In 1998, PDX Pop listserv began in true DIY fashion when a few dozen Portland musicians, fans, and writers started a listserv that focused on promoting and discussing the local music scene. In ways it mirrored the collaborative nature of Portland’s music scene; one where cooperation trumped competition and motivation spurred from the question, “How big can this thing get?”

This question inspired the creation of PDX Pop Now! when 14 people envisioned local music emboldened by local recognition, and were driven to ignite it. The idea: that Portland’s self-sustained scene had reached a level deserving of recognition, discovery, enhancement, stimulation, participation, accessibility and—most importantly—celebration! Thus, the PDX Pop Now! music festival was born in 2004.

After producing the third-annual PDX Pop Now! festival, these volunteers decided to turn their labor of love into a lasting legacy. In July of 2007, PDX POP Now! became a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.

Now, driven by a dedicated Board of Directors and more than 200 volunteers, we are committed to celebrating, promoting and sustaining Portland’s vital and diverse music community. In harmony with this mission, we also work to connect this diverse music community to the general public through our outreach efforts.

What’s more, PDX Pop Now! works to fulfill this mission in a democratic and accessible way. Often, our productions are curated through a public nomination process and volunteer voting committees, held free of charge and are open to all-ages. By design, these efforts create an enfranchising, welcoming and diverse environment that’s more likely to amplify participation, dynamism and vitality throughout Portland’s music scene.

Each year, our stellar lineup of grassroots events works toward this end. Artists, businesses, and individual volunteers donate time and resources to producing our 2-disc compilation album of local music, benefit events and outreach programs that all lead up to the organization’s annual, signature festival—aptly named, PDX Pop Now!