message.

Update: Dar Williams is not appearing in Bend with Osborne. Sorry about the fake out!

Last night, things were somewhat bittersweet at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. On one hand, it was the last show of what's been a great summer in music at the LSA, and that's a bummer. But also, this was a hell of way to close things out.

A good-sized crowd showed up, especially given that it was the Tuesday after Labor Day, to see Ray LaMontagne give us a couple hours worth of reasons why he's one of the best songwriters of his generation. And, of course, Brandi Carlile -- a Bend favorite if there ever was one -- took out all the stops with an energetic and soulful set.

It was a bit of a bummer to have only about half of the reserved seats occupied, creating an odd gap between these two performers and their adoring fans. But again, it was a nice way to close out the summer season.

With the release of their self-titled debut, New York/San Fransisco based duo NewVillager, have acheived new levels of creativity. An overview of the album reveals some ideas behind the inspiration for the record... but it's the ways the group has decided to bring the songs to life, that provide a gripping look into the avalanche of artistic mediums NewVillager is using to tell the stories that they want to share. Containing a litany of characters to go along with the song, the video (below) for the album's first single "Lighthouse", should quickly reveal just how serious these guys are about shattering how music (as art) is done. More of the same can be found in the video for the album's third track "Rich Doors"... and given NewVillager's penchant for crazy live shows and art gallery exhibitions, it's safe to say that nothing so far, has even scratched the surface of what is to come.
 

Tonight, Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles are playing at the MadHappy Lounge on Brooks St. in downtown Bend. This is interesting in and of itself -- a very cool band in a cool place -- but the sad thing is that this could very well be the last show at the MadHappy's downtown location.

According to the popular dance spot's bartender/marketing manager, the MadHappy is moving into the Innovation Theatre Works space off of Reed Market Road at the south end of Bend. The MadHappy will operate more as an art collective and other details about the move aren't yet known -- including when they'll actually close down the Brooks St. spot, which was previously the home of the Bendistillery Martini Bar.

For Bend's nightlife contingent, this is a major bummer, especially considering the awesome slate of shows that have been rolling through the MadHappy as of late. Also, this has always been a reliable middle-of-the-week party spot, thanks to the constant innovation from owner Reggie Martinez, who bought the space last spring.

But knowing Martinez, you shouldn't expect the MadHappy crew to be quiet for long. We'll keep you posted on their move.

After a Twitter post by UK electro star James Blake last week alluding to a collaboration between Bon Iver founder Justin Vernon and himself... we now know what Blake was talking about. Listen to the new track below that features an autotuned Vernon laying down some sultry vocals to the typcial expansive electronic stylings of Blake. It's worth noting that if you were one of the lucky ones to get a ticket for Bon Iver's sold out Edgefield show happening September 24th in Troutdale... James Blake is appearing in concert on the 23rd at Portland's Wonder Ballroom. While Blake has a live date on the 24th in Seattle, making some sort of suprise appearance at Bon Iver's show impossible... the chance to see the two back to back could prove quite incredible.

 

When it comes to outdoor music festivals, the annual High and Dry Bluegrass Festival at John and Nancy Hancock’s Runway Ranch east of Bend is a throwback. A throwback to simpler times when acoustic bluegrass and folk music was a festival norm and the gatherings to listen to it were often at people’s homes or rural properties, settings that had a relaxed, informal feel to them.

High and Dry succeeds not only because of its relaxed informal atmosphere but also because it provides a place for top line bluegrass and folk ensembles to strut their stuff and a chance for new acts eager for a chance to perform and get noticed.

This year’s format had main stage acts playing 45-minute sets with new groups and up-and-coming groups playing fifteen-minute sets in between on a smaller side stage.

Sitting on the ranch lawn sheltered by canopies provided by Pickathon, festival goers brought in their lawn chairs, snacks and drinks. Food truck vendors were on hand to provide full meals.

A little over a month ago Portland band Blind Pilot announced plans to release the group's second album We Are The Tide (also the name of a song they've been performing live for the last 3 years).

On September 13th, that plan will finally come to fruition when the record hits shelves and your favorite digital music sites. If you're interested, you can pre-order the album now over on the band's site and they are even offering deluxe packages that include a vinyl LP and autographed CD.

Check out a video below that previews one of the tracks from the new album and enter your email address into the widget below to get a free download of "Keep You Right," the first single to be released. 

I just got home a bit ago from a very sold-out appearance by The Shins at the Domino Room here in Bend and I'm pleased to say that this rehashed version of the band far exceeded my expectations.

In fact, James Mercer and crew -- cheered on by an incredibly appreciative audience -- looked to be in rare form with an hour-and-a-half-long set that included plenty of hits from the old days as well as a couple new tunes. These small-venue Oregon shows the band is playing were said to be warm up gigs for their appearance at Outside Lands, but as far as I could tell, they've already ironed out most of the kinks that typically come from a new lineup.

Here's a quick video from the show, in case you were one of the many, many people who weren't able to get into this (almost) surprise gig.

In case you didn't get a ticket to this year's Pickathon, the roots and folk music (both of those terms are employed quite loosely to describe the eclectic lineup, which includes Mavis freakin' Staples!) festival that takes place outside of Portland, we have a solution for you.

The festival is streaming live on the website! For real! For free! Just look below and begin enjoying a festival from the comfort of your computer screen, which is fun, but still about 85 times less exciting than being over there in person. But hey, take what you can get.