Project Pabst brings new excitement to Portland

On Saturday, Sept. 27, the city of Portland held an original music festival: Project Pabst, hosted by Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

The event was located at the Zidell Yards near Portland’s South Waterfront district. Some of the notable bands that performed were Tears for Fears, Modest Mouse, and Violent Femmes.

For weeks leading up to the event, I was not planning on attending. During the fall season my weekends are usually reserved for loafing on my couch and becoming whisked away by the theatrics and revelry of college football. This past weekend wasn’t much different, until I received a call from a friend who offered me a free ticket to the event. Normally I would have conjured up a false excuse for my absence, ranging anywhere from, “I wish I could make it, but I actually have to work today,” to, “Sorry, but my dog just passed away.” But considering that I am unemployed and that my dog has died far too many times on behalf of my lies, I decided to tear away from the vice grip of my leather couch and immerse myself into the music festival culture.

Upon arriving, I was impressed with the venue’s location. Zidell Yards is central Portland’s largest undeveloped site. The area is surrounded by the Oregon Health & Science University building, high-rise apartments, and the Tillicum Crossing bridge. Tucked into the creases of these large structures, the event omitted sounds that could be heard across the Willamette River. Meeting up with my friend, A.J., we walked through the security gate that was draped with a large picture of an open beer can. The opening of the can acted as the entrance to the event. The transcendental experience could best be described by A.J., who said, “It’s like the concert is drinking us.” I only hoped whatever musical bile lay on the other side would consume my eardrums with pleasing melodies and chords.

The venue was structured to have a large main stage located north of the entrance, and smaller stage located south. The first image that caught my eye was of two large identical banners hanging from either side of the main stage with a picture of a man that initially looked like Truman Capote. I later embarrassingly found out from A.J. that the picture was of Pabst Blue Ribbon founder Jacob Best, with written text underneath, “I am very proud of you.” I only wish that my mother shared the same encouragement of my drinking habits.

I attended the Violent Femmes show, which was kicked off by their most notable song, “Blister in the Sun.”  Their brand of alternative folk rock hasn’t resonated with me in the past, but after a couple of beers and the influence of the crowd singing along, I began to enjoy the strums of their guitars and reedy vibrations of their harmonicas. My past experience with music festivals left me with mental scars left by rude patrons, bad weather, and overpriced drinks. These scars have now begun to fade, thanks to the festival’s friendly crowd members who respected personal space, a brisk 70-degree day, and $4 beverages.

Attending the festival conjured a realization within me that Portland has so many cultural showcases to view that I have yet to take advantage of. I, like many Americans, find myself transfixed to the excitement and theatrics of American football without any realization of what other entertainment the world has to offer. Instead of living my life vicariously through professional and collegiate athletes from the comfort of my living room, I could venture out to find that sound of music that resonates with my taste.

Who knows, maybe the next venue I attend will let me bring my couch.