Northwest Songfest Presents: Catharsis

Garreson was born and raised among the blue mountains of Oregon. You can hear the ache of a Northwest winter day in his voice. Drawing inspiration from the artists he listened to with his grandfather, and parents, you’ll hear elements from many different era’s in Garreson’s work. His debut album “Monte” reflects his emotional depth as well as his versatility as he works through the grief of losing his grandfather.

Garreson grew up playing piano, writing songs and singing whenever and wherever he could. His grandfather gave him his first guitar and taught him to play a handful of chords. He casually wrote and played for himself over the years to the tune of “are you working on your music?” from his grandfather. It wasn’t until after his grandfather passed that Garreson got on stage. He felt an overwhelming call to share his very personal songs in hopes it would help and heal people the way that it had for him.

His music carries on the legacy of his grandfather while also carving his own path. Garreson's performances are always full of heart and emotion. When it comes to his original works, Garreson is known for his thoughtful lyrics and soulful melodies that are sure to resonate with audiences. His songs explore themes of religious trauma, imposter syndrome, and the journey of self-acceptance in the LGBTQ community, while conveying a sense of hope and optimism in the face of life's challenges.

Singer/songwriter Jenna Ellefson grew up in Oregon’s rural Willamette Valley. After spending some years working in the mountains of Colorado and Montana, she came back home to Oregon 2010 and made her way to Portland in search of opportunites to develop her music. Since then she has released a full album and a collection of EPs and singles while playing locally with her band and providing backup vocals for other local artists. Post-pandemic she was part of The Yellowbirds, a trio that drew a supportive following touring around Oregon, Washington and into Canada.
Jenna creates a gentle folk sound—a blend of unfiltered vocals and visual lyricism backed by banjo, guitar and acoustic band arrangements. Her songs often explore themes of nature, new love, and quiet resilience offering listeners a chance to zoom in on the subtleties of a moment and a space of stillness and light in a fast moving world. Her audience can expect authenticity, a living room feel, stories, laughter and a light-hearted approach to genuine connection.

www.jennaellefson.com

@jenna_ellefson_songbird

Bobby Jo Valentine is an explorative, hopeful, poetic queer artist who strives to make music and poetry that is good medicine for everyone. Bobby Jo has won multiple awards for his songwriting, given a Tedx Talk, and is a believer in the soft and steady power of everyday acts of love to heal our world.

https://bobbyjovalentine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BobbyJoV/

https://www.instagram.com/bobbyjvalentine

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bobby-jo-valentine/419687282

Annie Bethancourt Bio: Annie Bethancourt is a writer and musician from Portland, Oregon who has performed all over the world with artists like Jewel and Sarah McLachlan, and has played on stages at Newport Folk Fest, South by Southwest, and on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert.Annie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniebethancourt/

https://anniebeth.com/

https://www.instagram.com/anniebethancourt

Karyn Thurston Bio: Shamelessly Californian poet Karyn Thurston began her public career in words with an essay, 10 True Things About the First Year of Parenthood, which swept the globe in a viral wave of reassurance and parent-to-parent support. Her unique ability to distill a complex idea into a few clever syllables helps transform whims into verses, connects clients to customers or little kids to big concepts, and nudges clarity into the messy tangle of our everyday lives. As poet, she’s published a handful of collections and built a thriving IG community. As lyricist, she’s had the opportunity to partner with up-and-coming musicians and songwriting legends alike, writing across genres from country barnburners to international children’s television bops. Karyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlofcardigan/

https://www.karynthurston.com/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Artichoke Community Music, 2007 Southeast Powell Boulevard, Portland, United States

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