While everyone is prefunking Bumbershoot, we'd like to take a moment to officially get the prefunk to the prefunk for Music Fest Northwest going. Starting today.

If you've never been, MFNW is like a crazier, spread-out-ier Bumbershoot -- spanning four days and venues all over town -- or a tinier, cleaner SXSW. Minus the industry hoo-ha and power-showcases and seminars. Beginning on Wednesday, September 8th, our sweet sister-city will be hosting a veritable slew of amazing bands all over town. Acts like Okkervil River, Menomena, the Decemberists, the Cave Singers, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside, the Thermals, Dave Bazan, Bobby Bare, Jr., the Walkmen, the National, and the Tallest Man On Earth -- among many, many others -- will be bringing an extended weekend of bliss to Portland for our listening and viewing pleasure.

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This Saturday, the 17th, in Portland is going to rock more than most. Garage bands from all over the country will infiltrate four bars around downtown. There’s a healthy smattering of international acts as well, such as Thee Vicars from the UK and Mojomatics, all the way from Venice, Italy. This free one-day festival is put on by Vice Records and includes a line-up of over 30 bands all falling somewhere between death metal and rockabilly. this is sure to be a raucous good time.

Some of the bigger names on the roster feature The Black Lips, Jay Retard, and King Khan and the BBQ Show. But I’m most excited for Tennessee’s Those Darlins, Portland’s The Fresh and Onlys, Austin’s Strangeboys, and Atlanta’s Coathangers, to name a few. Some Seattle bands making the short trip South are The Spits, and The Dutchess and The Duke. Look for a few interviews with some of the kick ass acts and hopefully we’ll have some sweet images. If you haven’t gotten your wristband yet or won one from us, it may be too late. But for those of you who have, remember, no chain wallets allowed, and the bars are listed below. See you Southward!

Satyricon
125 NW 6th Ave
ALL AGES

Berbati’s Pan
231 SW Ankeny
ALL AGES

Someday Lounge
125 NW 5TH Ave
21 +

Dante’s
1 SW 3rd Ave
21 +

at Ash Street Saloon

Local to Portland, Viva Voce seemed to light up the crowd the most. Kevin Robinson taking to smashing his guitar on the stage near the end of the set.

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