So yesterday Jonathan posted about his take on the differences between the amorphous terms alt-country, indie Americana, and indie roots. The discussion could go on forever (and should, fortified by cheap bourbon and Moon Pies), but if you want to experience indie roots for yourself, your best bet is to get down to Portland this weekend.

The 9th annual Pickathon starts today. The Avett Brothers are playing, as are Langhorne Slim, Dale Watson, the Gourds, the Hacienda Brothers, and other bearers of the indie roots standard. The lineup runs from the straight-up banjo-pickin’ country of Chatham County Line to the spare, hushed acoustic drama of Horse Feathers.

There’s a bit of everything, and it’s on a farm, which has hiking trails and lots of trees. There’s camping, food, drink, and, in all likelihood, not a small number of impromptu fiddle circles. Pickathon ends Sunday night with a hoedown in the barn, which seems appropriate.

So get out of town for Chrissakes. See the world. Tap some toes. Reclaim your Appalachian heritage. And hear what country/bluegrass/folk/Americana sounds like today.