AIMFestUnder the Hawthorne Bridge (west side)Quasi, The Maroons, The Minders,The Pan Tourismos, Big Daddy Meatstraw, etc.Saturday, Aug. 11Noon-10 p.m.All ages Free!
Saturday, Aug. 11 comes with the force of a dozen or more local indie heavyweights. Held under the Hawthorne Bridge on the west bank of the Willamette, this year’s AIM (Alternative Independent Music) Fest promises to be hotter than ever.
The party starts at noon and runs all the way to 10 p.m., and features Quasi headlining. It’s hard to think of a better setting for Quasi’s heart-wrenching pop (see review ) than out under the stars down by the river that serves as this town’s natural artery.
It is necessary that everyone in Portland gets out to see this local treasure at least once, and with Sam and Janet offering up their wares at the low, low price of free, it’s hard to imagine anyone not showing up.
Also on tap are the Maroons, a longtime Portland power-pop outfit featuring ex-Dharma Bums Jim Talstra and John Moen. These are men with musical experience, my friends, men who know how to get the crowd moving and who are definitely worth checking out.
Just back from tour, pop darlings The Minders will churn out the jangle pop they’re loved for and Man of the Year will bring their Euro-rockish sound to the masses.
The Pan Tourismos will also make an appearance, bringing their classic guitar-driven indie sound. Big Daddy Meatstraw will also perform, bringing along whatever props and yahoos might be tagging along for a light-hearted look at the world of music.
So bop on down to the river this Saturday for AIMFest, if only to welcome back Sam and Janet from their recent tour. Quasi alone would run 12-14 bucks anywhere else, but in Portland we’re blessed to have them free at AIMFest, noon-10p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, under the Hawthorne Bridge.