As if the last couple weeks haven't been enough of a clusterfuck in the way of music festivals, tomorrow brings yet another to add to the list of attendance. This time around, it's a collaboration between three bar venues downtown and Lagunitas Brewing.

PAC NW Fest features 15 bands spread out across Dante's, Ash Street Saloon and Kelly's Olympian, all in one Saturday night. 

Catch what is sure to be a rowdy final performance from Foxy Lemon's drummer Zach Boggis as they headline the bill at Kelly's Olympian. Supporting them will be Bubble Cats, the Hoons, Keeper Keeper and Internal State. That side room at Kelly's is sure to reach capacity.

Over at Dante's, you'll find Seattle's Moon Darling, Willow House, Arlo Indigo and Just Lions opening up for King Who, the new moniker for the trippy synth pop group Us Lights.

Dark pop rock lovers Skull Diver will be closing out the night at Ash Street Saloon with their psychedelic visuals and ethereal vocals. Febian Perez's post-Bike Thief project Eclisse will also take the stage, along with Rader, Young Hunter and Salo Panto.

All shows start at 7 p.m. Wristbands for all three venues are available for $12 adv, $15 door with single show tickets being $8. Wristbands can be picked up tomorrow at Ash Street Saloon only. Purchase wristbands here. Enjoy!

Last month, Portland neo-folk band, Bike Thief, self-released their debut full-length album, Stuck in a Dream. If you haven’t checked it out yet, now is the perfect time!

I’m not the first to say they sound like Arcade Fire. In fact, they mention AF in their influences and biography. But it’s accurate, and not a slight. Arcade Fire is a giant monster-machine of a band because they did something so well that EVERYONE caught on.

Fittingly, Bike Thief's first single “The Burning Past,” has an anthemic build, taking a typical indie folk/rock approach, then layering it with yell-sing group vocals, a range of percussive instruments, and heavily featured strings. I’m always a sucker for a rad string section, which according to the visually-stunning music video was performed by solemn paper mice. 

The entire album offers a dynamic range of sounds and instruments, cleverly arranged by the band, guided by frontman and founder Febian Perez. Most of the members of Bike Thief are multi-instrumentalists, but they also have a whole slew of notable guest artists--they even feature the vocals of Portland Boychoir and Luz Mendoza of Y La Bamba dn Tiburones (on “We Once Knew Ya"). 

Stuck in a Dream is definitely worth listening to if you’ve ever been into bands like the Decemberists, or the aforementioned Arcade Fire.  Stream the album in its entirety here. If you're from outside Portland, catch Bike Thief in a city near you as they'll embark on a national tour for the month of October, and part of November. 

Without further ado, enjoy the world premier of Bike Thief's brand new video for theer second single off Stuck in a Dream, "Ghosts of Providence."

- Chandler Strutz

Just when I was starting to think Portland music was winding down after an eventful summer, our friends at KZME put together an amazing Portland-infused lineup for the inaugural Stumptown Music Fest. This Saturday, Alhambra Theatre (formerly Mt. Tabor) will showcase 8 bands that have all had incredible past years and have made a sincere impact on the Portland scene. The mainly folky lineup starts 5PM and is slated to go on until 12:30, giving you a full night of amazing sets. Beginning acts will include the avant garde sounds of Billy Goat and Like a Villain. Sets by Portland’s vintage-pop heroes, the Lower 48 will be featured as well as PDX pop queen Sara Jackson Holman. The neo-folk sounds this city is known for will be diligently represented by the likes of Alameda and Bike Thief and the night will end back with the soulful rhythms laid down by Minden and the dance rock duo, Dresses. All of these bands had amazing accomplishments in 2013 and will mostly likely follow the trend in this next year. So come on out to support a night of Portland rock. - Colin Hudson

On Friday, August 16th The Deli Portland will be presenting an all-ages showcase at Backspace to celebrate the summer spirit with some of our favorite emerging acts. The Adam Brock 4 will be kicking off the evening as they combine electronic influences with folk sensibilities in their unique brand of indie-pop. Bike Thief will step up the energy with upbeat tempos and rocking dynamic movements, followed by the dance party that will surely ensue once NTNT take the stage to close out the night. There isn’t a better way to kick off your weekend in town, come out experience some of the best music Portland has to offer. Doors open at 8, music starts at 8:30. ¡Viva la Deli!  

Bike Thief has quickly made an impact on the Portland scene. In just over six short months they’ve shared the stage with many of this city’s premium bands, and more importantly Bike Thief has accomplished all this with an original and vibrant sound marked by timeless songwriting. Transcended by their modern folk heroes, they learned to play folk songs and make them rock. There are beautiful vocal harmonies with up to four singers that weave into heavy choruses brought together by the sweetness of a viola player. With the success of their debut EP, Ghost of Providence, they are slated to headline the Doug Fir this Wednesday with support from Rare Monk and De La Warr. This is a band that has come a long way and will reach amazing heights, come to the Doug Fir to see a greatness in the making. - Colin Hudson