You always remember your first. I remember mine like it was yesterday.
It was at MusicFestNW, “Portland’s Largest Music Festival,” where for the first time I took that forbidden step behind the barriers wearing a wristband that read: “Photo.” With my sound-deadening earplugs in, I could hear my heart pounding. I ran from venue to venue, not wanting to miss a single act. This was love, and I knew it would be forever.
Other festivals came and went; mere trysts. Sure, I loved them, and came to know and appreciate their differences, but MusicFestNW held a special place in my heart. Every year when I’d reconnect in Portland we’d share those special four or five days, exploring the city and the vast and wonderful sounds it had to offer.
But things change. I know I’m not the same person I was then, and that’s expected. But MusicFestNW: It’s like I don’t even know you anymore. I loved your individuality, your “fuck conformity!” approach, your open-mindedness to support the musical talents of hundreds across the wide music spectrum. But when I saw you this year, with your single-venue, one-weekend lineup, using “logistics” as an excuse, it broke my heart.
I understand and forgive you, MusicFestNW. While we’ve both changed, and things are different between us, we did share some good times this year. I want you to know I still love you; however, when I think of you, I choose to remember you as you were when we met. When I first fell in love.
The Antlers
Fucked Up
Girl Talk
Haim
Phantogram
Crowd
Run The Jewels
Spoon
tUnE-yArDs