This marked my fourth year in a row celebrating my birthday at the best place on earth, Pendarvis Farm, and my most playful Pickathon yet. Through a few years of experience I have learned to camp more, stress less, and stay open to being blown away by something I didn't intend to see. This year's highlights included Sinkane (who I made sure to see twice), Wolf People from the UK (three times) and Viet Cong, all the way from Calgary. Returning favorites King Tuff and Ty Segall (with the help of back-up band Wand) made it feel just like home. The ease of the schedule, where everyone plays twice—or sometimes more, if you're willing to stay up late—provides an endless variety in the weekend. While every Pickathon is different, the beauty and intention of the festival as a whole stays true. Let's hope Portlandia doesn't change that.

After a week of recovery and withdrawal and edits, I bring you the annual Pickathon Pic-athon!! Enjoy!

Thank you, King Tuff, for singing happy birthday to me in the woods, and Aaron for announcing that they should. Thank you, Tinariwen, for helping me dance through the night into a new year. Thank you Rae, for the lift to the sky for that beautiful rainbow. Thanks as always to the Mercury staff for making Pickathon the best thing all year!

Further reading:
• Pickathon Diaries: Ty Segall, Kamasi Washington, Wolf People, and More
• Pickathon Diaries: The Most Modern Music Festival Around
• Pickathon Diaries: Top 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going to Pickathon
• Pickathon Diaries: Tearing up the Schedule
• A (Rather Long) Pickathon Reading List
• Wolf People: A Series of Tests
• Kamasi Washington: Rebirth of the Cool
• Alice Gerrard: Homeward Bound