Hometown heroes Stephen Malkmus (Pavement, the Jicks) and China Forbes (Pink Martini) helped raised almost $6K for the local nonprofit Save the Giants when they played a private benefit in SE Portland on June 4. Check out this footage of Malkmus at the event, performing a cover of the Beatles' "Blackbird" followed by a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Citadel."

You remember the inspiring David-vs.-Goliath story of Save the Giants (STG), when citizens from all over the city banded together in September to triumphantly thwart the developer’s axe, saving three majestic 150-year-old Sequoia trees in Eastmoreland from unnecessary felling. For many, the situation served as a line in the sand, and a perfect metaphor for a larger, ongoing conversation regarding the rapid transformation of Portland, and the city’s attendant priorities. Eventually, the cast of characters involved in the colorful saga grew to include a ladies’ garden club, Mayor Charlie Hales, residents of a nearby nursing home, more than a dozen elementary school children, Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park, and a dude named Lorax Dave. Check out the Mercury's past coverage here, here, and here.

And while triumphant, the nonprofit now has huge bills to pay. Hence Ms. Forbes and Mr. Malkmus donating their time for this show, to help raise money as well as awareness. The event was co-sponsored by local novelist/filmmaker (and STG mastermind) Arthur Bradford and Portland cannabis company Hifi Farms, as a part of their ongoing Live at Hifi Farms music series. There's lots more info on STG at their website, and also on their GoFundMe page, too.