By Justin Andress The Mountain Times
Need something to do July 17-20? Music lovers can head out to Camp Tasty’s for four days of food, vendors, camping, and — of course — some incredible indie music. That’s right, it’s time for the fourth annual Shady Pines Music Festival.
Held each year by the nonprofit Shady Pines Radio, the festival brings some of the area’s most talented musicians to thrill audiences. Shady Pines Radio co-founder Brian Bauer sat down to chat about the acts that will be showing up, the extent of ongoing activities, and the festival’s place among the Mt. Hood community.
“Shady Pines Radio had become a hub for community and creativity during the pandemic, but so many of the friendships formed online hadn’t yet crossed into real life. [In the festival’s] first year, people who had only ever met through the station got to connect face-to-face at the festival — and new friendships were made, too. It was a beautiful, much-needed return to community.”
In the ensuing four years, the festival has deepened that sense of community by adding new ways for people to interact and bond. This year, the extracurricular activities will include yoga, square dancing, the annual kazoo parade, interactive art installations, and hands-on creative spaces such as the Book Nook and Alien Lounge.
“There’s really something for everyone,” says Bauer. “We’ve also got a coffee shop, 20+ local craft vendors, and a beautiful swimming hole less than a mile from camp.”
And then, of course, there’s the music. This year’s lineup of talent is extraordinary. “We’ve got an incredible lineup this year with headliners including Rizo, The Macks, 1876, Møtrik, Gata Galáctica, and Aan,” says Bauer, adding, “Plus over 50 bands and DJs from across the region. Some names you may know, and many you’ll be glad to discover.”
Therein lies the true joy of Shady Pines Radio. The little station is entirely volunteer-run, and its purpose is to elevate the voices of independent and underrepresented musicians. Bauer’s passion for the project is evident when he says, “Our mission is to create space for people to be heard and seen — whether they’re musicians, artists, or just folks with something to say. Every element of the festival reflects that mission, from the performers to the local vendors to our nonprofit partners.”
Getting people to actively participate in the event is also a cause close to the organizers’ hearts. “This isn’t the kind of festival where you just show up and watch,” insists Bauer. “It’s one you become a part of. We offer lots of volunteer opportunities, and anyone with a weekend pass is invited to perform at our Thursday night open mic on the main stage. Whether you come to sing, camp, create, or just take it all in, you’ll find yourself swept up in the spirit of it all.”
“We’ve built something small, welcoming, and full of heart,” Bauer continues. “If you come, you’ll leave feeling more connected — to art, to music, to nature, and to a whole new community. You might arrive as a stranger, but you won’t stay one for long.”
Whether you’re searching for a place to find your voice or you’re just cruising for the area’s most promising talent, The Shady Pines Music Festival is not to be missed.
Weekend passes to the event cost $150, which includes camping at Camp Tasty’s. Arrivals start Thursday evening. Check-out is Monday morning at 11:00 a.m.
People who want to attend for just one day of the fun can purchase a 1-day pass for $60. Kids under 12 get in free.
You can find out more about the festival and check out some of the acts who will be on stage by visiting shadypinesradio.com.