Seattle’s genre-bending, psyche-minded hip-hop outfit Shabazz Palaces is likely the most unusual fit at Pickathon Festival 2013. While the extremely eco-conscious, Happy Valley, Oregon roots festival expands the breadth of its lineup each year, it’s also the festival Cass McCombs thought was “a bluegrass festival” last year. Regardless, Pickathon attendees are in for a true treat with Ishmael Butler’s Shabazz Palaces in attendance.

While Shabazz’ 2011 gem Black Up won me over near immediately, I’m still dissecting its nuances and intricacies. As Seattle’s Damien Jurado noted, “Shabazz Palaces – “Black Up” is to rap, what, John Coltrane’s – “A Love Supreme” and Sun Ra’s “Space Is The Place” was to jazz.” Moreover, after seeing Shabazz live in Oakland this winter, the live recreation of Black Up’s complexities was mind-blowing. Simply put, do not miss Shabazz’ set at Pickathon 2013.

Shabazz Set Times
Saturday, August 3 . The Galaxy Barn . 08:00 pm – 09:00 pm
Sunday, August 4 . The Woods Stage . 07:40 pm – 08:40 pm

Tickets are still available here.