The scavenger hunt sign over the weekend consisted of many random items; mandolin strings, glow sticks, and even your mom. The seventh annual Northwest String Summit brought bluegrass lovers from just about everywhere. I arrived with hopes kindred spirits, clean living, peacocks, and a good old fashion Colorado style hoedown. That’s right, the grounds double as a peacock farm, and disc golf course too. Just 30 miles outside of the beautiful city of roses, Portland, OR, Horning’s Hideout, the home of NWSS, had everything I hoped. There was even a big ass pond with water gun equipped paddle boats! Thanks to our wonderful friends working along side Bob Horning, property owner/manager, the festival went off without a hitch. If you haven’t been to a NWSS, your missing out.
Headlining the weekend event was Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams & The WMDS, Bill Frisell, Danny Barnes, Darol Anger, and even a surprise visit from Leftover Salmon. We all got our fill of low down, foot stomping bluegrass, alright. To attempt an explanation of what happened at Horning’s Hideout, I would have to mention a few things. Other than the beautiful peacocks that take roost in the doug firs, the one stage venue provides an intimate environment for the extremely talented musicians who grace the stage to pick your hearts and minds to pieces. Before you realize it you’re in a loving bluegrass utopia, where the only thing you have to worry about is which freaky outfit your gonna wear that night. Harmonious vibes flow around like a the wind, children dance, and hula hoops glow in the night. The vibes on stage are all too similar. The number of people on stage going from 4 to unknown is an instant riot. Bluegrass flying all over the place and you hold out as long as possible before screaming at the top of your dust filled lungs. It’s a beautiful thing, honestly.
As your lawyer I advise that the next time your in the Pacific North West, experience Horning Hideout’s best bluegrass festival of all time, North West String Summit. The view is perfect, the people beautiful, and the vibe has been set in stone. Peace, love, and understanding.
